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Hearty Barefoot Contessa Beef Braciole Recipe

Hearty Barefoot Contessa Beef Braciole Recipe


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4.9 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s beef braciole delights with tender meat rolled around savory herbs and parmesan. Slow-simmered in marinara sauce, this classic Italian dish brings rich comfort to your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices boneless top round (about 2 lbs / 907 g)
  • 12 slices prosciutto
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese
  • Additional Parmesan or Romano cheese for serving (optional)
  • 12 cloves garlic
  • ½ cup finely chopped Italian (flat-leaf) parsley, plus more for garnish
  • 2 tbsps seasoned dry breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 2 heaping tbsps all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups dry red wine
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (28 oz / 794 g) crushed tomatoes (preferably a good imported Italian brand)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Meat Preparation: Meticulously slice beef into uniform pieces, gently tenderizing between plastic wrap to ensure consistent thickness and tenderness.
  2. Flavor Base: Craft a vibrant filling by combining minced garlic, chopped parsley, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
  3. Roll Assembly: Layer each beef slice with prosciutto, spread the prepared filling generously, then carefully roll into compact cylinders, securing with toothpicks to maintain structural integrity during cooking.
  4. Searing and Browning: Ignite olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot, meticulously brown beef rolls on all sides to develop a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in deep, complex flavors.
  5. Liquid Infusion: Deglaze the pot with robust red wine, introduce sliced garlic, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and Italian seasoning, allowing the liquid to reach a gentle simmer that will transform the meat into a meltingly tender delicacy.
  6. Braising Process: Submerge beef rolls in the aromatic liquid, cover the pot, and let them slowly braise for approximately 90 minutes, allowing the meat to absorb the rich, multilayered flavors.
  7. Sauce Refinement: Create a velvety sauce by whisking all-purpose flour with hot cooking liquid, gradually incorporating it back into the pot to achieve a luxurious, glossy consistency that clings perfectly to the beef rolls.
  8. Final Touches: Remove toothpicks, taste and adjust seasoning, then serve the braciole atop al dente pasta, crowned with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese for an elegant finishing flourish.

Notes

  • Flatten with Care: Use gentle, even pressure when tenderizing beef to ensure uniform thickness without tearing the meat.
  • Garlic Strategy: Differentiate between minced and sliced garlic to build complex, layered flavor profiles throughout the dish.
  • Secure Rolling Technique: Use toothpicks strategically to prevent filling from escaping and maintain compact beef rolls during braising.
  • Sauce Consistency Trick: Create a smooth flour slurry by whisking carefully with hot liquid to avoid lumps and achieve a perfect, silky sauce texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg