Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/18 checked
6
servings
4 tbsp

Extra-virgin olive oil

0.5 cup

Pancetta

finely diced

1 unit

Onion

finely diced

1 pinch

Kosher salt

1 pinch

Crushed red pepper flakes

2 cup

Italian bread

day old, crusts removed, cut into 1-inch chunks

1 cup

Milk

2 unit

Garlic

smashed and finely chopped

0.5 piece

Button mushrooms

sliced

0.5 piece

Spinach

stems removed and cut into chiffonade

0.5 cup

Pine nuts

toasted

0.5 cup

Grated provolone

0.5 cup

Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

2 piece

Top round beef

cut into 1/2-inch thick slices

4 tbsp

Tomato paste

1 cup

Red wine

32 unit

San Marzano tomatoes

passed through food mill

2 cup

Water

Step 1
~10 min

Sauté pancetta in olive oil until crispy.

Step 2
~10 min

Add onions and red pepper flakes; season with salt and cook until softened.

Step 3
~10 min

Soak bread in milk until soft.

Step 4
~10 min

Mix soaked bread with garlic, sautéed pancetta and onion mixture, mushrooms, spinach, pine nuts, provolone, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Step 5
~10 min

Season the filling to taste.

Step 6
~10 min

Pound beef slices to flatten.

Step 7
~10 min

Place filling on each slice and roll up, securing with toothpicks.

Step 8
~10 min

Brown beef rolls in olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 9
~10 min

Remove beef and set aside.

Step 10
~10 min

Sauté onions and red pepper flakes in olive oil until translucent.

Step 11
~10 min

Add garlic and sauté.

Step 12
~10 min

Stir in tomato paste and red wine and cook for 6-8 minutes.

Step 13
~10 min

Add tomatoes and water and season with salt.

Step 14
~10 min

Return beef rolls to the sauce.

Step 15
~10 min

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until beef is tender.

Step 16
~10 min

Remove toothpicks before serving.

Step 17
~10 min

Serve braciole with sauce, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, and chopped parsley.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Pounding the beef thinly ensures tenderness.

Simmering the braciole in the sauce for an extended time allows the flavors to meld.

Use high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for the best sauce flavor.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

20 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made 1-2 days ahead and reheated.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Strong, savory
Noise Level
Moderate (sizzling, simmering)
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with polenta.

Serve with mashed potatoes.

Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Garlic bread
Green salad with vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Italy

Cultural Significance

A traditional family dish often served on special occasions.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
Easter
Family gatherings

Occasion Tags

Family Dinner
Holiday Meal
Special Occasion

Popularity Score

75/100

More Italian Dinner Recipes

Discover more delicious Italian Dinner recipes to expand your culinary repertoire

Italian
Medium
A-

Roasted Eggplant Parmigiana

4.1
(580 reviews)

A classic Italian dish featuring roasted eggplant layered with mozzarella, tomato basil sauce, and Parmigiano cheese, baked to perfection.

75 min
350 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free (with gluten-free breadcrumbs)
75%
70
Italian
Medium
A-

Alfredo Spaghetti with Broccoli and Olives

4.2
(211 reviews)

A creamy and comforting Italian pasta dish featuring spaghetti, broccoli, black olives, and a rich Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a family-friendly meal.

50 min
450 cal
Vegetarian
80%
75
Italian
Medium
A-

Chicken Lasagna

4.5
(1011 reviews)

A delicious Italian-inspired chicken lasagna featuring layers of pasta, chicken, tomato sauce, and cheese.

55 min
450 cal
Contains Dairy
Contains Gluten
60%
75
Italian
Medium
A-

Spinach Cottage Cheese Cannelloni in Roasted Pepper Sauce

4.2
(352 reviews)

A delicious Italian recipe for cannelloni stuffed with spinach and cottage cheese, served in a flavorful roasted pepper sauce.

60 min
450 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free cannelloni)
75%
70
Italian
Medium
A-

Spaghetti with Basil Pesto Sauce

4.3
(304 reviews)

A classic Italian dish featuring spaghetti pasta coated in a vibrant basil pesto sauce, enriched with fresh cream and walnuts.

60 min
600 cal
Vegetarian
75%
70
Italian
Medium
C+

Pizza Margherita

4.0
(132 reviews)

Classic Pizza Margherita with a homemade whole wheat crust, topped with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a simple tomato sauce.

190 min
N/A cal
Vegetarian
75%
70
Italian
Medium
A-

Alfredo Spaghetti with Roasted Mushroom & Broccoli

4.4
(1843 reviews)

A comforting Italian pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce with roasted mushrooms and broccoli. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

60 min
600 cal
Vegetarian
75%
70
Italian
Medium
A

Baked Cheesy Rigati Pasta with Roasted Vegetables

4.2
(1008 reviews)

A comforting Italian-inspired baked pasta dish featuring rigati pasta, roasted vegetables, a creamy tomato sauce, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping.

75 min
450 cal
Vegetarian
70%
75