This tasty braciole features thin slices of meat stuffed with garlic, cheese, and herbs, all rolled up tightly. Simmered in rich tomato sauce, it’s a comforting dish that’ll warm your heart!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Top Round Beef: These cuts are great for rolling up, but if you’re looking for something leaner, consider using turkey or chicken breast instead. I often use paper-thin slices to make rolling easier.
Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have these, you can customize plain breadcrumbs with dried Italian herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil. I like adding some garlic powder for extra flavor!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely nutty flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast. It’s packed with flavor and great for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is ideal, but in a pinch, you could substitute it with garlic powder (1/8 teaspoon = 1 clove). Personally, I love the punch fresh garlic provides, so I always opt for the real deal when possible.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brings brightness. If you’re out of it, try basil or even spinach. They provide a different taste but still add freshness to the filling.
How Do I Ensure My Beef Rolls Don’t Unravel While Cooking?
Keeping your braciole intact can be challenging but very doable! Here are some simple tips:
- Use thin beef slices and pound them slightly if necessary. Thinner slices roll better.
- Spread the filling evenly over the beef but don’t overload it—less is often more!
- Roll the beef tightly from one end to the other. The tighter the roll, the less chance it has to come undone.
- Secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks, but make sure they are closed well before searing.
Following these steps ensures your rolls remain intact during the cooking process, letting the flavors meld beautifully in the sauce!
How to Make Braciole with Tomato Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Braciole:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak or top round beef, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Braciole with Tomato Sauce will take about 20 minutes to prepare and around 1.5 to 2 hours to bake. So, set aside about 2 hours and 20 minutes for the entire process, ensuring the beef becomes tender and flavorful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will get it nice and warm for your braciole as it bakes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix these ingredients together thoroughly until well blended. This filling is going to add lots of flavor!
3. Prepare the Beef:
Lay the thinly sliced beef on a clean surface. If any slices seem too thick, gently pound them with a meat mallet to make them even thinner. This will help them roll up easily and cook perfectly.
4. Assemble the Braciole:
Take about 2 tablespoons of your breadcrumb mixture and spread it evenly over each slice of beef. Roll each slice tightly, starting from one end, to fully encase the filling. Secure each roll with kitchen twine or toothpicks to keep everything in place.
5. Sear the Rolls:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the beef rolls and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned. This adds a delicious crust and flavor to the meat!
6. Bake the Braciole:
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the browned beef rolls on top of this sauce, then cover them with the remaining marinara sauce. This will keep the rolls moist and flavorful while baking.
7. Cover and Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help trap moisture. Bake in your preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking will make the beef incredibly tender and juicy!
8. Finish and Slice:
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute. Now, gently take off the kitchen twine or toothpicks, and slice the rolls into rounds to make them easier to serve.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Braciole hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. You can also add extra marinara sauce if you like. Enjoy every bite of this hearty dish!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak or top round beef works best, you can also use sirloin or pork loin if you prefer. Just make sure to slice the meat thinly and consider pounding it to an even thickness for better rolling and tenderness.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make braciole gluten-free, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, check that your marinara sauce does not contain gluten ingredients, and you’re good to go!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Parsley?
No worries! If you don’t have parsley, you can use other fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme for a different flavor profile. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences. Dried herbs can also work in a pinch, just use about one-third of the fresh amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Store Leftover Braciole?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Adding a splash of extra marinara sauce can help to keep them moist while reheating!
