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classic italian beef braciole in rich tomato sauce recipe - Classic Italian Beef Braciole in Rich Tomato Sauce served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Classic Italian Beef Braciole in Rich Tomato Sauce

classic italian beef braciole in rich tomato sauce recipe made easy at home. Tender rolled beef stuffed with a savory breadcrumb mixture and simmered in a hea
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

For the Braciole
  • 1 1/2 lbs beef top round cut into 8 thin slices (about 1/4 inch thick)
  • 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 4 oz prosciutto thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts toasted (optional)
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 8 pieces kitchen twine to secure rolls
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes canned
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
For Serving
  • 1 lb spaghetti or polenta cooked
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley chopped, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Place beef slices between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet until about 1/8 inch thick. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, and toasted pine nuts (if using). Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and mix until it resembles wet sand.
  3. Lay a slice of prosciutto on each pounded beef slice. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of the filling over the prosciutto, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Roll up tightly from the short end, tucking in the sides as you go. Tie each roll with kitchen twine in two places to secure.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the braciole on all sides until well browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, cook 1 minute. Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits, and simmer until reduced by half. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Return the braciole and any accumulated juices to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning the rolls occasionally, until the meat is fork-tender.
  7. Remove twine from the braciole and slice each roll into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Serve over spaghetti or polenta, spoon extra sauce on top, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.