Braciole is a delicious Italian dish made from thinly pounded meat, typically beef or pork, that is rolled up with a filling of cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs and then braised or grilled. It is a great dish for a special occasion or a Sunday family dinner. Cooking braciole in the oven is a popular method that results in tender and flavorful meat.
So, how long does it take to cook braciole in the oven? The cooking time for braciole can vary depending on the size and thickness of the meat rolls, as well as the cooking temperature. In general, braciole should be cooked in the oven at a moderate temperature of around 350°F (175°C) for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.
It is important to note that the cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the specific recipe and the type of meat you are using. Thicker meat rolls will require more time to cook, while thinner ones may cook faster. It is also a good idea to check the internal temperature of the braciole using a meat thermometer. A safe internal temperature for cooked beef or pork is 145°F (63°C).
Once the braciole is cooked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become even more tender. Serve the braciole slices with your favorite sauce, such as marinara or a rich tomato sauce, and enjoy a taste of Italy right in your own kitchen.
What is braciole?
Braciole is an Italian dish made of thinly sliced beef, which is rolled with a filling and then cooked. The filling typically consists of breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, cheese, and sometimes additional ingredients like pine nuts, raisins, or cured meats. The rolled beef is then secured with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold its shape during cooking.
Braciole is often braised in a tomato sauce, which gives it a rich and flavorful taste. The dish can also be cooked on the grill or pan-fried. The cooking method can vary depending on the recipe and personal preference.
Braciole is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a part of a larger meal. It pairs well with pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes. The filling can be customized to suit individual tastes, making braciole a popular choice for home cooks who want to experiment with flavors and ingredients.
Overall, braciole is a delicious and hearty Italian dish that showcases the flavors of the Mediterranean cuisine. Its combination of tender beef, flavorful filling, and savory sauce make it a favorite among Italian food enthusiasts.
Braciole Recipe | |
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Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cook Time | 2 hours |
Servings | 4 |
Ingredients |
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Instructions |
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Ingredients for Braciole:
- 1 1/2 pounds of beef round steak, pounded thin
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
These ingredients are enough to make 4 servings of braciole.
How to Prepare Braciole
Braciole is a delicious Italian dish made with thinly sliced meat wrapped around a flavorful filling. It is typically cooked in a tomato-based sauce and can be served as a main dish or as part of a pasta dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare braciole:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, pine nuts, and garlic. Mix well.
- Lay the sliced flank steak flat on a clean surface. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the breadcrumb mixture onto each slice of flank steak, spreading it evenly.
- Starting from one end, roll up the flank steak tightly and secure it with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the braciole on all sides until well-seared.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the braciole to a baking dish and pour marinara sauce over them.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the meat is tender.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Remove the braciole from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Once the braciole are cooked to perfection, you can serve them sliced with the sauce spooned over the top. They pair well with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread. Enjoy!
Step 1: Prepare the filling
To make braciole, you’ll need a flavorful filling. Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped pine nuts
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, pine nuts, raisins, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Place the steak on a clean surface and season it with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the filling mixture onto the steak, leaving a border around the edges.
- Roll up the steak tightly, starting from one end.
- Secure the rolled steak with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
Now that the filling is prepared, you can move on to the next step of cooking braciole in the oven.
Step 2: Roll and secure the braciole
Once the braciole filling is evenly spread onto the pounded steak, it’s time to roll and secure the braciole.
- Starting from one of the longer sides of the steak, tightly roll the meat up, creating a log shape with the filling inside.
- As you roll, tuck in the sides to prevent any filling from spilling out.
- Once the braciole is rolled up, use kitchen twine to tie it securely at regular intervals, about 1 inch apart.
- Make sure the twine is tight enough to hold the braciole together but not too tight to squeeze out the filling.
- Trim off any excess twine.
Securing the braciole with twine will help it maintain its shape while cooking.
Step 3: Cook in the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the braciole in a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender and cooked through.
Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to allow the braciole to brown.
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious braciole!
Factors affecting cooking time
When cooking braciole in the oven, several factors can affect the cooking time, including:
1. Size of the braciole: The thickness and size of the braciole will determine how long it takes to cook. Thicker braciole will require a longer cooking time than thinner ones.
2. Oven temperature: The temperature at which you set your oven will also affect the cooking time. Higher temperatures will cook the braciole faster, while lower temperatures will require more time.
3. Desired level of doneness: The level of doneness that you prefer will also impact the cooking time. If you like your braciole well-done, it will need to be cooked for a longer period of time compared to those who prefer a medium-rare or medium doneness.
4. Type of meat: The type of meat used to make the braciole can affect the cooking time as well. Different cuts of meat may require different cooking times to reach the desired level of tenderness.
5. Meat stuffing: If you choose to stuff your braciole with additional ingredients such as cheese, herbs, or breadcrumbs, it may increase the overall cooking time as the stuffing will need to cook as well.
6. Resting time: After the braciole is cooked, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a more flavorful and tender braciole.
Considering these factors will help you determine the appropriate cooking time for your braciole to ensure it is cooked to perfection.
Q&A
How long should I cook braciole in the oven?
Braciole should be cooked in the oven for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, the exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the braciole.
What temperature should I set the oven to when cooking braciole?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) when cooking braciole.
Can I cook braciole for a shorter time to save time?
To ensure that the braciole is cooked through and tender, it is recommended to cook it for the recommended time of 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Cooking it for a shorter time may result in an undercooked and tough braciole.
Is there a way to check if the braciole is cooked without cutting into it?
Yes, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the braciole. It should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) to be considered fully cooked.