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Italian Beef Braciole, or stuffed steak rolls, are a classic Italian dish that combines thin slices of beef filled with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, pesto, and provolone cheese. The beef rolls are seared and then simmered in marinara sauce to tenderize the meat and infuse it with rich, savory flavors. This dish is comforting, hearty, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its irresistible combination of textures and flavors, it’s sure to impress any dinner guest.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 lb top round steak, thinly sliced (about 8 slices)
2 tbsp pesto
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
4 slices provolone cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
½ tbsp garlic paste

For Garnish:

Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil

Directions

Prep the Steak: Lay the steak slices on a flat surface. Brush one side of each slice with pesto.
Prepare the Filling: In a shallow dish, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and breadcrumbs. Press the pesto-coated steak into the breadcrumb mixture to coat the meat evenly.
Stuff the Rolls: Place a slice of provolone cheese on each piece of steak. Roll the steak tightly from the cheese side and secure with toothpicks or cooking twine.
Sear the Braciole: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef rolls for 30 seconds per side until golden.
Simmer in Sauce: Once the beef rolls are seared, add marinara sauce and garlic paste to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the rolls cook for 10 minutes.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot with pasta or your preferred sides.

Nutrients (per serving – 4 servings)

Calories: 210 kcal
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Protein: 15 g
Total Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
Sodium: 764 mg
Potassium: 359 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 3 g
Vitamin A: 402 IU
Vitamin C: 4 mg
Calcium: 104 mg
Iron: 2 mg

The Origins of Italian Beef Braciole

Braciole (pronounced brah-zhol) is an Italian term for stuffed meat rolls, and it’s a dish that’s been enjoyed in various regions of Italy for centuries. While the ingredients and preparation methods may vary slightly depending on the region, the concept remains the same: thin slices of meat are filled with a flavorful stuffing, rolled up, and then braised or simmered in a rich sauce. Italian Beef Braciole, typically made with top round steak, is a variation of this classic dish, and it’s often associated with Southern Italy, where hearty, savory meals are a central part of the culinary tradition. Braciole is a dish that brings people together, often served at family gatherings or special occasions like Sunday dinners and holidays.

The Beef: Tender and Flavorful

The choice of beef for this dish is crucial to its success. Top round steak, a cut known for its lean texture and ability to absorb flavors, is the typical choice for Italian Beef Braciole. It’s thinly sliced to ensure that the meat cooks evenly and becomes tender during the simmering process. When the steak is rolled up with the flavorful filling, it retains moisture and becomes succulent after being seared and simmered in marinara sauce. The natural flavor of the beef, combined with the richness of the stuffing and the savory marinara sauce, creates a mouthwatering dish that is full of layers of flavor. The thin slices of beef also allow the stuffing to shine through, providing an ideal balance between meat and filling.

The Stuffing: A Flavorful Mixture

What sets Italian Beef Braciole apart from other meat-based dishes is the stuffing. The mixture of breadcrumbs, pesto, and provolone cheese creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. The breadcrumbs provide a light, fluffy texture that absorbs the flavors of the pesto and marinara sauce, while the pesto adds a burst of fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil flavor. Provolone cheese, known for its smooth melt and subtle tang, adds richness and depth to the stuffing, creating a creamy texture that oozes out as the beef rolls cook. The seasoning—salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes—ensures that the stuffing is perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of spice to complement the meat and cheese. This combination of ingredients provides the perfect filling for the beef rolls, making each bite a flavorful experience.

The Cooking Process: Searing and Simmering

The cooking method for Italian Beef Braciole is key to achieving the tender, flavorful dish that everyone loves. First, the beef rolls are seared in a hot skillet to develop a golden-brown crust. This step locks in the juices and flavors of the meat, creating a satisfying texture that contrasts with the soft, melted filling inside. After the beef is seared, the rolls are simmered in marinara sauce and garlic paste. The sauce infuses the beef rolls with rich tomato flavor, while the garlic paste adds an aromatic, savory depth to the sauce. As the beef rolls simmer, they become tender and juicy, allowing the filling to meld with the sauce and the meat to absorb the flavors of the seasoning and marinara. This slow-cooking process is what transforms the dish from good to great, creating a comforting meal that is both satisfying and delicious.

Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings

Italian Beef Braciole is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. For a classic Italian experience, serve the braciole with a side of pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni. The rich marinara sauce that the beef rolls are simmered in is the perfect complement to pasta, creating a satisfying meal that’s full of flavor. You can also serve the braciole with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a lighter meal that still feels indulgent. If you’re looking for a more rustic approach, serve the braciole with crusty Italian bread, which can be used to soak up the extra sauce. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Italian Beef Braciole pairs well with a variety of sides that enhance the overall dining experience.

Why Italian Beef Braciole is a Crowd-Pleaser

There’s a reason why Italian Beef Braciole is such a beloved dish—it’s a true crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender beef, savory stuffing, and rich marinara sauce is something that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re cooking for a small family gathering or hosting a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress your guests. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that feels special without being overly complicated. The flavors are bold and satisfying, but the dish is easy to prepare, making it a go-to choice for home cooks who want to create something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. Additionally, the leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop.

A Dish That Can Be Customized

While Italian Beef Braciole is delicious as is, it’s also a dish that can be customized to suit different preferences. For example, if you prefer a different type of cheese, you can easily swap the provolone for mozzarella, Parmesan, or even ricotta for a creamier filling. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste—try adding fresh basil, parsley, or oregano for a more herbaceous flavor. For those who prefer a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or even add some crushed red pepper to the marinara sauce for extra heat. The dish can also be adapted to accommodate different dietary needs. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.

Make-Ahead and Leftovers

One of the great things about Italian Beef Braciole is that it can be made ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or entertaining. After assembling the beef rolls and searing them, you can refrigerate or freeze the rolls before cooking them in the sauce. When you’re ready to cook, simply simmer them in marinara sauce as directed. The dish also stores well in the refrigerator for a few days, and the flavors continue to deepen as it sits. Leftovers can be enjoyed as a stand-alone meal or used in sandwiches or wraps for a different twist. Reheating the braciole in the sauce ensures that the meat stays tender and the flavors remain rich and satisfying.

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Hearty Meal

Italian Beef Braciole is a classic Italian dish that brings together the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The tender beef, flavorful stuffing, and rich marinara sauce make it a satisfying and comforting meal that’s ideal for family dinners or special occasions. This dish offers a true taste of Italy and can easily be customized to suit different preferences and dietary needs. Whether you serve it with pasta, vegetables, or bread, Italian Beef Braciole is a meal that will leave everyone at the table happy and full. With its rich flavors, tender texture, and satisfying ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

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