🎉 Introduction
Braciole with tomato sauce is a timeless Italian-inspired comfort dish known for its rich flavor, tender texture, and slow-simmered goodness. Thinly pounded flank steak is rolled with a savory breadcrumb and cheese filling, gently seared, then cooked low and slow in a flavorful tomato sauce until melt-in-your-mouth tender.
This recipe delivers all the traditional depth and heart of classic braciole while keeping everything simple and family-friendly. Instead of alcohol, we use a flavorful non-alcoholic liquid to enhance the sauce without changing its soul. The result is a comforting, elegant meal perfect for Sunday dinners, special occasions, or whenever you crave something truly satisfying.
If you’re looking for a hearty, homemade dish that feels both rustic and refined, this braciole with tomato sauce is a must-try.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Sharp knife
- Meat mallet
- Cutting board
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Kitchen twine or toothpicks
- Measuring cups and spoons
🛒 Ingredients
Meat
- 2¼ lb flank steak, butterflied and thinly pounded
Filling
- ⅓ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup grated provolone cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 3 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (used as a non-alcoholic replacement)
Cooking Fat
- 2 tablespoons butter
These ingredients create a tender, savory, and deeply comforting braciole.
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1:
Place the flank steak on a cutting board and pound it evenly to about ¼-inch thickness.
Step 2:
Season the steak lightly with salt and black pepper.
Step 3:
In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, provolone cheese, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4:
Spread the filling evenly over the steak, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 5:
Starting from the short end, tightly roll the steak into a log.
Step 6:
Secure the roll with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
Step 7:
Heat the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Step 8:
Add the braciole and sear on all sides until browned.
Step 9:
Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring gently.
Step 10:
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 11:
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, turning the braciole occasionally.
Step 12:
Once the meat is fork-tender, remove from heat.
Step 13:
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 14:
Remove twine or toothpicks, slice into rounds, and spoon sauce over the top.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1½–2 hours
- Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
Perfect for comforting family dinners or special meals.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. - Freezer:
Freeze sliced braciole with sauce for up to 2 months. - Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.
🥄 Variations
- Extra cheesy: Increase provolone slightly
- Garlic-forward: Add an extra garlic clove
- Sauce-heavy: Add more tomato sauce
- Herb twist: Add basil to the filling
- Slow cooker: Cook on low for 6–7 hours
These variations keep the heart of braciole while allowing flexibility.
❓ 10 FAQs
- What cut of meat works best?
Flank steak is traditional and perfect. - Why pound the steak thin?
It ensures tenderness and even cooking. - Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day. - Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s rich but not spicy. - Why replace wine with broth?
It adds depth without alcohol. - Can I bake instead of stovetop?
Yes, covered at low heat. - Does it need long cooking?
Yes, slow cooking makes it tender. - Can I slice before serving?
Yes, always slice after resting. - Does the sauce thicken naturally?
Yes, as it simmers. - Is this a traditional-style dish?
Yes, inspired by classic braciole.
🏁 Conclusion
This braciole with tomato sauce is a comforting classic that brings warmth, tradition, and deep flavor to the table. Tender beef, cheesy filling, and slow-simmered sauce make it a dish worth savoring. Whether for a special dinner or a cozy family meal, this recipe delivers timeless comfort in every bite.
Braciole with Tomato Sauce – Tender, Classic & Slow-Simmered Comfort
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the flank steak on a cutting board and pound it evenly to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Season the steak lightly with salt and black pepper.
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, provolone cheese, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread the filling evenly over the steak, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from the short end, tightly roll the steak into a log.
- Secure the roll with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
- Heat the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the braciole and sear on all sides until browned.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring gently.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, turning the braciole occasionally.
- Once the meat is fork-tender, remove from heat.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Remove twine or toothpicks, slice into rounds, and spoon sauce over the top.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer:
Freeze sliced braciole with sauce for up to 2 months. Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through. 🥄 Variations Extra cheesy: Increase provolone slightly Garlic-forward: Add an extra garlic clove Sauce-heavy: Add more tomato sauce Herb twist: Add basil to the filling Slow cooker: Cook on low for 6–7 hours These variations keep the heart of braciole while allowing flexibility. ❓ 10 FAQs What cut of meat works best?
Flank steak is traditional and perfect. Why pound the steak thin?
It ensures tenderness and even cooking. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s rich but not spicy. Why replace wine with broth?
It adds depth without alcohol. Can I bake instead of stovetop?
Yes, covered at low heat. Does it need long cooking?
Yes, slow cooking makes it tender. Can I slice before serving?
Yes, always slice after resting. Does the sauce thicken naturally?
Yes, as it simmers. Is this a traditional-style dish?
Yes, inspired by classic braciole. 🏁 Conclusion This braciole with tomato sauce is a comforting classic that brings warmth, tradition, and deep flavor to the table. Tender beef, cheesy filling, and slow-simmered sauce make it a dish worth savoring. Whether for a special dinner or a cozy family meal, this recipe delivers timeless comfort in every bite.
