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NONNA'S BEEF ROLLS

This classic dish carries the flavor of family Sundays, the scent of simmering tomato sauce filling the home, and the joy of long meals shared together.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Notes

Ingredients

  • 4 beef slices (about 5 oz each, palettina or pezza a cannello)
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts
  • 2 tbsp raisins (pass grapes)
  • ¼ cup (2 oz) grated pecorino cheese
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 3 cups (25 oz) tomato puree
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

🥩 Method

Step 1: Prepare the Beef
  • Flatten each slice of beef using a meat mallet until about ¼ inch thick. This helps with even cooking and easy rolling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
  • In a small bowl, mix raisins, pine nuts, pecorino cheese, garlic, and parsley. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Roll the Braciole
  • Spread a portion of the filling onto each beef slice. Roll tightly and secure each roll with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
Step 4: Sear the Rolls
  • In a large pot, heat olive oil and brown the braciole on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
  • In the same pot, sauté the onion until soft. Add the white wine and simmer until the alcohol evaporates.
  • Pour in the tomato puree, season with salt, pepper, and torn basil leaves. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Simmer the Braciole
  • Return the beef rolls to the pot, nestling them into the sauce.
  • Cover and cook on a very low flame for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The meat will become tender and deeply flavored by the sauce.
Step 7: Serve
  • Serve the braciole hot with a spoonful of sauce. You may also toss cooked pasta in the ragù as a first course.
Keyword braciole, beef rolls, braciole di manzo,