If you’re in the mood for something hearty, savory, and packed with flavor, then Beef Braciole should be at the top of your list. This Italian classic is everything you want in a comforting dish: tender beef, a delicious herby filling, and a rich tomato sauce that ties everything together. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s a family favorite in Italian kitchens. Trust me, this one’s a winner!

Why You’ll Love Beef Braciole
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about tradition, comfort, and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, a Sunday family dinner, or just treating yourself to something special, Beef Braciole brings a touch of elegance to any meal. Here’s why it’s so irresistible:

Versatile: Beef Braciole is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether served with pasta, bread, or veggies, it pairs beautifully with just about anything.
Budget-Friendly: You can make this dish without breaking the bank, and it’s packed with flavor that will impress even the most discerning eaters.
Quick and Easy: While it takes a bit of time to simmer, the prep is simple and straightforward, and the result is totally worth it.
Customizable: The filling can be adjusted based on what you have on hand—add more herbs, swap out cheeses, or add a dash of heat to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is guaranteed to impress. The tender beef, flavorful filling, and rich sauce come together to create a dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients in Beef Braciole
Here’s the magic of Beef Braciole: the combination of tender beef and a flavorful stuffing, slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce. Let’s break it down:

Beef: Flank steak or top round works best for this dish. The beef is pounded thin, which makes it tender and easy to roll up with the delicious filling.
Breadcrumbs: These are part of the filling, giving it a satisfying texture that soaks up all the juices from the beef.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the heart of the filling. It adds a burst of flavor that complements the beef and the sauce beautifully.
Pine Nuts: These bring a delightful crunch and a subtle sweetness to the filling. They’re the secret ingredient that adds an extra layer of richness.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and fresh flavor to the filling, balancing the richness of the beef and sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of Parmesan adds a sharp, savory bite to the stuffing and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Tomato Sauce: The base for cooking the braciole, this sauce will simmer for hours, infusing the beef with all its savory goodness.
Red Wine: A little red wine in the sauce gives it depth and richness, making the dish even more flavorful.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Prepare the Beef: Start by laying the flank steak or top round on a cutting board. Use a meat mallet to pound the beef to about 1/4-inch thickness. This makes it more tender and easier to roll.
Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, minced garlic, pine nuts, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well to form a crumbly stuffing.
Assemble the Braciole: Lay out the beef slices and spoon the filling evenly onto each piece. Roll the beef tightly around the filling and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
Sear the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef rolls on all sides until they are golden brown. This step adds a nice sear and flavor.
Simmer in Sauce: Once the beef is seared, remove it from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add tomato sauce and red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the beef rolls to the sauce, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. The slow cooking makes the beef incredibly tender and allows all the flavors to meld together.
Finishing Touches: Once the beef is tender, remove the toothpicks or twine, and serve the braciole with a generous spoonful of sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Beef Braciole with your favorite pasta, a side of crusty bread, or roasted vegetables. The sauce is perfect for dipping or drizzling over the dish.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
(Note: Please refer to the recipe card for the full nutrition breakdown.)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

How to Serve Beef Braciole
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

Serve with a side of spaghetti or another pasta to soak up that rich, savory sauce.
Pair it with a fresh, crisp salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the beef.
If you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, serve with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Don’t skip the browning step! It’s what gives the beef a beautiful sear and deep flavor.
If you prefer a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
This dish is perfect for leftovers. The flavors only get better the next day!

FAQ’s

Name: Beef Braciole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 thin slices of flank steak (about 1/2-inch thick); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 egg, beaten; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups marinara sauce; Olive oil, for searing; Kitchen twine or toothpicks for securing

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes! You can also use top sirloin or ribeye. Just make sure to pound the meat thin for tenderness.
Can I make Beef Braciole ahead of time?
Yes, Beef Braciole can be made a day ahead. Just refrigerate the cooked rolls and reheat gently in the sauce.
Can I freeze Beef Braciole?
Absolutely! Once it’s cooked, you can freeze the braciole for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stove with the sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Yes! You can add onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
How do I know when the beef is tender?
The beef should be fork-tender and easy to slice once it’s done simmering.
Can I use ground meat for the filling?
Yes, you can use ground beef or pork in the filling if you prefer. Just be sure to cook it before adding it to the breadcrumbs.
Can I skip the wine in the sauce?
Yes, you can substitute with beef broth or even water if you prefer to skip the wine.
What can I serve Beef Braciole with besides pasta?
It’s also fantastic with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or sautéed spinach.
How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?
Make sure to roll the beef tightly and secure it well with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
What type of cheese should I use in the filling?
Parmesan is ideal, but you can mix in some pecorino or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion
Beef Braciole is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re sitting down to a big family meal, with rich flavors and layers of tradition. It’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special. So, roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and enjoy this timeless Italian classic!

Beef Braciole

Author: Andy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Braising
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A classic Italian dish featuring thin slices of beef rolled up with a savory filling of breadcrumbs, garlic, cheese, and herbs, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

4 thin slices of flank steak (about 1/2-inch thick)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 egg, beaten
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups marinara sauce
Olive oil, for searing
Kitchen twine or toothpicks for securing

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a small bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and the beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper.
Lay the beef slices flat on a clean surface. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then place a spoonful of the breadcrumb mixture in the center of each slice.
Roll up each beef slice tightly around the filling and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the braciole on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and bring it to a simmer.
Place the braciole into the simmering sauce, cover, and cook for 45-60 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Once cooked, remove the twine or toothpicks. Serve the braciole with extra sauce and a side of pasta or bread.

Notes

Braciole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
If you like, you can add a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese to the filling for an extra cheesy version.
Serve with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.