Italian-American Beef Braciole
A classic Italian-American dish featuring rolled beef stuffed with a savory breadcrumb and cheese mixture, simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Total Time 2 hours hrs
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 400 kcal
oven
Sauté Pan
Meat Pounder
Kitchen Twine
For the Braciole
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs about 1 ¼ ounces; 40 g
- ¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese 2 ounces; 55 g
- 1 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems loosely packed, finely chopped (½ ounce; 15 g)
- ¼ cup pine nuts lightly toasted and roughly chopped (20 g)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30 ml)
- 1 medium garlic clove minced (5 g)
- ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper divided
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ pound top round beef roast or 6 store-bought pre-sliced thin top round steaks (about 675 g)
- ¾ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt for table salt, use half as much by volume
- 6 large slices prosciutto about 4 ounces; 115 g
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30 ml)
- 1 small yellow onion diced (4 ounces; 115 g)
- ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt plus more for seasoning
- 3 medium garlic cloves (15 g), minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (120 ml)
- 28 ounces whole peeled tomatoes crushed by hand into ½-inch chunks (794 g)
- 1 ½ cups water (240 g)
Preparation
Arrange oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, add breadcrumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano, parsley, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and red pepper flakes and stir until well combined. Set aside.
If using a top round roast, slice roast into six ½ -inch slices. If using pre-sliced beef, skip to Step 5.
Lay steak slices 3 inches apart on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Using a meat pounder, flatten slices into rough rectangles measuring no more than ¼ inch thick.
Sprinkle both sides of steaks with salt and remaining ½ teaspoon black pepper. Spread the reserved breadcrumb mixture evenly over steaks, then place 1 slice of prosciutto over each breadcrumb-topped steak, folding prosciutto to fit and pressing firmly into steak. Being careful to keep filling in place and starting from a short end of each steak, roll each steak to form a small bundle. Tie each bundle with 2 pieces of kitchen twine to secure.
Cooking
In a large sauté pan, heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add braciole bundles and brown on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes total. Transfer browned braciole to a clean plate; set aside.
Add onion and salt to the now-empty pan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until just fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and cook until mixture reduces by half, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and water. Nestle the browned braciole bundles into the sauce and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Cover the pan with an oven-safe lid or aluminum foil. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet and transfer to the oven. Cook, covered, flipping braciole halfway through, for 90 minutes. Carefully remove the lid, flip the braciole again, and continue to cook until the meat is fully tender and sauce thickened to gravy-like consistency, 15 to 45 minutes longer.
Season sauce with salt to taste. Use scissors to cut off twine around each bundle. Transfer braciole to a large serving platter or individual plates and spoon sauce overtop. Serve.
Serving: 1bracioleCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 30gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg
Keyword Beef Braciole, Braciole, Italian Cuisine, Italian-American, Pasta Sauce, Stuffed Beef