Easy Barefoot Contessa Beef Braciole Recipe for Perfect Dinners

Beef braciole represents a luxurious Italian classic that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dining experience.

Tender meat rolled with aromatic herbs and savory fillings promises a memorable meal that awakens culinary passion.

Skilled home cooks understand how braciole elevates ordinary dinner preparations into something extraordinary.

Traditional preparation methods require patience and careful technique to achieve perfect texture and flavor.

Regional Italian kitchens have long celebrated this delectable meat dish as a centerpiece of celebratory meals.

Sophisticated yet approachable, beef braciole combines rustic charm with elegant culinary craftsmanship.

Passionate food lovers will appreciate the intricate balance of ingredients and slow-cooking techniques: prepare to be delighted.

Storing Contessa Beef Braciole

Vacuum Seal for Long-Term Freshness: Invest in a vacuum sealer to remove air completely, preventing freezer burn and preserving the braciole’s delicate flavors. Press out all air pockets before sealing to maintain optimal texture and taste for up to 4 months.

Portion and Protect: Wrap individual braciole portions in parchment paper before placing in freezer bags. This extra layer prevents sticking and makes it easier to defrost exactly what you need without thawing the entire batch.

Quick Reheat Method: Slice braciole before refrigerating to make reheating faster and more even. Place slices in a covered microwave-safe dish with a tablespoon of broth, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through to lock in moisture and prevent drying out.

Flavorful Twists on Contessa Beef Braciole

• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace parsley with a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Calabrian Kick: Add chopped spicy Calabrian chili peppers to the breadcrumb mixture for a fiery southern Italian-inspired version.
• Mushroom and Porcini Enrichment: Mix dried porcini mushrooms into the stuffing for an earthy, umami-rich filling that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Pecorino Romano Upgrade: Swap the regular cheese for sharp Pecorino Romano to introduce a more intense, salty cheese dimension to the beef rolls.

What Makes Contessa Beef Braciole So Tasty

• Craft a Flavor-Packed Comfort Meal: This beef braciole transforms simple ingredients into a rich, hearty Italian dish that feels like a warm hug from a loving grandmother's kitchen.
• Master an Impressive Cooking Technique: Rolling and tying beef creates a stunning presentation that looks professionally prepared, making you feel like a skilled chef without complicated skills.
• Enjoy a Slow-Cooked Flavor Explosion: The one-hour braising process allows herbs, cheese, and wine to meld together, creating deep, complex flavors that develop slowly and taste incredibly luxurious.
• Transform Ordinary Ingredients into Extraordinary Dinner: Cheap cuts of beef become tender and delicious through patient cooking, proving that simple ingredients can become something spectacular with the right technique.

Key Elements for Contessa Beef Braciole

• Beef: Lean cut perfect for rolling, choose a tender cut like top round or flank steak for best results.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, Parsley, Garlic: Classic Italian stuffing mix that adds flavor and texture to the beef roll.

• Tomatoes: Fresh or canned tomatoes creating a rich, classic base for the sauce.
• White Wine: Adds depth and acidity to the braising liquid, helping tenderize the meat.
• Olive Oil: Essential for browning the beef and creating a flavorful base for cooking.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the beef and sauce.

• Extra Parsley, Extra Parmesan Cheese: Fresh finishing touches that brighten the dish and add visual appeal.

• Butcher's Twine or Toothpicks: Helps secure the beef rolls during cooking to maintain their shape.

How to Cook Contessa Beef Braciole

Step 1: Create Vibrant Tomato Sauce

Grab fresh tomatoes and blend them until silky smooth. Transfer the puree into a simmering pot, sprinkle salt and black pepper. Let the sauce gently cook on low heat, developing rich flavors.

Step 2: Prepare Tender Beef Slices

Select beef (preferably top round or flank steak), slice into 12 thin pieces, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Use a meat mallet to gently pound each slice until uniformly thin. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Craft Flavorful Stuffing

• Breadcrumbs
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix ingredients until well incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble Rolled Beef Parcels

Lay each beef slice flat, spread stuffing evenly across the surface. Carefully roll the beef, tucking in edges to keep filling secure.

Step 5: Secure Beef Rolls

Use butcher’s twine or toothpicks to bind each beef roll, ensuring filling stays compact during cooking.

