When it comes to Italian cuisine, few dishes are as beloved or iconic as braciole. This tender and flavorful dish has been a staple of Italian cooking for centuries, with its origins dating back to the Renaissance era. Braciole is essentially a type of rolled meat dish, where thinly sliced cuts of beef, pork, chicken, or veal are stuffed with an array of delicious fillings, such as herbs, cheese, and vegetables.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering braciole recipes that showcase the versatility and flavor of this beloved Italian dish. From classic beef braciole to innovative combinations featuring prosciutto, spinach, and sundried tomatoes, there’s something for everyone in our collection of authentic Italian braciole recipes. So why wait? Let’s get started on a culinary journey through Italy with these 18 flavorful braciole recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds!
Classic Italian Beef Braciole
Classic Italian Beef Braciole: A Hearty and Flavorful Dish
This traditional Italian recipe showcases tender beef rolled with a rich filling of cheese, herbs, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for a special occasion or family dinner.
Ingredients:
– 3 lbs beef top round or rump roast
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Season the beef with salt, black pepper, and oregano.
3. In a bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, parsley, and garlic.
4. Lay the beef flat on a work surface and spread the cheese mixture evenly along the center of the meat, leaving a 1-inch border on both sides.
5. Roll the beef tightly, securing it with kitchen twine in 1-inch intervals.
6. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the braciole until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and cook for 2-1/2 hours or until tender.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-1/2 hours
Stuffed Pork Braciole with Herbs
This recipe takes the traditional pork braciole to new heights by adding fresh herbs and aromatics, resulting in a tender and juicy dish packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) pork loin
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay the pork loin flat and make a horizontal incision to create a pocket. Stuff the herb mixture inside the pork.
4. Close the incision and secure with kitchen twine.
5. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until browned.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken Braciole with Prosciutto and Cheese
This recipe combines the flavors of Italy’s finest ingredients to create a mouthwatering chicken braciole dish, wrapped in prosciutto and melted cheese. The result is a rich, savory, and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 6 slices of prosciutto
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic.
3. Lay a slice of prosciutto on each chicken breast, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the prosciutto.
5. Roll up each chicken breast tightly and secure with toothpicks if needed.
6. Place rolled chicken breasts seam-side down in a baking dish.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Braciole in Tomato Sauce with Basil
This traditional recipe combines tender beef rolls filled with cheese, herbs, and spices, slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce, finished with fresh basil. A perfect comfort food dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound top round or rump roast
– 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Sear the beef rolls until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Transfer the beef to a Dutch oven or slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2-1/2 hours or cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Stir in the chopped parsley and garlic.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Garlic and Parmesan Stuffed Braciole
This recipe takes the classic Italian dish to new heights by adding a savory garlic and Parmesan filling, wrapped in tender beef rolls.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef braciole (or top round steak), sliced into thin strips
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. Place a beef strip on a flat surface and spread a tablespoon of the garlic-Parmesan mixture along the center of the meat.
4. Roll up the beef tightly, starting from one end, and secure with toothpicks if needed.
5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the braciole rolls until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the beef reaches your desired level of doneness.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Braciole with Spinach and Ricotta Filling
Braciole, a classic Italian dish, gets a delicious twist with the addition of spinach and ricotta filling. This recipe yields tender beef rolls filled with creamy goodness.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound beef top round or flank steak
• 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, garlic, and Parmesan.
3. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
4. Lay the beef on a flat surface and spread the spinach-ricotta mixture evenly along the center of the beef, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Roll the beef tightly, starting from one end, and secure with kitchen twine.
6. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the braciole for 2 minutes on each side.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 25-30 minutes or until the beef reaches desired tenderness.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow-Cooked Braciole with Red Wine Sauce
This classic Italian dish combines tender beef rolls with a rich and flavorful red wine sauce, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef top round or bottom round
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
4. Spread a thin layer of breadcrumb mixture on each slice of beef, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Roll up beef slices and place in slow cooker seam-side down.
6. In a separate bowl, combine red wine, beef broth, and tomato paste.
7. Pour sauce over the braciole and cook for 8-10 hours or overnight.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Braciole with Sundried Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Braciole is a classic Italian dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This variation adds the sweetness of sundried tomatoes and the creaminess of mozzarella for a delicious twist.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef top round or rump, sliced into 4-6 thin cutlets
– 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together sundried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the beef slices on a flat surface. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the tomato mixture onto each slice, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the tomato mixture.
5. Roll up each slice tightly and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
6. Place the braciole seam-side down in a baking dish. Top with tomato paste and chopped basil (if using).
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through to your liking.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Braciole Stuffed with Sausage and Peppers
This recipe combines the flavors of sausage, peppers, and rich beef braising liquid to create a mouthwatering Braciole dish. Tender slices of beef are stuffed with spicy sausage and sweet peppers, then slow-cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef top round or flank steak
– 4 Italian sausage links, casings removed
– 2 large bell peppers, sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff each slice of beef with sausage, peppers, onion, and garlic.
