Beef Braciole

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Introduction

Beef Braciole is a traditional Italian dish consisting of tender beef rolls stuffed with a savory filling of herbs, garlic, and cheese, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is full of bold flavors and is the perfect comfort food for family dinners or special occasions. The beef is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the filling to meld with the meat, creating a deliciously hearty meal. Paired with pasta or crusty bread, Beef Braciole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

I remember the first time I made Beef Braciole for a family gathering. The kitchen filled with the intoxicating aroma of slow-cooked beef and tomatoes, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. The rich, savory flavors of the filling combined with the tender beef were an instant hit, and it quickly became a family favorite. What I love about this dish is how it brings people together, with each bite offering a perfect balance of flavors. Whether it’s for a holiday meal or a Sunday dinner, Beef Braciole is a comforting dish that never fails to impress.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Special occasions
• Comfort food cravings
• Pasta lovers
• Italian cuisine enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Beef Braciole will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Tender, Flavorful Beef: The slow-cooked beef becomes incredibly tender, making every bite melt in your mouth.
• Herb-Infused Filling: The mixture of garlic, breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs adds a savory burst of flavor to each roll.
• Rich Tomato Sauce: The beef simmers in a homemade tomato sauce, infusing it with deep, hearty flavors.
• Simple Ingredients: This dish uses easy-to-find ingredients but results in a gourmet meal.
• Perfectly Versatile: Serve with pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Beef Braciole:

For the Beef Rolls:

• 6 thin slices of flank steak or sirloin (about 1/4-inch thick)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup olive oil (for browning)

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Flank Steak or Sirloin: These cuts of beef are ideal for braciole because they’re tender and absorb flavors well.
• Breadcrumbs: Help to create a flavorful and slightly textured filling.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the stuffing.
• Garlic and Herbs: Provide depth of flavor to the filling and sauce.
• Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes form the base of the sauce, providing sweetness and richness.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Here’s how to make Beef Braciole:

Prepare the Beef Rolls:

1. Season the Beef: Lay out the beef slices and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
3. Fill the Beef Rolls: Place a generous spoonful of the breadcrumb mixture in the center of each beef slice. Roll the beef tightly, securing it with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
4. Brown the Beef Rolls: Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef rolls on all sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

5. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let the sauce cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Simmer the Beef in the Sauce: Return the browned beef rolls to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 2 hours, turning the beef rolls occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Serve:

8. Serve the Beef Braciole: Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the toothpicks or twine from the rolls. Serve the beef braciole with the sauce poured over the top.
9. Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for added color and flavor.

How to Serve

• With Pasta: Serve with spaghetti, rigatoni, or your favorite pasta for a traditional Italian meal.
• With Polenta or Mashed Potatoes: The sauce pairs beautifully with creamy polenta or mashed potatoes.
• With Crusty Bread: Use crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• As a Standalone Dish: Enjoy it as a hearty meal on its own with a side of vegetables.

Additional Tips

• Brown the beef rolls well to create a rich, caramelized flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
• Make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate overnight—reheating allows the flavors to meld even more.
• Adjust the seasoning in the sauce to your taste by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a dash of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Recipe Variations

1. Beef Braciole with Spinach and Ricotta: Add cooked spinach and ricotta cheese to the filling for an extra creamy texture.
2. Beef Braciole with Mushrooms: Incorporate finely chopped mushrooms into the stuffing for an earthy flavor.
3. Stuffed with Prosciutto: Add a layer of prosciutto to the filling for a salty, savory twist.
4. Beef Braciole with Sundried Tomatoes: Add sundried tomatoes to the filling for a burst of concentrated flavor.
5. Beef Braciole with Asiago Cheese: Substitute Parmesan with Asiago cheese for a slightly sharper, nuttier taste.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Wrap the beef rolls tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the sauce.
• Storage: Store leftover Beef Braciole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the sauce on the stove.

Special Equipment

• Skillet for browning the beef
• Large pot or Dutch oven for simmering the sauce
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the beef rolls

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can use flank steak, round steak, or sirloin.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, this dish can be made the day before and reheated for even better flavor.
3. Can I freeze Beef Braciole? Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months.
4. Can I skip the cheese in the filling? Yes, you can omit the cheese for a dairy-free version.
5. What should I serve with Beef Braciole? It pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

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Conclusion

Beef Braciole is a rich, flavorful dish that brings the best of Italian comfort food to your table. With tender beef, savory filling, and a luscious tomato sauce, it’s a meal everyone will love. Whether served with pasta or enjoyed on its own, Beef Braciole is sure to impress.

This hearty, satisfying dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering layers of flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds. The combination of seasoned beef, garlic, cheese, and herbs wrapped into each roll, simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Easy to prepare yet impressive in presentation, Beef Braciole is a timeless classic that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy.

I’d love to see how your Beef Braciole turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me so I can admire your delicious creation. Buon appetito!