Braciole di Manzo al Sugo (Italian Stuffed Beef Rolls)
Why this recipe works
- Deep savoury flavour: Browning the beef rolls first adds depth to the sugo, while the white wine helps lift the tomato base.
- Gentle braising: A low, steady simmer tenderises the thin beef rolls without disturbing the filling.
- Improves with resting: The rolls store well in their sauce, making them suitable for cooking ahead and reheating gently.
Get the most out of this recipe
Texture tips
- Keep the simmer low: A gentle simmer is essential; vigorous bubbling can toughen the beef and loosen the rolls.
- Roll tightly: Leave a small border around the filling and roll firmly so the braciole hold their shape in the sauce.
Ingredient notes
- Use thin-cut beef: Thin topside slices are important because they roll neatly and tenderise during the braise.
- Choose a good passata: The sauce is a major part of the dish, so a smooth, well-balanced passata gives the best result.
- Pecorino is saltier: If using Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan, taste before adding extra salt to the filling.
Make-ahead tips
- Cook ahead in the sauce: Braciole can be made in advance and kept in the sugo, which helps protect the meat as it reheats.
- Reheat gently: Warm slowly in a saucepan over low heat, loosening the sauce with a splash of water if needed.
- Freeze after braising: Cool completely, freeze in the sauce, then defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving ideas
- Serve with pasta: Spoon the sugo over pasta and serve the beef rolls alongside for a classic, generous plate.
- Add crusty bread: Bread is ideal for mopping up the rich tomato sauce.
- Finish with basil: Fresh basil added at the end keeps the dish aromatic and bright.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Finely chop the parsley. Finely grate the parmesan, then peel and finely chop 2 garlic cloves (leave 1 clove for the sauce).
- In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the parmesan, chopped parsley, the chopped garlic, 0.5 tsp fine sea salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and rub it through with your fingers so the filling holds together.
- Lay out the beef topside slices and season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. Divide the filling between the slices, leaving a small border, then roll up tightly and secure with cocktail sticks if needed.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef rolls in batches for 6 to 8 minutes total, turning until well coloured all over, then transfer to a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Finely chop the onion and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until soft and lightly golden, then add the remaining garlic clove (finely chopped) and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the dry white wine and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits, until the alcohol smell cooks off.
- Add the tomato passata, 1 tsp fine sea salt and the remaining black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then nestle the beef rolls back into the sauce along with any resting juices.
- Cover and simmer very gently for 55 to 60 minutes, turning the rolls once or twice, until the beef is tender and the sauce is rich. If the sauce thickens too much, loosen with a splash of water from the kettle and keep the simmer low.
- Tear in most of the fresh basil and simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes to finish. Taste and adjust with a little more fine sea salt and black pepper, then serve with the remaining basil scattered over.
Recipe notes
Serving suggestions
This recipe pairs well with:
Tips
- For neat rolls, start rolling from the narrower end and tuck the sides in as you go; secure with cocktail sticks if the slices are very thin.
- Keep the sugo at the gentlest simmer so the beef stays tender and the rolls do not unravel.
- If serving vulnerable groups, make sure the beef is cooked until piping hot throughout before serving.
Substitutions
- Replace Dry White Wine with the same amount of water for an alcohol-free sugo.
- Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano cheese for a saltier, sharper filling.
- Replace Fresh basil with extra Fresh parsley for a more peppery, green finish.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool completely, then refrigerate in the sauce in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed, until piping hot; freeze for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ratings & reviews
Liked this recipe? Share your feedback to support our cooking community.
Tried this recipe?
Choose 1–5 stars. A comment is optional.
Stay inspired
Discover new recipes, seasonal favourites and cooking inspiration every day. Follow JustRecipes on Pinterest and Spillt.
Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 1h 35min (30min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: Italian
-
Allergens:
Gluten Milk Wheat
Plan your meals and get a complete grocery list automatically.
Add to meal plannerEquipment you'll need
Got ingredients left?
Find recipes using ingredients from this recipe or what you already have at home.
Find recipes with these ingredients →Make this recipe easier next time
AdvertisementThese tools help you get better results with less effort.
Misen 8-Inch Chef Knife
- AUS-10 steel
- Balanced design
- Less traditional feel
Titanium & PP Double-Sided Cutting Board
- Separate surfaces for meat and produce
- Resists odors and stains
- Harder on knife edges than wood or plastic
WÜSTHOF Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife
- Excellent build quality
- Reliable edge retention
- Expensive
OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Cutting Board Set
- Two useful sizes with reversible cutting surfaces
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
- Plastic surfaces will show knife marks over time
Enjoy cooking with JustRecipes?
Add JustRecipes as one of your preferred Google sources to discover our recipes more easily across Google Search.
Add JustRecipes to GoogleEvery recipe on JustRecipes follows the same structured editorial process. Learn how recipes are created, validated, translated, illustrated, and continuously improved across the platform. How we create recipes.























