Name: Beef Braciole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 149 min
Total time: 170 min
Ingredients: 6 pieces flank steak or sirloin (1/4-inch thick); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (fresh or panko); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated); 2 cloves garlic (minced for filling); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 cup olive oil (for browning); 1 can (28 oz crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)); 1 small onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced for sauce); 1/4 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (for sauce); 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing); Salt and pepper (to taste); Fresh basil leaves (optional garnish)

There’s something magical about the aroma of beef braciole simmering away in my kitchen. This traditional Italian dish transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that never fails to impress my family and friends. I discovered this recipe years ago during a trip to Italy, and it’s become my go-to comfort food for special occasions and cozy Sunday dinners.

Beef braciole consists of tender beef slices rolled with a savory filling of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs, then slowly braised in a rich tomato sauce. The result is incredibly flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth beef that pairs beautifully with pasta, polenta, or crusty Italian bread. What I love most about this dish is how it brings everyone together around the dinner table.

I remember the first time I attempted to make braciole for my Italian mother-in-law’s birthday. I was nervous about getting it right, but the moment she took her first bite and smiled with approval, I knew I’d mastered something special. The key is patience – letting those flavors develop slowly creates the most incredible depth of taste.

Perfect for:

Family gatherings and celebrations
Romantic dinner dates
Sunday meal prep
Italian food enthusiasts
Anyone craving authentic comfort food

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This beef braciole recipe delivers restaurant-quality results using simple, accessible ingredients. The slow-cooking process ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender while absorbing all those wonderful Mediterranean flavors. The filling adds texture and richness, while the homemade tomato sauce ties everything together beautifully. Pro tip: Make extra sauce – you’ll want to drizzle it over everything!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6 | Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve perfected this ingredient list through countless trials, and each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect braciole. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Flank steak or sirloin (thin slices)	6 pieces (1/4-inch thick)	Ask your butcher to slice these for you
Breadcrumbs	1/2 cup	Fresh or panko work best
Grated Parmesan cheese	1/4 cup	Freshly grated preferred
Garlic (for filling)	2 cloves, minced	Fresh garlic is essential
Fresh parsley	2 tablespoons, chopped	Adds brightness to the filling
Dried oregano	1 teaspoon	Mediterranean herb blend works too
Olive oil (browning)	1/4 cup	Extra virgin recommended
Crushed tomatoes	1 can (28 oz)	San Marzano if available
Small onion	1, finely chopped	Yellow or white onion
Garlic (for sauce)	2 cloves, minced	Separate from filling garlic
Dried basil	1/4 teaspoon	Essential for authentic flavor
Dried oregano (sauce)	1/4 teaspoon	Complements the filling herbs
Olive oil (sautéing)	1 tablespoon	For the sauce base
Salt and pepper	To taste	Season generously
Fresh basil leaves	Optional garnish	Beautiful finishing touch

Pro Tip: I always ask my butcher to pound the beef slices thin – this saves time and ensures even cooking. If you’re doing it yourself, place the meat between plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient has been chosen to complement the others, creating layers of flavor that develop beautifully during the slow cooking process.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Beef Rolls:

Season the beef: Lay out your beef slices and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This foundational seasoning is crucial for flavor development.
Create the filling: In a medium bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Assemble the rolls: Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each beef slice. Roll tightly from one end, securing with toothpicks or kitchen twine. Pro tip: Don’t overfill – it makes rolling difficult!
Brown the rolls: Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef rolls on all sides until golden, about 6-8 minutes total. This step adds incredible depth of flavor.

Prepare the Sauce: 5. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Build the sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Slow cook: Return beef rolls to the sauce, cover, and simmer on low heat for 2 hours, turning occasionally.

Serving Suggestions: I love serving this over rigatoni or pappardelle, but it’s equally delicious with creamy polenta or crusty bread for soaking up that incredible sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the beef cut? Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin work best, you can use round steak or even chicken cutlets for a lighter version.

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! This dish actually improves overnight. The flavors meld beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

How do I prevent the rolls from falling apart? Secure them well with toothpicks or kitchen twine, and avoid overstuffing. Brown them gently to create a seal.

Can I freeze beef braciole? Definitely! Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the sauce.

What if my sauce is too thin? Remove the lid during the last 20 minutes of cooking to allow reduction, or simmer uncovered until it reaches your desired consistency.