When I first tasted braciole at an Italian family gathering, I was entranced. The tender beef, stuffed with a flavorful filling, was like a warm hug on a chilly evening. I knew right then that I had to recreate this comforting dish in my own kitchen. Fast forward to today, and this stuffed flank steak recipe has become a staple in my home, always evoking smiles and empty plates.
Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight dinner, preparing this braciole recipe is surprisingly easy and oh-so-satisfying. The fragrant blend of garlic, parsley, and Parmesan enveloped in juicy beef creates an explosion of flavor that pairs perfectly with spaghetti and a rich tomato sauce. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Join me on this culinary adventure, and let’s bring the essence of Italian comfort food to your dining table!
Why is this braciole recipe a must-try?
Simplicity at Its Best: This braciole recipe requires minimal prep time, making it an ideal choice for both novice home cooks and seasoned chefs.
Bursting with Flavor: The delightful combination of garlic, parsley, and Parmesan stuffed inside the flank steak ensures every bite is a flavor explosion.
Crowd-Pleaser: Impress family and friends with this hearty dish that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.
Versatile Pairing: Serve it with spaghetti or your favorite side for a complete meal that pleases everyone at the table.
Elevates Home Cooking: Ditch the fast food and enjoy a sumptuous, homemade meal that brings the family together, creating cherished memories around the table.
Braciole Recipe Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need to create this delicious braciole recipe!
For the Filling
- Soft bread crumbs – Essential for binding the flavorful mixture.
- Minced fresh parsley – Adds a burst of herbal freshness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – Provides a rich, savory depth to the stuffing.
- Garlic cloves, minced – Enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic punch.
- Dried oregano – Contributes a classic Italian herb taste.
- Salt – Highlights all the flavors in the filling.
- Pepper – A little kick that balances the richness of the beef.
For the Steak
- Beef flank steak – The star of the dish; its tenderness makes it perfect for rolling.
- Olive oil – Adds moisture and enhances the searing process for extra flavor.
For the Sauce
- Medium onion, chopped – Provides a sweet base note to the sauce.
- Tomato sauce – A comforting, tangy addition that complements the steak beautifully.
- Water – Ensures the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
- Italian seasoning – A blend that infuses the dish with traditional Italian warmth.
- Sugar – Balances acidity in the tomato sauce for a perfect flavor profile.
For Serving
- Hot cooked spaghetti – Optional, but a classic choice to soak up the delicious sauce!
How to Make Braciole
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Preheat your oven to 375°F. This step ensures that your braciole bakes evenly, locking in all those delicious flavors.
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Combine in a bowl the soft bread crumbs, minced parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
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Spread the flavorful mixture over the flank steak, then roll it up tightly from one end to the other, securing it with kitchen twine or toothpicks. This keeps the filling from spilling out during cooking.
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Sear the rolled flank steak by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, cooking the steak until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. This adds a beautiful crust and enhances the flavor.
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Prepare the sauce by combining the chopped onion, tomato sauce, water, Italian seasoning, and the remaining salt and pepper in a baking dish. Place your seared flank steak on top of this savory mixture.
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Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the steak and sprinkle with sugar to balance the flavors.
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Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the top to brown nicely.
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Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing; this helps keep the juices locked inside, making each bite tender and flavorful. Serve it with hot cooked spaghetti for a complete meal!
Optional: Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Braciole Recipe?
Creating a memorable meal is about harmonious pairings that complement your main dish.
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Garlic Bread: This warm, buttery creation perfectly contrasts the savory braciole, providing a delightful crunch that invites you to dig in.
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Fresh Salad: A crisp garden salad with mixed greens and cherry tomatoes adds brightness and a refreshing crunch to balance the rich flavors of the beef.
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Creamy Polenta: Creamy polenta offers a luxurious, smooth texture that absorbs the delicious tomato sauce, making each bite even more pleasurable.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a smoky sweetness that complements the hearty stuffing, ensuring a well-rounded meal filled with nutrients.
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Italian Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese harmonizes beautifully with the braciole, enhancing the rich flavors of the beef and sauce.
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Tiramisu: End your meal on a sweet note with this classic dessert, which brings a creamy, coffee-flavored indulgence that leaves everyone smiling.
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Steamed Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a fresh and textured contrast, enhancing your plate and giving a hint of elegance.
These pairings create a feast that not only delights the taste buds but also nourishes the spirit, inviting warmth and togetherness at your table.
Braciole Recipe Variations
Feel free to explore and personalize this braciole recipe with your own culinary twists!
