Traditional Italian Braciole

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're looking to bring a touch of Italy to your dinner table, Traditional Italian Braciole is the way to go. This dish combines tender beef, aromatic herbs, and a rich tomato sauce, creating a mouthwatering meal that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients for Traditional Italian Braciole

Beef top round is our star here, providing a tender and flavorful base for the rolls. Choose slices that are thin enough to roll but sturdy enough to hold the filling. The breadcrumbs add texture and help bind the filling together, absorbing the delicious flavors of the herbs and cheese. Speaking of, Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty depth that complements the savory beef. Don't skimp on the garlic — it infuses the dish with an irresistible aroma. Fresh parsley and basil give a pop of color and a burst of freshness, balancing the richness. Olive oil helps brown the meat, while the crushed tomatoes and red wine create a luscious sauce that ties everything together. Finally, a bit of beef broth enhances the sauce, ensuring it's rich and flavorful.

Tips & Tricks

  • For even thinner beef slices, try pounding them with a meat mallet.
  • Make sure to brown the beef thoroughly — it adds depth to the flavor.
  • If you don't have fresh herbs, dried ones work too; just use a bit less.

Serving Suggestions

This braciole is beautifully paired with a side of spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic. For a lighter option, a crisp arugula salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish wonderfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls and sauce a day ahead, then bake them just before serving.
What can I use instead of red wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, beef broth is a great substitute and still adds a nice depth of flavor.

Traditional Italian Braciole Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F, ensuring it's ready when you need it. In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Lay out your beef slices on a clean, flat surface. Spoon a generous amount of the breadcrumb mixture onto each slice, spreading it evenly. Now, carefully roll up each beef slice, securing them with toothpicks to hold everything in place.

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Brown the beef rolls on all sides, taking care not to overcrowd the pan, which could prevent proper browning. Once browned, remove them and set aside. In the same skillet, toss in your chopped onion, sautéing until it's translucent and fragrant.

Deglaze the pan with the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom — they’re full of flavor! Add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine. Return the beef rolls to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each one. Cover the skillet and transfer it to your preheated oven. Let it bake for about an hour, or until the beef is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Before serving, remember to remove the toothpicks!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • It's a comforting and hearty meal perfect for family gatherings.
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Brings the authentic taste of Italy right into your kitchen.
  • Perfectly pairs with pasta or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs beef top round, thinly sliced
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup olive oil
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup red wine
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup beef broth

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay beef slices on a flat surface and spoon breadcrumb mixture over each slice.
4. Roll up each beef slice tightly and secure with toothpicks.
5. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
6. Brown the beef rolls on all sides, then remove from skillet.
7. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
8. Deglaze with red wine, then add crushed tomatoes and beef broth.
9. Return beef rolls to the skillet, spooning sauce over them.
10. Cover the skillet and transfer to the oven.
11. Bake for 1 hour or until beef is tender.
12. Remove toothpicks before serving hot.

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