Savory Beef Braciole with Red Wine Tomato Sauce
Indulge in the rich flavors of this classic Italian dish, Savory Beef Braciole. Tender slices of top sirloin are expertly rolled with fragrant garlic, fresh rosemary, and delicate prosciutto, then simmered in a robust red wine and tomato sauce. This dish is not only a feast for the palate but also a delightful centerpiece for any meal. Perfect for special occasions or a comforting family dinner, each bite melts in your mouth, revealing the medley of flavors that makes Italian cuisine so beloved.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Top sirloin steaks
2-3 lbs (Cut into 6 strips, measuring 3 to 4 inches wide)
Garlic cloves
4 (Finely minced)
Fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons (Finely chopped)
Prosciutto
6 slices (Thin slices)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (Grated)
Olive oil
1/3 cup (For cooking)
Dry red wine
1 cup (For sauce)
Carrot
1 (Finely chopped)
Onion
1/2 (Finely chopped)
Celery
1 (Finely chopped)
Chopped canned tomatoes
2 cups (For sauce)
Salt and pepper
To taste
Fresh parsley
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by gently pounding each strip of top sirloin steak to a uniform thinness, approximately 1/4 inch thick. This will ensure even cooking and tender bites.
2
Evenly spread a teaspoon of minced garlic and chopped rosemary over each slice of beef. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and top with a slice of prosciutto.
3
Carefully roll each strip tightly to form a small bundle, and secure them with toothpicks to hold the filling inside.
4
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef bundles, browning on all sides for about 3-4 minutes. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
5
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, around 5 minutes.
6
Pour in the dry red wine, bringing it to a simmer. Allow it to reduce by half, scraping the browned bits from the skillet to incorporate the deep flavors into the sauce.
7
Add the chopped canned tomatoes to the skillet, season generously with salt and pepper, and stir well. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat until thickened, about 5 to 10 minutes.
8
Remove the toothpicks from the beef bundles and return them to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes or until heated through.
9
Serve the beef rolls hot, drizzled with the rich red wine tomato sauce, alongside your choice of sides such as pasta or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Beef Braciole?
Beef Braciole is a classic Italian dish consisting of thin slices of beef rolled with a savory filling of garlic, herbs, cheese, and prosciutto, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
What cut of beef is used for this recipe?
This recipe uses 2 to 3 lbs of top sirloin steaks, which are cut into strips measuring 3 to 4 inches wide.
How thin should the beef strips be pounded?
The beef strips should be gently pounded to a uniform thinness of approximately 1/4 inch to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
What are the main filling ingredients for the Braciole?
The filling includes minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, grated Parmesan cheese, and thin slices of prosciutto.
Can I substitute Parmesan cheese with something else?
Yes, you can use Pecorino Romano or Provolone cheese as an alternative to Parmesan.
How do I keep the beef rolls from falling apart while cooking?
Carefully roll each beef strip tightly and secure the bundle with toothpicks to hold the filling inside during the browning and simmering process.
When should I remove the toothpicks?
You should remove the toothpicks from the beef bundles before returning them to the skillet for the final simmer.
What kind of wine is recommended for the sauce?
A dry red wine is recommended to add depth and richness to the tomato sauce.
Can I make this recipe without alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute the dry red wine with beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.
How long should I brown the beef bundles?
Brown the beef bundles in olive oil over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes, ensuring all sides are seared.
What vegetables are used in the sauce?
The sauce features a base of finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery, which are sauteed until soft and fragrant.
How much fresh rosemary is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh rosemary.
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, but use about 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh.
What sides go well with Beef Braciole?
This dish pairs perfectly with pasta, polenta, or crusty Italian bread to soak up the red wine tomato sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free; however, always check the labels on your prosciutto and canned tomatoes.
Can I use pre-made tomato sauce?
While the recipe includes a homemade sauce with red wine and vegetables, you can use a jarred sauce in a pinch and enhance it with the wine reduction.
How do I make the beef extra tender?
Pounding the meat to a uniform thickness and simmering it in the sauce over medium heat helps tenderize the sirloin.
What is prosciutto and where can I find it?
Prosciutto is a dry-cured Italian ham. It can usually be found in the deli or specialty meat section of most grocery stores.
Can I substitute prosciutto with bacon?
You can use pancetta or thin bacon, though the flavor profile will change and it may add more saltiness to the dish.
How should the garlic be prepared for the filling?
The recipe calls for 4 garlic cloves that should be finely minced before being spread over the beef.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
What type of pan is best for this recipe?
A large skillet or a Dutch oven is ideal to allow enough space for browning the beef and simmering the sauce.
Can I prepare the beef rolls in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the beef bundles up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
How do I store leftover Beef Braciole?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, Beef Braciole freezes well. Place the cooked rolls and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the rolls gently on the stovetop over low heat in the sauce to prevent the beef from drying out.
What purpose do the carrots and celery serve?
The finely chopped carrots and celery provide a sweet and savory flavor base, known as a soffritto, for the sauce.
Can I use white wine instead of red?
Red wine is traditional for beef dishes, but a dry white wine can be used if you prefer a lighter sauce flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this is a savory dish. If you prefer heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 2 cups of chopped canned tomatoes to create the rich tomato base.