Step 6: Sear Beef Rolls

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef rolls on all sides, creating a rich golden crust, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 7: Braise with Wine and Sauce

Pour white wine into the skillet, letting it reduce slightly. Add prepared tomato sauce, cover the pan, and simmer on low heat for 1 hour, allowing beef to become incredibly tender.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove any binding twine or toothpicks. Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top. Slice beef rolls, plate, and serve immediately with extra sauce.

Hints for Perfect Contessa Beef Braciole

• Savor Cheese Variations: Experiment with pecorino or asiago to add subtle depth and complexity to the traditional filling.
• Rest and Relax: Allow meat to sit for 10 minutes post-cooking, helping juices redistribute and ensuring maximum moisture.
• Prep in Advance: Cook braciole a day ahead, letting flavors mingle and intensify overnight in the refrigerator.
• Simmer Slowly: Maintain a gentle cooking temperature to break down tough meat fibers and develop rich, complex flavors.
• Pour the Perfect Wine: Select a crisp dry white like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to elevate the braciole's flavor profile.

Summation of Contessa Beef Braciole

Barefoot Contessa’s Beef Braciole emerges as culinary poetry, weaving Italian tradition with modern kitchen magic.

Tender beef rolls nestle in rich tomato sauce, promising pure comfort on each forkful.

Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley create aromatic layers that transport palates straight to Mediterranean kitchens.

Hearty ingredients dance together, transforming simple elements into an extraordinary meal that whispers stories of family gatherings.

Complex flavors unfold gradually, revealing depth and passion with each delectable bite.

Passionate cooks will cherish this recipe’s elegant simplicity – share this delightful creation, spark conversation, sprinkle excitement across social media, and invite fellow food enthusiasts into this delicious culinary journey.

Barefoot Contessa Beef Braciole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s Beef Braciole brings rustic Italian charm to dinner tables with tender rolled beef filled with savory herbs and Parmesan. Rich marinara sauce cradles these delightful meat rolls, promising a comforting meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pound beef top sirloin roast

Dairy and Bread:

• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup bread crumbs

Herbs, Seasonings, and Liquids:

• 2 28-ounce (794 grams) cans of San Marzano Tomatoes
• 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) olive oil
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) white wine
• 4 finely minced cloves of garlic
• ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) minced fresh parsley
• sea salt and cracked pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a velvety tomato sauce by pulverizing ripe tomatoes in a blender until achieving a silky consistency. Transfer the puree into a simmering pot, season with a delicate balance of salt and freshly ground black pepper, and allow it to gently reduce over low heat.
2. Transform beef into delicate, paper-thin slices by carefully cutting and using a meat mallet to flatten each piece uniformly. Season both sides with a judicious sprinkle of salt and coarsely ground black pepper.
3. Assemble the aromatic stuffing by combining crisp breadcrumbs, aged grated cheese, freshly chopped parsley, minced garlic, high-quality olive oil, and a nuanced blend of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Blend ingredients until they form a cohesive mixture.
4. Lay each beef slice flat, generously spread the prepared breadcrumb mixture across the surface, then meticulously roll the meat into compact cylinders, ensuring an even distribution of filling.
5. Secure each rolled beef bundle using kitchen twine or slender toothpicks, preventing the delicate parcels from unraveling during cooking.
6. Heat a robust quantity of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet. Carefully introduce the beef rolls, searing until a rich, golden-brown crust develops on all sides.
7. Deglaze the pan with a splash of crisp white wine, allowing it to reduce slightly. Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the beef rolls, cover the skillet, and allow the meat to braise gently on low heat for approximately 60 minutes.
8. Once cooking is complete, remove any binding twine or toothpicks. Garnish the beef rolls with a sprinkle of freshly grated cheese and chopped parsley. Slice carefully and serve immediately, presenting a rustic, flavor-packed dish.

Notes

• Leftovers develop even more intense flavors when refrigerated overnight, making next-day meals surprisingly delicious.
• Store braciole carefully in sealed containers within three days for maximum freshness and taste preservation.
• Complement the rich beef with creamy polenta, soft pasta, or buttery mashed potatoes to capture every drop of luxurious sauce.
• Pause after cooking to let meat rest, allowing internal juices to redistribute and ensure each slice remains incredibly tender.
• Utilize slow braising technique to transform tough beef cuts into mouthwatering, melt-in-your-mouth delicacies.
• Select flavorful white wine as a secret weapon to tenderize meat and introduce complex, aromatic undertones during cooking.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg