Italian Beef Braciole
Discover the rich and savory flavors of Italian Beef Braciole. This delightful dish features thinly pounded top round steak, filled with a delectable mixture of cheeses, garlic, and sweet raisins, all rolled up and simmered to perfection. Ideal for a family dinner, this recipe pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta or a side of crusty bread, making it an all-in-one meal that’s bound to impress your loved ones. And don't forget to complement it with a fresh green salad for a complete dining experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Top Round Steak
1 lb (Pounded thin)
Grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese
1/3 cup (Sprinkled over steak)
Garlic Cloves
2 (Minced)
Raisins
1/4 cup (Sprinkled over steak)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (For browning)
Pasta Sauce
32 ounces (Homemade or jarred, for simmering)
Instructions
1
Begin by using a meat mallet or the flat side of a cleaver to pound the top round steak to a uniform thickness, ensuring it could easily roll without tearing.
2
Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan or Romano cheese over the surface of the steak, followed by the minced garlic and raisins.
3
Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
4
Starting from one end, tightly roll the steak into a log shape, making sure to secure the filling inside. Use kitchen twine to tie the roll at 1-inch intervals, keeping the filling locked in.
5
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the rolled braciole in the pan, browning on all sides for about 3-4 minutes.
6
After browning, transfer the braciole to a saucepan with your favorite simmering red pasta sauce. Cover and let it simmer gently for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and flavorful.
7
Alternatively, for a more hands-off approach, place the braciole in a slow cooker with the sauce and cook on high for several hours or until the meat reaches desired tenderness.
8
Once cooked, remove the braciole from the sauce, allowing it to cool briefly. Carefully cut the twine and slice into 1-inch pieces. Serve warm with sauce ladled over the top and alongside pasta.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Italian Beef Braciole?
Italian Beef Braciole is a savory dish consisting of thinly pounded steak rolled with a filling of cheese, garlic, and raisins, then simmered in red sauce.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 lb of top round steak pounded thin for the best results.
How should the steak be prepared?
The steak should be pounded to a uniform thickness using a meat mallet or the flat side of a cleaver to ensure it rolls without tearing.
What kind of cheese is used in the filling?
You can use 1/3 cup of either grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
Why are raisins included in Braciole?
Raisins provide a sweet contrast to the savory garlic and cheese within the filling.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves to be sprinkled over the steak.
How do I secure the meat roll?
Use kitchen twine to tie the roll at 1-inch intervals to keep the filling locked inside during cooking.
How long should I brown the meat?
Brown the rolled braciole in olive oil for about 3-4 minutes on all sides over medium-high heat.
How long does Braciole need to simmer?
It should simmer gently in a saucepan for approximately 2 hours or until the meat is tender.
Can I make Italian Beef Braciole in a slow cooker?
Yes, place the browned braciole in a slow cooker with sauce and cook on high for several hours until tender.
What kind of sauce is recommended?
Use 32 ounces of your favorite red pasta sauce, whether homemade or jarred.
How do I serve Braciole?
After cooking, remove the twine, slice into 1-inch pieces, and serve warm with extra sauce over pasta.
What side dishes pair well with this meal?
It pairs beautifully with pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad.
How much olive oil is needed for browning?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of olive oil for browning the meat in a skillet.
Should I season the steak?
Yes, season the steak generously with salt and pepper before rolling it up.
How do I prevent the filling from falling out?
Tightly roll the steak from one end and secure it firmly with kitchen twine.
What tool is used to flatten the meat?
A meat mallet or the flat side of a cleaver is used to reach the desired thickness.
How thick should the slices be when serving?
The cooked braciole should be sliced into 1-inch pieces before serving.
Is this a good recipe for family dinners?
Yes, it is an impressive and hearty dish that is ideal for a family meal.
Can I use Romano cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, both grated Parmesan and Romano cheese work perfectly in this filling.
Should the meat be allowed to cool before slicing?
Allow the braciole to cool briefly after removing it from the sauce to make slicing easier.
How much pasta sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 32 ounces of pasta sauce for simmering the beef.
Is Italian Beef Braciole considered comfort food?
Yes, it is a classic Italian comfort food known for its rich and savory flavors.
How do I know when the meat is done?
The meat is ready when it is tender and flavorful after simmering for about 2 hours.
Can I use a different type of steak?
While top round is specified, other thin cuts of beef suitable for rolling can be used.
What heat level should I use for browning?
Use medium-high heat to properly brown the meat rolls in the skillet.
Do I need to remove the kitchen twine?
Yes, ensure you carefully cut and remove all kitchen twine before slicing and serving.
Can I use homemade sauce?
Yes, either homemade or high-quality jarred red sauce works well for this recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on 1 lb of steak, it typically serves 2 to 4 people depending on side dishes.
Can I prep this dish in advance?
Yes, you can roll and tie the beef ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until ready to brown and simmer.