Braciole: The Heartwarming Italian Classic You Need to Try

Braciole is a soul-warming Italian dish that combines tender meat, a flavorful filling, and a rich tomato sauce. This rolled meat dish, simmered to perfection, is a staple in Italian-American kitchens and a must-try for anyone craving comfort food with a touch of tradition. Whether served with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread, braciole is sure to impress. Here’s how to make it step-by-step.

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Ingredients

For the Meat

• 1.5–2 lbs beef, pork, or veal (flank steak, top round, or pork loin), sliced ¼-inch thick
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Filling

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2–3 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: ¼ cup pine nuts, ¼ cup raisins, or 2–3 slices prosciutto, finely chopped

For the Tomato Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, blended)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 5–6 fresh basil leaves
• Optional: ¼ cup red wine

Equipment

• Kitchen twine or toothpicks
• Meat mallet (optional)
• Large skillet or Dutch oven

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

1. If the meat slices aren’t ¼-inch thick, gently pound them with a meat mallet to ensure even thickness.
2. Lay the slices flat on a cutting board and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a medium bowl, mix breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, and chopped parsley.
2. Drizzle in olive oil until the mixture is moist but not soggy (similar to wet sand).
3. Add optional ingredients like pine nuts, raisins, or prosciutto for extra flavor, if desired.

Step 3: Roll the Braciole

1. Place 1–2 tablespoons of filling on each meat slice, spreading it evenly.
2. Roll each slice tightly, tucking in the sides to keep the filling secure.
3. Tie each roll with kitchen twine or secure with toothpicks.

Step 4: Sear the Braciole

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the braciole rolls on all sides until golden-brown, about 2–3 minutes per side. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
3. Remove the rolls and set aside.

Step 5: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. In the same skillet (or a separate pot), heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. If using red wine, stir it in now.
4. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 15–20 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 6: Simmer the Braciole

1. Nestle the seared braciole rolls into the tomato sauce, ensuring they’re mostly submerged.
2. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1–2 hours, depending on the meat’s thickness, until tender.
3. Stir occasionally and check that the sauce doesn’t reduce too much (add a splash of water if needed).

Step 7: Serve the Braciole

1. Remove the braciole from the sauce and let rest for 5 minutes.
2. Carefully remove the twine or toothpicks and slice into ½-inch thick medallions.
3. Arrange on a platter, spoon the tomato sauce over the top, and garnish with extra parsley or cheese.

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Serving Suggestions

• Classic Pairing: Serve with spaghetti or rigatoni tossed in the tomato sauce.
• Hearty Option: Pair with creamy polenta or mashed potatoes.
• Light Side: Add a fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Bread: Crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce.

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Tips for Perfect Braciole

• Quality Matters: Use fresh herbs, high-quality olive oil, and good cuts of meat for the best flavor.
• Take Your Time: Slow simmering is key to tender, melt-in-your-mouth braciole.
• Get Creative: Experiment with fillings like mozzarella, prosciutto, or raisins for a unique twist.
• Rest Before Slicing: Let the braciole rest after cooking to retain its juices.

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Why You’ll Love Braciole

Braciole is more than a meal—it’s a labor of love that brings people together. The tender meat, savory filling, and rich tomato sauce create a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. Perfect for Sunday dinners or special occasions, this Italian classic will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Try this recipe and share your braciole creations with us! Buon appetito!

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This recipe serves 4–6 people. Prep time: 30 minutes. Cook time: 1.5–2 hours.