Hello, food lovers! Today, I’m excited to share with you a special recipe that brings the flavors of Italy straight to your table. We’re talking about Beef Braciole! This dish is perfect for a family dinner or to impress your guests. Let’s cook together!
Ingredients:
For this recipe, you will need:
For the meat:
- 4 top sirloin steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan, if you prefer)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 4 slices of prosciutto or pancetta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the sauce:
- 1 can of peeled tomatoes (28 oz)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup dry red wine (optional, but it adds amazing flavor)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh basil
Instructions:
- Preparing the filling:
- In a bowl, mix the grated cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Lay the steaks flat on a clean surface. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture over each steak.
- Place a slice of prosciutto or pancetta over the filling. Then, roll up the steaks like a pinwheel and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Searing the meat:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the meat rolls and brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
- Making the sauce:
- In the same pot, add the onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the red wine and let it simmer until reduced by half, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the peeled tomatoes and crush them with a wooden spoon to release the juices. Add the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Cooking the Braciole:
- Place the meat rolls back into the pot, covering them with the tomato sauce. Cover the pot and cook on low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally and add a little water if necessary to keep the sauce at a good consistency.
- Finishing touches:
- When done, remove the toothpicks or twine and slice the rolls to serve. Garnish with fresh basil leaves on top.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve your Beef Braciole with al dente pasta or creamy mashed potatoes. Don’t forget a good red wine to pair with this flavorful and traditional dish!
I hope you enjoy this delicious Beef Braciole recipe. It’s a dish that requires a bit of time, but the result is worth every minute. If you make it, be sure to share photos and let me know how it turned out. Buon appetito!