4. Place the stuffed beef in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot.
5. Add beef broth and crushed tomatoes; cover the pot.
6. Braise for 2-1/2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Braciole with Mushroom and Marsala Sauce
This classic Italian dish combines slow-cooked beef braciole with a rich and savory mushroom and Marsala sauce. The perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef top round or rump, sliced into thin cutlets
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup Marsala wine
– 1/4 cup beef broth
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the beef cutlets with salt and black pepper.
2. Dip each cutlet in flour, then eggs, and finally Parmesan cheese, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the braciole until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add Marsala wine and beef broth; simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Serve the braised beef with mushroom and Marsala sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Braciole with Artichoke and Olive Tapenade
This Italian-inspired dish combines tender beef rolls with the bright, savory flavors of artichoke and olive tapenade. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef top round or rump roast
– 1/4 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive tapenade
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together chopped artichoke hearts, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay the beef slices flat and spread a tablespoon of olive tapenade on each slice, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Spoon the artichoke mixture onto one half of each beef slice, then fold the other half over to form a roll.
5. Place the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Braciole Wrapped in Pancetta with Sage
Elevate your Italian cooking game with this rich and flavorful recipe that combines tender beef, savory pancetta, and aromatic sage. This slow-cooked dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef braciole (thinly sliced)
– 6 slices of pancetta
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 sprigs of fresh sage
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the beef slices with salt and pepper.
3. Wrap each beef slice with a piece of pancetta, securing with toothpicks if needed.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the wrapped beef for 2-3 minutes on each side, then transfer to a baking dish.
5. Add red wine and beef broth to the baking dish, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and braise in the preheated oven for 2 1/2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
7. Remove toothpicks and serve hot, garnished with fresh sage leaves.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Braciole with Roasted Garlic and Rosemary
This classic Italian dish is elevated by the rich flavors of roasted garlic and rosemary. Tender beef, slow-cooked in a savory tomato sauce, is then wrapped in a flavorful mixture of roasted garlic, rosemary, and breadcrumbs, creating a mouthwatering main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef braciole (thinly sliced)
– 2 heads of garlic, separated into individual cloves
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roast garlic cloves in olive oil for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
3. Wrap beef slices with roasted garlic, rosemary, and breadcrumbs.
4. Place wrapped braciole on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Pour crushed tomatoes over the braciole, season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until beef is cooked through.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 55-65 minutes
Braciole with Caramelized Onions and Gorgonzola
This classic Italian dish is elevated by the sweetness of caramelized onions and the creaminess of gorgonzola cheese. Slow-cooked to perfection, this tender braciole is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef braciole or top round steak
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup caramelized onions (see note)
– 1/4 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the braciole with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the braciole for 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer to a Dutch oven or heavy pot.
4. Add caramelized onions, garlic, tomato paste, and beef broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cover the pot and braise for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
6. Stir in crumbled gorgonzola cheese.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Braciole with Lemon Zest and Capers
A classic Italian dish gets a bright and tangy twist with the addition of lemon zest and capers. This hearty braciole is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef top round or rump roast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
3. In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon zest.
4. Dip the beef into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly.
5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the braciole until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and braise for 1 1/2 hours or until tender.
7. Remove from the oven and top with capers.
8. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Braciole with Pesto and Pine Nut Filling
This recipe puts a modern spin on the traditional braciole, stuffing tender beef rolls with a vibrant pesto and crunchy pine nut filling. The result is a flavorful and textured dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef top round or rump roast
– 1/2 cup pesto
– 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the beef into thin strips and pound each strip to an even thickness.
3. In a small bowl, mix together pesto and toasted pine nuts.
4. Place a spoonful of the pesto-pine nut mixture onto the center of each beef strip, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Roll up the beef tightly and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
6. Season the rolls with salt and pepper, then heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the braciole until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the beef reaches your desired level of doneness.
Braciole with Roasted Red Pepper and Feta
Elevate your braciole game with the sweet and tangy combination of roasted red peppers and crumbly feta. This Sicilian-inspired dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef top round or rump roast, sliced into thin strips
– 2 large red bell peppers, roasted and peeled
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear beef strips until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Add garlic and oregano to the same skillet; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add roasted red peppers to the skillet; stir to combine with garlic mixture.
5. Roll each beef strip around a pepper slice, securing with toothpicks if needed.
6. Place rolled braciole on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Sprinkle feta cheese over the top and serve hot. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Braciole with Fig and Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your Sunday dinner game with this rich and flavorful Italian-inspired dish, featuring tender beef braciole smothered in a sweet and tangy fig and balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef top round or rump roast
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dried figs, chopped
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef until browned on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium, add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add chopped figs, balsamic vinegar, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return the beef to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Summary
Discover the rich flavors of Italy with these 18 mouth-watering braciole recipes. From classic beef to chicken, pork, and vegetarian options, each dish is packed with tender meat, savory sauces, and aromatic spices. Try the Classic Italian Beef Braciole, stuffed with herbs and served in a tangy tomato sauce, or the Chicken Braciole with Prosciutto and Cheese for a rich and creamy twist. With fillings ranging from garlic and parmesan to spinach and ricotta, there’s something for every taste bud. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newcomer, these authentic Italian recipes are sure to delight your senses and satisfy your appetite.
