Rich Barefoot Contessa Beef Braciole Recipe

Succulent beef braciole whispers tales of Italian culinary artistry, transforming humble ingredients into a symphony of flavors.

Rolled with precision and love, these tender meat parcels burst with aromatic herbs and rich fillings.

Every slice tells a story of generations-old cooking traditions passed down through family kitchens.

The magic lies in slow, patient preparation that coaxes deep, complex tastes from simple ingredients.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected fillings dance together, creating a dish that transcends ordinary meal expectations.

Each bite promises a journey through southern Italian cuisine, where simplicity meets sophisticated technique.

You’ll fall in love with this classic recipe that turns dinner into a celebration of taste and tradition.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Barefoot Contessa Beef Braciole Ingredient List

• Beef Top Round or Flank Steak: Choose cuts with minimal fat and consistent texture for tender, lean rolls.
• Salt: Opt for kosher or sea salt for enhanced flavor depth.
• Black Pepper: Select freshly ground for robust, aromatic seasoning.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Select fine, high-quality breadcrumbs and freshly grated parmesan for authentic texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Pick bright green, crisp leaves without wilting for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Choose firm, plump cloves with tight, unbroken skin for potent taste.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for rich, fruity undertones.

• Fresh Tomatoes: Select ripe, deep red tomatoes without bruises for vibrant sauce.
• White Wine: Pick a dry variety like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for balanced acidity.
• Olive Oil: Use high-quality cold-pressed oil for searing and base flavor.

Gear to Prepare Barefoot Contessa Beef Braciole

• Blender: For creating smooth tomato puree.
• Large pot: To simmer and develop tomato sauce.
• Mixing bowl: For combining stuffing ingredients.
• Meat mallet: To tenderize and flatten beef slices.
• Large skillet: For searing and braising beef rolls.
• Butcher's twine or toothpicks: To secure beef rolls during cooking.
• Cutting board: For slicing and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: To slice beef and chop herbs.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring and mixing sauces.
• Grater: To grate parmesan cheese.

How to Cook Barefoot Contessa Beef Braciole

• Create Flavorful Tomato Base

Blend ripe tomatoes into a silky puree, then transfer to a simmering pot. Season with salt and pepper, letting the sauce develop deep, rich flavors on low heat while stirring occasionally.

• Prepare Delicate Beef Slices

Choose tender beef cuts and slice them into thin, uniform pieces. Gently tenderize each slice with a meat mallet, ensuring even thickness. Season both sides with aromatic spices to enhance the meat’s natural flavor.

• Mix Savory Filling

Combine breadcrumbs with fragrant herbs, minced garlic, and grated cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and mix until the stuffing holds together perfectly, creating a mouthwatering blend of textures and tastes.

• Roll and Wrap Beef Parcels

Spread the flavorful filling across each beef slice. Carefully roll the meat, tucking in the edges to keep the delicious stuffing secure inside each tender parcel.

• Brown and Braise Beef Rolls

Sear the beef rolls in a hot skillet until golden brown, creating a beautiful caramelized exterior. Deglaze with white wine, then add the rich tomato sauce. Cover and simmer slowly, allowing the meat to become meltingly tender.

• Finish and Serve

Remove any binding twine from the beef rolls. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and grated cheese. Slice the rolls and plate with a generous helping of the aromatic sauce, ready to be enjoyed immediately.

Tips to Tailor Barefoot Contessa Beef Braciole

• Tenderize Meat Wisely: Pound beef slices gently to prevent tearing, using plastic wrap for easier handling and cleaner workspace.
• Customize Stuffing Flavors: Swap parmesan for pecorino romano, add pine nuts, or mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
• Wine Selection Matters: Choose a dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to enhance the sauce's depth and complement beef's richness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare beef rolls up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator to develop more intense flavors before cooking.

Plating Barefoot Contessa Beef Braciole Like a Pro

• Serve with Rustic Bread: Slice a crusty Italian or French bread to soak up the rich, flavorful tomato sauce. The bread's hearty texture perfectly complements the tender beef rolls.
• Pair with Creamy Polenta: Create a smooth, buttery polenta base that provides a luxurious bed for the beef rolls. The soft, velvety texture balances the meat's robust flavor.
• Match with Green Salad: Toss a light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. The fresh, zesty salad cuts through the richness of the beef rolls, creating a balanced meal.
• Add Wine Accompaniment: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese. The wine's acidity and fruit notes enhance the depth of the tomato sauce and beef's savory profile.

Save and Reheat Barefoot Contessa Beef Braciole

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store leftover beef rolls in an airtight container, keeping them refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. The rich tomato sauce helps maintain moisture and flavor.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Wrap individual beef rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen beef rolls stay delicious for 2-3 months, ready to thaw and reheat whenever craving strikes.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated rolls gently in a covered skillet with a splash of extra tomato sauce. Maintain low heat to prevent drying out the tender meat, stirring occasionally to distribute warmth evenly.
• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare extra beef rolls during weekend cooking sessions. Portion and store separately, creating quick weeknight dinner solutions that save time and deliver gourmet flavors without daily kitchen effort.

Tender Barefoot Contessa Beef Braciole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Classic Italian beef braciole brings tender rolled steak to life with herbed breadcrumb and cheese stuffing. Ina Garten’s signature recipe promises succulent meat that melts in your palate, delivering authentic Mediterranean comfort you will savor completely.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) beef top sirloin roast
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 2 (28 oz/794 g) cans San Marzano tomatoes
• 5 tbsps (75 ml) olive oil
• ½ cup (120 ml) white wine
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ¼ cup (4 tbsps) fresh parsley, minced
• sea salt and cracked pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Blend ripe tomatoes into a smooth puree, transfer to a pot, season with salt and pepper, and simmer on low heat until reduced and concentrated.
2. Meat Preparation: Slice beef thinly, then pound each piece to uniform thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Filling Creation: Mix breadcrumbs, grated cheese, parsley, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper into a unified stuffing blend.
4. Rolling Technique: Spread breadcrumb mixture evenly across each beef slice, then tightly roll into compact cylinders, ensuring uniform filling distribution.
5. Binding and Searing: Secure rolls with kitchen twine, then brown in hot olive oil until developing a golden exterior on all sides.
6. Braising Process: Deglaze pan with white wine, pour tomato sauce over beef rolls, cover, and simmer on low heat for one hour until meat becomes tender and sauce thickens.
7. Serving Presentation: Remove binding twine, garnish with additional grated cheese and fresh parsley, slice carefully, and serve hot with the rich, developed sauce.

Notes

• Meat Tenderizing Technique: Use a sharp knife and meat mallet to create ultra-thin, uniform beef slices ensuring even cooking and tender texture.
• Filling Consistency Tip: Mix breadcrumb ingredients thoroughly to create a cohesive, well-integrated stuffing that prevents crumbling during rolling.
• Searing Strategy: Brown beef rolls on all sides at high heat to develop a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in moisture and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Braising Precision: Maintain low, gentle heat during simmering to transform tough meat into meltingly soft rolls while allowing sauce to develop deep, complex flavors.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg