Description
Classic Beef Braciole is a traditional Italian dish featuring thin beef slices rolled with a savory breadcrumb and cheese filling, seared, and simmered in rich tomato sauce until fork-tender. A comforting and flavorful dish perfect for Sunday dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds thin beef slices (top round or flank)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat to 325°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, egg, and 1 tablespoon olive oil to form the filling.
- Lay out beef slices, place filling in the center, roll tightly, and secure with twine or toothpicks.
- Heat remaining olive oil in the pan. Brown the rolls on all sides, then set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onion until soft. Add tomato paste, cook 1 minute, then add crushed tomatoes, red wine, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, and sugar. Stir well.
- Return the beef rolls to the sauce, cover, and simmer on low for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.
- Remove twine or toothpicks, let rest, then slice and serve with sauce.
Notes
- Use thin, evenly pounded beef for easy rolling and tenderness.
- Browning adds flavor—don’t skip this step.
- Slow simmering ensures the meat stays juicy and tender.
- Let braciole rest before slicing to keep the filling intact.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll with sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg