Beef braciole is a delicious Italian-American dish featuring thin slices of beef rolled around a savory filling, then slowly braised in a rich tomato sauce until tender and flavorful. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook beef braciole at home, this guide will walk you through the process with easy-to-follow steps and tips to make your meal a hit.
What Is Beef Braciole?
Braciole (pronounced “brah-CHO-leh”) is traditionally made by pounding thin slices of beef, layering them with a mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and sometimes cured meats like prosciutto, then rolling them up into neat bundles. These are seared to develop a golden crust and then simmered slowly in tomato sauce until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender. The result is a comforting, elegant dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Thin slices of beef (top round, sirloin, or flank steak), about 1/4 inch thick
– Breadcrumbs
– Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped
– Garlic, minced or made into a paste
– Olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– Optional: pine nuts, raisins, prosciutto, or other cured meats for the filling
– Tomato sauce (homemade or canned crushed tomatoes)
– Red or white wine (for deglazing and flavor)
– Butcher’s twine or toothpicks to secure the rolls
How to Cook Beef Braciole: Step-by-Step
1. Prepare the Filling and Beef
Start by making the filling mixture. Combine breadcrumbs, grated cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, and seasoning in a bowl. Some recipes add pine nuts and soaked raisins for a sweet-nutty contrast, while others include finely chopped prosciutto for extra flavor.
Next, slice your beef into thin fillets if not pre-sliced. Pound each slice between plastic wrap until about 1/4 inch thick to tenderize and enlarge the surface. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Assemble the Braciole Rolls
Spread a thin, even layer of the breadcrumb mixture over each beef slice, leaving a small margin around the edges. If using prosciutto, lay a slice on top of the beef before adding the filling.
Roll each slice tightly into a cylinder, enclosing the filling. Secure with butcher’s twine or toothpicks to keep the rolls intact during cooking.
3. Sear the Rolls
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef rolls on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and adds flavor.
4. Prepare the Sauce
In the same pan or a separate pot, prepare your tomato sauce. You can start by sautéing diced onions and garlic in olive oil, then add tomato paste and cook briefly. Deglaze the pan with red or white wine, scraping up browned bits for extra flavor. Add crushed tomatoes, season with salt, pepper, and herbs like basil or Italian seasoning, and bring to a simmer.
5. Braise the Braciole
Nestle the seared beef rolls into the tomato sauce, ensuring they are mostly covered. Cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar and cook over low heat for 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on thickness, until the meat is fork-tender. Stir occasionally and add water if the sauce reduces too much.
Alternatively, after searing, you can transfer the sauce and braciole to a covered oven-safe pot and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 hours.
6. Serve
Remove the braciole from the sauce, discard the twine or toothpicks, and slice into rounds. Serve with the sauce spooned over pasta, polenta, or crusty bread. Garnish with extra grated cheese and fresh herbs.
Tips for Perfect Beef Braciole
– Use thin, even slices of beef and pound them gently but thoroughly to ensure tenderness.
– Don’t overstuff the rolls; a thin layer of filling is enough to add flavor without spilling out.
– Searing is essential for flavor but avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good crust.
– Slow cooking at low heat is key to tender meat and a rich sauce.
– The sauce can be made ahead and improved in flavor by simmering longer.
Why You’ll Love Cooking Beef Braciole
This dish is a wonderful way to impress guests or enjoy a comforting meal with family. The combination of tender beef, savory filling, and rich tomato sauce creates a harmony of flavors that’s truly satisfying. Plus, the process is enjoyable and rewarding, especially when you see those beautiful rolls come together and the kitchen fills with the aroma of simmering sauce.
Enjoy your cooking adventure with beef braciole-it’s a classic worth mastering!