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October 27, 2024
Beef braciole, a traditional Italian dish, is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for special occasions or a satisfying family dinner. Braciole consists of thin slices of beef rolled with a flavorful filling and cooked in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is known for its tender meat, vibrant flavors, and comforting aroma.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking stuffed beef braciole in the oven, delivering a mouthwatering dish that you and your loved ones will enjoy.
To begin, you will need the following ingredients:
– Thinly sliced beef, such as flank steak or top round
– Filling ingredients such as breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, and prosciutto
– Tomato sauce
– Olive oil
– Salt and pepper
First, prepare the filling by combining breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and finely chopped prosciutto in a bowl. Spread the filling evenly over the sliced beef, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll up the beef tightly and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold its shape.
Next, preheat the oven and warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil to the skillet and sear the braciole on all sides until browned. This step will help seal in the flavors and juices.
Transfer the seared braciole to a baking dish and pour tomato sauce over them. You can use your favorite homemade sauce or a store-bought variety. Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven.
Preparing Stuffed Beef Braciole
Stuffed beef braciole is a delicious Italian dish that is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your dinner guests. The dish is made by rolling up slices of beef filled with a tasty stuffing, then cooking it in the oven until it is tender and flavorful. Here’s how to prepare stuffed beef braciole:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of beef round steak, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup of pine nuts, toasted
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- 3 cups of marinara sauce
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, pine nuts, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Lay the beef slices flat on a clean surface and divide the filling among them, spreading it evenly over each slice.
- Roll up the slices tightly, jellyroll-style, and secure them with toothpicks.
- Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the braciole on all sides, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a baking dish, pour the marinara sauce and place the braciole on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and cooked through.
- Remove the braciole from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Remove the toothpicks and slice the braciole crosswise into pieces. Serve with the marinara sauce.
Stuffed beef braciole is best served with pasta or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy!
Choosing the Right Beef
Choosing the right cut of beef is essential for making the perfect stuffed beef braciole. You’ll want a cut of beef that is tender and flavorful, as it will be the star of the dish. Here are some cuts of beef that work well for braciole:
| Cut | Description |
|---|---|
| Flank Steak | Flank steak is a lean and flavorful cut of beef that is often used for braciole. It is long and flat, which makes it easy to stuff and roll. |
| Top round steak | This cut of beef is more tender than flank steak and has a mild flavor. It is also a good option for making stuffed beef braciole. |
| Sirloin | Sirloin steak is another option for braciole. It is a versatile cut of beef that is known for its tenderness and rich flavor. |
| Tenderloin | Tenderloin is the most tender cut of beef, and it works well for braciole. However, it is also the most expensive option. |
When selecting your beef, make sure to choose a cut that is large and thin enough to be easily rolled. You can ask your butcher for assistance in selecting the right cut if you’re unsure. Additionally, it’s important to trim any excess fat from the beef to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
Gathering Ingredients
Before you can start cooking stuffed beef braciole in the oven, you’ll need to gather the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Beef Braciole:
Look for thinly sliced beef (such as flank steak or top round) at your local butcher or grocery store. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick and large enough to roll up with the filling.
2. Filling:
Create a flavorful filling for your beef braciole. Traditional options include a combination of bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, and dried herbs. Alternatively, you can experiment with different fillings to suit your taste preferences.
3. Cooking Twine:
To secure the stuffed beef braciole, you’ll need cooking twine or kitchen string. This will help hold the rolls together while they cook in the oven.
4. Sauce:
Choose a sauce to complement your stuffed beef braciole. Tomato sauce is a popular choice, but you can also use marinara sauce or even a mushroom sauce for a different flavor profile.
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step of the recipe: preparing the beef braciole for stuffing.
Preparing the Stuffing
Preparing the stuffing is an important step in making stuffed beef braciole. A well-seasoned and flavorful stuffing will enhance the taste of the meat and make the dish more enjoyable. Here are the steps to prepare the stuffing:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- If the stuffing seems too dry, you can add a little bit of olive oil or melted butter to moisten it.
Now that you have prepared the stuffing, it’s time to move on to the next step of stuffing the beef braciole.
Rolling and Securing the Braciole
Once your beef slices are filled with the stuffing mixture, it’s time to roll them up and secure them. Here’s how:
1. Take a beef slice and place it on a clean surface.
2. Carefully roll up the slice, making sure to keep the stuffing inside.
3. Secure the rolled-up braciole with kitchen twine. Start at one end and tie a knot to hold the roll together. Then, continue tying knots every 1-2 inches along the length of the braciole to keep it secure.
4. Repeat the rolling and securing process with the remaining beef slices and stuffing mixture.
5. Once all the braciole rolls are secured with twine, they are ready to be cooked in the oven.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly rolled and secured beef braciole ready to be cooked to perfection in the oven.
Cooking in the Oven
When it comes to cooking stuffed beef braciole, using the oven can be a great option. The oven provides a consistent temperature and even cooking, ensuring that the braciole is cooked perfectly. Here are some steps to cook stuffed beef braciole in the oven:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating the oven to the desired temperature. This will ensure that the oven is hot enough for cooking the braciole.
Prepare the Braciole: Lay the beef flat on a cutting board and season it with salt, pepper, and any other preferred seasonings. Spread the filling mixture evenly onto the beef, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the beef tightly and secure it with kitchen twine.
Sear the Braciole: Heat some oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the braciole on all sides until browned. This will help to lock in the flavors and juices.
Transfer to the Oven: Once the braciole is browned, transfer it to the preheated oven. Place the skillet with the braciole in the oven and cook for the recommended amount of time. This will vary depending on the size and thickness of the braciole.
Baste and Rotate: While the braciole is cooking, baste it with any juices that accumulate in the skillet. This will help to keep the braciole moist and flavorful. If the braciole is cooking unevenly, rotate the skillet halfway through the cooking time.
Check for Doneness: To ensure that the braciole is cooked to the desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The beef should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium.
Rest and Serve: Once the braciole is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a moist and tender braciole. Slice the braciole and serve it with your favorite side dishes.
By following these steps and cooking the stuffed beef braciole in the oven, you will have a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to impress your family and guests.
FAQ
What is beef braciole?
Beef braciole is a traditional Italian dish made by rolling up thin slices of beef and stuffing them with a mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and sometimes meats or vegetables.
What ingredients do I need to make stuffed beef braciole?
To make stuffed beef braciole, you will need thin slices of beef, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, herbs (such as parsley and oregano), garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and sometimes additional fillings like prosciutto or vegetables.
Can I cook stuffed beef braciole in the oven?
Yes, you can cook stuffed beef braciole in the oven. After searing the rolled-up beef on the stovetop, transfer it to a baking dish, pour some tomato sauce over it, cover the dish with aluminum foil, and bake it in the oven for about 1-1.5 hours at a temperature of 350°F (180°C).
How long does it take to cook stuffed beef braciole in the oven?
It usually takes about 1-1.5 hours to cook stuffed beef braciole in the oven. However, the exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the beef slices and the oven temperature, so it’s best to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
What can I serve with stuffed beef braciole?
Stuffed beef braciole pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles or pasta, steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh mixed green salad.
What is beef braciole?
Beef braciole is an Italian dish made with thinly sliced beef, typically round or flank steak, that is stuffed and rolled with various fillings, such as breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs. It is then braised in a tomato sauce until tender.
Can I make stuffed beef braciole in the oven?
Yes, you can definitely make stuffed beef braciole in the oven. After searing the stuffed beef rolls on the stovetop, you can transfer them to a baking dish and cook them in the oven at a low temperature for a longer period of time. This will help to ensure that the beef is tender and the flavors meld together.