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Beef Braciole is an Italian comfort food dish consisting of thin beef steaks that are rolled with a savory filling, seared, and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. The beef is tender and full of flavor, while the stuffing adds a delightful texture. This dish is traditionally served with pasta or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Braciole:

4 thin slices of flank steak (about 1 lb, each slice about 1/4 inch thick)
½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon pine nuts (optional)
1 egg, lightly beaten
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Directions:

Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, pine nuts (if using), and the beaten egg. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper. The mixture should be moist but not too wet.
Assemble the Braciole:
Lay the beef slices flat on a cutting board. Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over each slice of beef. Roll each slice tightly into a cylinder and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
Sear the Braciole:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the braciole rolls and sear on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, and add oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper, then bring the sauce to a simmer.
Simmer the Braciole:
Return the seared braciole to the skillet with the sauce. Cover and simmer over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning the braciole occasionally until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded.
Serve:
Remove the braciole from the sauce and slice them into rounds. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread, spooning the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: ~350-400 kcal
Fat: ~20g
Carbohydrates: ~15g
Protein: ~35g
Cholesterol: ~90mg
Sodium: ~550mg
Vitamin A: ~10% DV
Iron: ~15% DV

This Beef Braciole is an indulgent and flavorful Italian dish that combines the richness of beef with the depth of a tomato-based sauce, perfect for any special dinner or family gathering. Enjoy!

The Appeal of Beef Braciole: Flavorful and Satisfying

What makes Beef Braciole so special is the combination of its rich, tender beef with a savory stuffing and the slow-cooked tomato sauce. Here’s why this dish is a favorite in Italian cuisine:

Tender Beef: The flank steak is thinly sliced and tenderized, ensuring that the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft after being simmered in the sauce. The rolling process locks in the savory flavors of the stuffing while allowing the beef to absorb the richness of the sauce.
Savory Stuffing: The stuffing, made from breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, fresh parsley, and pine nuts, creates a flavorful filling that adds texture and richness to the beef. This mixture enhances the beef with layers of flavor, making each bite a delightful combination of meat, herbs, and cheese.
Rich Tomato Sauce: The tomato sauce is simple yet full of flavor, made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a blend of Italian herbs. The sauce becomes even more flavorful as it simmers with the braciole, soaking into the meat and adding a delicious depth to the dish.
Slow Cooking for Flavor: The slow simmering process allows the flavors of the sauce to meld with the beef, creating a tender, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a comforting dinner. The braciole needs at least 1.5 to 2 hours of simmering to achieve the perfect texture and taste.
Versatile and Hearty: Beef Braciole can be served with a variety of sides, making it a versatile dish that can fit any occasion. Whether paired with pasta, crusty bread, or sautéed vegetables, it’s a dish that will satisfy and please a crowd.

Key Ingredients: What Makes Beef Braciole Special

The ingredients for Beef Braciole come together to create a hearty and flavorful meal. Here’s a closer look at each key component:

Flank Steak: Thin slices of flank steak are the base of this dish. The beef is tenderized and rolled with the stuffing before being simmered in the sauce, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs provide texture and help bind the filling together. They absorb the juices from the meat and sauce, ensuring that the stuffing stays moist and flavorful.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty depth to the filling. It also melts beautifully into the breadcrumbs, creating a savory mixture that enhances the beef.
Garlic and Fresh Parsley: These two ingredients add freshness and aromatic flavors to the stuffing, bringing brightness to the rich beef and tomato sauce.
Pine Nuts (Optional): Pine nuts add a subtle crunch and rich flavor to the stuffing, making the dish more luxurious. While optional, they add a traditional touch to this classic recipe.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to sear the braciole, helping to lock in flavor and create a golden-brown crust on the beef.
Tomato Sauce: Crushed tomatoes are the base of the sauce, creating a rich, tangy flavor that complements the beef and stuffing. The sauce is seasoned with dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, making it aromatic and full of flavor.
Herbs and Spices: Dried oregano and basil are classic Italian herbs that add depth and aroma to the sauce. Red pepper flakes provide an optional bit of heat for those who enjoy a spicier kick.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is used as a garnish, adding a final burst of freshness and color to the dish.

How to Make Beef Braciole

Beef Braciole requires a bit of prep time, but the cooking process is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to make this flavorful dish:

1. Prepare the Filling:

In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of seasoned breadcrumbs, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 minced clove of garlic, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tablespoon of pine nuts (if using). Add the beaten egg to the mixture and stir until the filling is moist but not too wet. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2. Assemble the Braciole:

Lay the flank steak slices flat on a cutting board. Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over each slice of beef. Roll each slice tightly into a cylinder and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.

3. Sear the Braciole:

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the braciole rolls and sear on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the braciole from the pan and set aside.

4. Prepare the Sauce:

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, and add 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper, and bring the sauce to a simmer.

5. Simmer the Braciole:

Return the seared braciole to the skillet with the sauce. Cover and simmer over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning the braciole occasionally, until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.

6. Serve:

Remove the braciole from the sauce and slice them into rounds. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread, spooning the sauce over the top.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

Beef Braciole is a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages. Here are some ideas for pairing:

Pasta: Beef Braciole is traditionally served with pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or rigatoni. The pasta soaks up the rich tomato sauce, making for a satisfying combination.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or zucchini complement the savory beef and tomato sauce and add a healthy touch to the meal.
Garlic Bread: Serve the braciole with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
Green Salad: A fresh green salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the braciole.
Wine Pairing: A bold red wine, such as Chianti, Sangiovese, or Barolo, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of Beef Braciole. If you prefer white wine, a full-bodied white like Chardonnay would also work well.

Conclusion: A Flavorful Italian Classic

Beef Braciole is a comforting, flavorful Italian dish that combines the richness of tender beef with the depth of a tomato-based sauce. The savory stuffing adds texture and flavor to the meat, making each bite satisfying and indulgent. This dish is perfect for a family gathering, special dinner, or any time you want to enjoy the best of Italian comfort food. Whether served with pasta, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables, Beef Braciole is a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

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