Description
A classic Italian dish featuring thinly sliced beef, rolled with a savory filling, and slow-simmered in rich tomato sauce until tender. Perfect for Sunday dinners and special occasions!
Ingredients
For the Braciole:
- 1.5 pounds beef top round or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for searing
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Beef:
- Lay thinly sliced beef on a cutting board. If necessary, pound to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
2️⃣ Make the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Pecorino Romano, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
3️⃣ Assemble the Braciole:
- Place a spoonful of the filling onto each beef slice and spread evenly.
- Roll the beef tightly into a cylinder, enclosing the filling.
- Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent unrolling.
4️⃣ Sear the Braciole:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add beef rolls and sear on all sides until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
5️⃣ Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- (Optional) Pour in red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
6️⃣ Simmer the Braciole:
- Return the seared beef rolls to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add a splash of water if sauce thickens too much.
7️⃣ Serve:
- Remove toothpicks or twine from the braciole.
- Serve hot, topped with rich tomato sauce. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
8️⃣ Enjoy! Serve over pasta, polenta, or with crusty bread for a traditional Italian meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking, Braising
- Cuisine: Italian