Beef Braciole: A Delicious Journey into Italian Culinary Tradition

Beef Braciole

Introduction

Beef Braciole is an Italian classic that transforms simple beef into a dish brimming with flavor and tradition. Tender beef is pounded thin, filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, then rolled, seared, and braised in a rich tomato sauce. The result? An irresistibly aromatic and melt-in-your-mouth main course that never fails to impress.

Perfect for cozy family dinners or special gatherings, this braciole recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience right from your own kitchen.

Why Beef Braciole Stands Out

The magic of Beef Braciole lies in its balance of hearty, comforting flavors with refined technique. The slow braising process lets the meat become tender while the filling infuses every bite with garlicky, herby notes. Sliced at the table, the pinwheels look beautiful and taste even better, making it a showstopping centerpiece for any meal.

Prepping the Beef and Filling

Start by slicing your beef to an even thickness, ensuring it’s easy to pound thin—this is best done using a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Board Set to protect your countertops and make cleanup easier. For the filling, finely chop garlic, parsley, and other aromatics. If you want to save time and get perfect, even pieces, the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper is a huge help and keeps prep consistent.

Layer the filling—Parmesan, breadcrumbs, fresh herbs—over the beef, then roll each slice up tightly and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.

Searing and Braising to Perfection

A good sear gives the braciole deep flavor. Reach for a reliable skillet, such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, which heats evenly and makes cleanup a breeze. Sear each roll until browned all over, then transfer to a pot with your favorite tomato sauce.

Let the braciole braise gently until fork-tender, either on the stovetop or in the oven.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Braciole

Once cooked, remove the braciole from the sauce and slice into pinwheels to reveal their irresistible spiral of filling. Spoon extra sauce over the top and pair with creamy polenta, pasta, or crusty bread. To save leftovers or prep ahead, use Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep everything fresh.

A simple green salad or roasted vegetables complete the meal, letting the braciole shine as the centerpiece.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4–6 hearty servings. Each portion (without pasta) contains roughly 400–500 calories, mainly dependent on the cut of beef and amount of cheese used. Rich in protein and flavor, Beef Braciole is a satisfying, occasional indulgence.

Beef Braciole (Recap)

Beef Braciole combines the tenderness of slow-braised beef with the savory goodness of a cheesy, herby filling—all wrapped into a gorgeous spiral that’s as tasty as it looks. This is a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for Sunday dinner or festive occasions.

Ingredients

– 2 pounds top round or flank steak, sliced into ¼-inch thick pieces
– ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1 tablespoon pine nuts (optional)
– 2 tablespoons raisins (optional, for Sicilian-style braciole)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for searing
– 1 large egg
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 3 cups tomato sauce
– Kitchen twine or toothpicks, for securing rolls

Instructions

  1. On a large bamboo cutting board, lay the beef slices flat. Cover with plastic wrap and pound to ¼-inch thickness for even rolling.
  2. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, pine nuts, raisins (if using), olive oil, and the egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Spread a thin layer of filling on each piece of beef. Roll tightly and secure each roll with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
  4. Heat olive oil in a nonstick frying pan skillet over medium-high. Brown the braciole on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side).
  5. Pour a thin layer of tomato sauce into a heavy pot, nestle the browned braciole inside, and cover with remaining sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, until very tender.
  6. Remove braciole and rest a few minutes before slicing. Remove twine or toothpicks. Serve with sauce spooned on top.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Enjoy the Tradition

This unforgettable Beef Braciole is a true Italian comfort food, beautifully marrying simplicity with robust flavors. With careful preparation and the right kitchen equipment, it’s a dish that transforms any meal into a celebration. Buon appetito!

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