Recipe

Weeknight-Friendly Braciole

Traditional Italian beef braciole simmered in a bright tomato sauce, made doable for a busy night with smart prep and big flavor.

By Matt Campbell

•

4.8

A real photo of sliced beef braciole in a shallow bowl with tomato sauce and grated Parmesan, with a spoon resting on the edge

Jump to Recipe

Braciole is one of those dishes that sounds like a Sunday-only project. Thin beef rolled up with a garlicky, herby filling, then braised in tomato sauce until it turns spoon-tender. The vibe is old-school Italian comfort, but you do not need all day to pull it off.

This weeknight-friendly version keeps it traditional and authentic where it counts (the roll, the filling, the simmered sauce), then trims the timeline with two very legal home-cook moves: using thin cutlets that cook faster and building a quick, flavor-forward tomato sauce that tastes like it has been quietly bubbling since noon.

Expect cozy carbs, a bright sauce, and those crisp little edges where the beef sears before it braises. And yes, you should taste as you go. That is not cheating. That is cooking.

A real photo of a cutting board with thin beef cutlets, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, and minced garlic ready for assembling braciole

Why It Works

Traditional flavor without the marathon: Thin beef cutlets roll easily and braise in under an hour.
Real-deal texture: A quick sear gives you savory depth and helps the rolls stay together in the sauce.
Bright, balanced sauce: Tomato, garlic, and basil with a small splash of wine (optional) for lift, not sweetness.
Weeknight flexibility: You can assemble the rolls up to 24 hours ahead and simmer when you are ready.

Pairs Well With

Creamy Polenta
Toasted Garlic Bread
Arugula Salad with Lemon
Spaghetti for Sauce-Sopping

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Store braciole and sauce together in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavor gets even better on day two.

Freeze: Freeze cooled braciole in sauce for up to 3 months. (Sauce protects the meat from drying out.) Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheat: Warm gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth, 10 to 15 minutes over low heat, until hot throughout. Microwave works too, but stovetop keeps the meat tender.

Leftover magic: Slice and tuck into a hoagie roll with extra sauce and provolone, then broil until bubbly.

Common Questions

What cut of beef is best for braciole?

Traditionally you want thin, rollable beef like top round or bottom round. For weeknights, look for thin-sliced top round, sirloin cutlets, or even butterflied flank steak pounded thin. The key is thin and even so it braises fast and slices clean.

Do I have to use toothpicks or kitchen twine?

You need something to hold the rolls. Toothpicks are quickest and totally fine. If you have twine, it is more secure and easier to remove cleanly, but it takes a minute longer.

Can I make braciole ahead of time?

Yes. You can roll and secure the braciole up to 24 hours ahead, then sear and simmer when dinner happens. You can also cook the full dish a day ahead and reheat gently. It is one of those meals that loves a second chance.

Why is my braciole tough?

Tough braciole usually means one of two things: the meat was cut too thick or it did not braise long enough. Make sure your cutlets are thin (about 1/4 inch), and simmer gently until a knife slides in easily.

Is there a traditional filling?

There are a lot of authentic variations by region and family. A classic, widely recognized combo is garlic, parsley, grated cheese, and breadcrumbs, sometimes with pine nuts or raisins. This recipe sticks to the savory core and keeps it weeknight-simple.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Large skillet or Dutch oven with lid (12-inch is ideal)
Meat mallet or rolling pin (for pounding cutlets evenly)
Cutting board and sharp knife
Toothpicks or kitchen twine
Tongs
Measuring cups and spoons

The first time I tried making braciole, I treated it like a big, ceremonial weekend thing. I made a mess, underestimated how slippery raw cutlets can be, and learned that toothpicks are not optional when your roll has dreams of escaping. But the second time I made it, I took a breath, pounded the beef thinner, kept the filling simple, and let the sauce do the heavy lifting. Now it is one of my favorite “looks impressive, actually manageable” dinners. It feels like you cooked with your whole heart, even if you started at 5:45.

Weeknight-Friendly Braciole

(4.8 Reviews)

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

For the braciole

4 thin beef cutlets (top round or sirloin), about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds total
1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (or plain)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil (for the filling)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)

For the sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, or use beef broth)
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
6 to 8 fresh basil leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)

To serve

Cooked spaghetti, polenta, or mashed potatoes
Extra basil or parsley (optional)

Instructions

Pound and season the beef. Lay cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment and pound to an even thickness, about 1/4 inch. Season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
Make the filling. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You are going for a damp, packable “wet sand” texture that you can press onto the meat.
Roll the braciole. Press a thin, even layer of filling over each cutlet, leaving a small border. Roll up tightly from the short end (like a jelly roll) and secure with toothpicks or tie with kitchen twine.
Sear for flavor. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear braciole on all sides until browned, 6 to 8 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
Build the sauce. Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, then onion. Cook 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Deglaze. Pour in wine (or broth) and scrape up browned bits. Simmer 1 to 2 minutes.
Simmer. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt. Stir, then nestle the braciole back into the sauce. Add basil leaves on top.
Braise until tender. Cover and simmer gently over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, turning the rolls once halfway through. The braciole is ready when a knife slides in easily.
Finish and serve. Taste sauce and adjust salt. Remove toothpicks or twine. Slice braciole into thick rounds, spoon sauce over top, and shower with extra Parmesan. Serve with spaghetti, polenta, or your favorite cozy carb.

A real photo of beef braciole rolls simmering in a tomato sauce in a Dutch oven with a wooden spoon nearby

Nutrition information is estimated.

Did you make this? Tag @Mom's Best Recipes