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Herb-Infused: Add chopped fresh basil or thyme to the filling for an aromatic boost that brings a garden-fresh vibe. The addition of herbs creates a beautiful balance with the flavors of beef and cheese.
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Cheesy Delight: Swap in mozzarella cheese for part of the Parmesan for a gooey, melty texture that will elevate each bite. Your guests will be raving about this extra layer of cheesy goodness!
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate crushed pine nuts or walnuts into the filling to add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tenderness of the meat. It’s a playful texture twist that enhances the eating experience.
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Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, include some crushed red pepper flakes in the filling. Just a pinch will ignite your palate and make this dish delightfully spicy!
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Vegetarian Option: Substitute the flank steak with portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices, and fill them with the same mixture for a delicious plant-based alternative that still captures all the flavors of a classic braciole.
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Saucy Variance: Experiment with different sauces, like a creamy garlic sauce or a homemade pesto, instead of traditional tomato sauce, to create an exciting new flavor profile for your braciole. Each sauce brings its own unique flair!
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Citrus Zest: Add some lemon or orange zest to the filling for a refreshing, citrusy note that brightens up the dish. This subtle addition makes the braciole feel light and uplifting, perfect for any gathering.
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Mushroom Medley: Mix sautéed mushrooms into the stuffing for a richer, earthy flavor that complements the beef perfectly. The mushrooms enhance both the taste and the texture, making every bite a delight.
Tips for the Best Braciole
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Right Cut of Meat: Use flank steak for its tenderness and ability to hold the stuffing; avoid tougher cuts to prevent dry results.
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Searing Technique: Ensure to sear the rolled steak evenly for approximately 5 minutes; this enhances flavor and adds a beautiful crust.
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Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting phase! Allow the steak to sit for 10 minutes post-baking to keep it juicy when sliced.
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Sauce Consistency: Monitor the sauce thickness; if too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before serving.
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Serving Suggestion: Pair your braciole recipe with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to round out the meal beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These braciole recipe steps are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the stuffing and roll the flank steak up to 24 hours in advance; just refrigerate the rolled steak in an airtight container to lock in moisture. For added convenience, the savory sauce can be made ahead as well and stored for up to 3 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply sear the prepared braciole and place it in the sauce for baking. This way, you’ll enjoy just as delicious results with minimal effort on busy weeknights, making family dinners more enjoyable!
How to Store and Freeze Braciole
Fridge: Store leftover braciole in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and ready for a quick reheat.
Freezer: Wrap the braciole tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, storing it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating for best results.
Reheating: To reheat, place the braciole in a baking dish with a splash of tomato sauce, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes until heated through.
Serving Tip: Always slice the braciole after it rests, ensuring the flavors remain intact when enjoying leftovers.
Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right flank steak?
Absolutely! When selecting flank steak, look for a cut that is bright red with little to no dark spots. You want a steak that feels firm and has some marbling of fat for flavor. If possible, try to buy it from a reputable butcher for the best quality.
How do I store leftovers?
For sure! Store leftover stuffed flank steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing. This will keep your delicious braciole recipe fresh and ready to enjoy again!
Can I freeze stuffed flank steak?
Yes! To freeze, first, let the cooked braciole cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe bag, ensuring excess air is removed. This will keep it fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
How do I reheat stuffed flank steak?
Absolutely! To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the stuffed flank steak in a baking dish with a splash of tomato sauce to keep it moist, cover with foil, and bake for about 25 minutes, or until warmed through. This keeps it flavorful and juicy!
What should I do if the filling spills out while cooking?
No worries! If that happens, simply scoop the filling back into the braciole before serving. To prevent this in the future, ensure you roll it tightly and secure the ends very well with twine or toothpicks to hold everything together during cooking.
Is this braciole recipe suitable for people with allergies?
Very! To accommodate those with gluten sensitivities, you can substitute the soft bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs. Just be aware of any other specific allergies from your guests and adjust the recipes accordingly!
Mouthwatering Braciole Recipe for a Cozy Dinner Night
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Combine in a bowl the soft bread crumbs, minced parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
- Spread the mixture over the flank steak, then roll it up tightly and secure it.
- Sear the rolled flank steak in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce by combining the chopped onion, tomato sauce, water, Italian seasoning, and the remaining salt and pepper in a baking dish.
- Place your seared flank steak on top of the sauce mixture.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the steak and sprinkle with sugar.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing.