Classic Barefoot Contessa Beef Braciole Recipe

Beef braciole represents a beloved Italian-American classic that transforms humble meat into a spectacular dining experience.

Southern Italian kitchens perfected this rolled and stuffed meat delicacy generations ago.

Skilled cooks carefully layer thin beef slices with aromatic herbs and salty cured meats.

Each roll becomes a compact bundle of robust flavors and tender textures.

Carefully selected ingredients create a harmonious blend that elevates simple proteins into something truly memorable.

What Makes Barefoot Contessa’s Beef Braciole So Good

• Savor Rich, Layered Flavors: This beef braciole bursts with intense Italian-inspired taste combinations from the savory prosciutto, aromatic garlic, fresh parsley, and melted cheese that create a complex flavor profile in every single bite.
• Enjoy Tender, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Slow braising transforms tough beef cuts into incredibly soft, succulent rolls that practically dissolve on your tongue after simmering in a robust wine and tomato sauce for nearly two hours.
• Master an Impressive Cooking Technique: Rolling and stuffing meat might seem complicated, but this recipe breaks down the process into simple steps that even novice cooks can confidently execute, delivering a restaurant-quality dish right from your home kitchen.
• Create a Comforting Weekend Meal: Perfect for Sunday dinners or special gatherings, this hearty Italian classic brings families together with its warm, inviting aromas and rich, satisfying flavors that feel like a culinary hug on a plate.

Braciole Ingredients You’ll Crave

• Beef: Tender cut perfect for rolling, choose flank steak or top round for best results.
• Prosciutto: Thin Italian ham adds rich flavor and moisture to the beef rolls.

• Garlic: Fresh cloves provide aromatic depth, choose firm and plump heads.
• Parsley: Fresh herb adds bright green color and herbal freshness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp Italian cheese brings saltiness and depth to the filling.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the filling and provides texture.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning beef rolls and creating rich base.
• Red Wine: Adds depth and helps tenderize the meat, choose dry variety.
• Beef Broth: Provides additional liquid and enhances meat flavor.
• Canned Tomatoes: Creates robust sauce base with slight acidity.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that adds traditional Mediterranean flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Used to create sauce thickening slurry.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout cooking process.

Step-by-Step Braciole Prep

Step 1: Prepare Beef Cutlets

Gently slice beef into 12 even pieces. Place each piece between plastic wrap and pound until thin and uniform using a meat mallet.

Step 2: Mince and Slice Garlic

Divide garlic into two portions. Finely mince 4 cloves and slice the remaining 8 cloves.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Filling

• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Grated cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Step 4: Assemble Beef Rolls

Lay out each beef slice and top with a prosciutto slice. Sprinkle the prepared filling evenly across the surface. Carefully roll each piece into a tight cylinder.

Step 5: Secure Beef Rolls

Use toothpicks to secure the rolled beef, preventing filling from spilling during cooking.

Step 6: Brown Beef Rolls

Heat olive oil in a large pot. Carefully brown beef rolls on all sides until golden and crispy.

Step 7: Create Braising Liquid

• White wine
• Sliced garlic
• Beef broth
• Crushed tomatoes
• Italian seasoning

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 8: Slow Cook Beef Rolls

Return beef rolls to the pot. Cover and simmer on low heat for approximately 1 1/2 hours until meat becomes tender.

Step 9: Thicken Sauce

Create a slurry by mixing flour with hot cooking liquid. Gradually add back to the pot and simmer until sauce reaches desired consistency.

Step 10: Final Seasoning and Serving

Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Remove toothpicks carefully. Serve hot over pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated cheese if desired.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Roll

• Tenderize with Precision: Pound the beef slices between plastic wrap to create a consistent thickness, helping the meat cook evenly and absorb more flavor.
• Roll Like a Pro: Wrap the filling tightly and secure with kitchen twine instead of toothpicks for a more professional and safer presentation.
• Sauce Magic: Choose a rich, robust red wine that complements the beef, enhancing the overall depth of the braciole's flavor profile.
• Low and Slow Wins: Maintain a gentle simmer to break down the meat's tough connective tissues, ensuring melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
• Make-Ahead Miracle: Prepare the braciole a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste.

How to Store This Hearty Favorite

• Refrigeration Seal: Wrap individual slices of Beef Braciole tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in an airtight container. This technique prevents moisture loss and protects the meat's delicate texture, keeping each slice as juicy and flavorful as when first prepared.
• Freezer Preservation: Separate braciole slices with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air to minimize freezer burn and maintain the dish's rich, tender quality for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Strategy: Thaw frozen braciole overnight in the refrigerator, then gently reheat in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.

Italian-Inspired Variations

• Mediterranean Lamb Braciole: Swap beef with thin-sliced lamb, add mint and feta cheese to the filling, and use oregano instead of Italian seasoning for a Greek-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Spinach Rolls: Replace beef with large eggplant slices, stuff with ricotta, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts, then bake in marinara sauce for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Chorizo Braciole: Use thin flank steak, incorporate diced Spanish chorizo into the filling, mix in smoked paprika, and serve with saffron rice for a bold, zesty meal.
• Chicken Mushroom Braciole: Substitute beef with butterflied chicken breasts, mix mushrooms and thyme into the filling, and use white wine instead of red for a lighter preparation.

Beef Braciole, the Finale

Barefoot Contessa’s beef braciole whispers tales of Italian culinary heritage, presenting a masterpiece that satisfies hunger and soul.

Tender beef rolls nestle in rich, aromatic sauce, promising comfort with each delectable bite.

Layers of prosciutto, herbs, and cheese create complex flavor profiles that dance across palates.

Mediterranean influences shine through this classic recipe, connecting generations of home cooks.

Careful preparation rewards diners with a luxurious meal that feels both rustic and refined.

Passionate cooks will discover pure joy in crafting this extraordinary dish – so snap a photo, share your culinary adventure, and inspire fellow kitchen enthusiasts to embrace this remarkable recipe.

Low Carb Keto Pita Bread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean-inspired keto pita bread delivers guilt-free comfort without wheat flour. Crisp edges and pillowy center make this low-carb alternative perfect for wraps, dips, and Mediterranean-style meals you’ll savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 100 grams (1 cup) blanched almond flour
• 30 grams (¼ cup) whey protein powder
• 3 large egg whites
• 120 milliliters (½ cup) boiling water

Binding and Texture Agents:

• 24 grams (3 tablespoons) psyllium husk powder
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Liquid and Oil Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly combine the dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking almond flour, whey protein powder, psyllium husk, baking powder, and sea salt until uniformly blended.
2. Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and introduce avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, and egg whites, stirring gently to integrate all components.
3. Gradually stream boiling water into the mixture while using a hand mixer on low speed, blending for approximately 60 seconds to ensure proper hydration without overworking the dough.
4. Allow the dough to rest for 2-3 minutes, enabling the psyllium husk to absorb moisture and stabilize the mixture’s consistency.
5. Prepare two sheets of lightly oiled parchment paper, dividing the dough into 6 equal portions and placing each ball between the paper sheets.
6. Carefully roll each dough ball to a uniform thickness of 3 millimeters (1/8 inch) or 6 millimeters (1/4 inch) for a more substantial flatbread texture.
7. Position the delicate flatbreads onto preheated baking sheets lined with parchment, maintaining a 5 centimeters (2 inches) spacing between each piece.
8. Slide the trays into a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit), rotating the sheets midway through the 15-minute baking period to ensure even browning.
9. Remove from the oven when the flatbreads appear firm and slightly golden, allowing them to cool for several minutes before serving.

Notes

• Keep the dough thickness consistent for uniform baking, aiming for 3-6mm to achieve perfectly soft or slightly thicker pita bread.
• Stir ingredients gently to prevent over-mixing, which can create a tough, dense texture that ruins the bread’s delicate structure.
• Psyllium husk acts as a magical binding agent, transforming potentially crumbly dough into a flexible, pliable bread that stretches beautifully.
• Select ultra-fine almond flour to guarantee a light, airy texture that mimics traditional wheat-based pita breads.
• Parchment paper becomes your secret weapon, ensuring even baking and preventing any frustrating sticking moments during preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 183
• Sugar: 0.8g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Carbohydrates: 9.1g
• Fiber: 5.6g
• Protein: 8.1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg