Description
Beef Braciole (Involtini) is a traditional Italian dish made from thin slices of beef rolled around a flavorful filling of breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and optional pine nuts and raisins. The rolls are seared and then slow-simmered in marinara sauce until tender, making it a hearty and comforting meal perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds thinly sliced top round beef (about 6 slices)
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)
2 tablespoons raisins (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for searing)
2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Butcher’s twine or toothpicks (for securing rolls)
Instructions
- Pound each beef slice between two sheets of plastic wrap until about ¼-inch thick.
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated cheese, garlic, parsley, pine nuts, raisins, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Lay out beef slices and spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly on each, leaving a border around the edges.
- Roll each slice tightly and secure with butcher’s twine or toothpicks.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear beef rolls on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes total.
- Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1½ to 2 hours until the meat is tender.
- Remove twine or toothpicks before serving and spoon sauce over the rolls.
Notes
Can be made ahead by prepping and rolling the beef a day in advance.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variations include using different cheeses, adding prosciutto, or including hard-boiled egg slices.
Jarred marinara sauce works well if you’re short on time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beef roll
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
