Mediterranean Beef Braciole

This Mediterranean Beef Braciole is a hearty and comforting main dish. We prepare this braciole with thinly sliced top round beef, fresh spinach, feta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts, parsley, basil, oregano, extra virgin olive oil, and a rich homemade tomato sauce. This braciole contains approximately 8 g net carbs and 430 calories. This braciole takes about 2 hours and 5 minutes. This Mediterranean Beef Braciole is an excellent choice for Sunday dinners, family meals, holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or special occasions. You can serve this braciole with whole wheat spaghetti, creamy Parmesan polenta, roasted vegetables, Greek salad, or crusty whole-grain bread.

STATS:

• Course: Main Course
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Diet: Mediterranean
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
• Servings: 6
• Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Portion Size: 1 beef roll
• Cooking Method: Stovetop
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Difficulty: Intermediate

TOOLS:

• Meat mallet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Toothpicks
• Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Tongs

INGREDIENTS:

BEEF ROLLS:

• 2 pounds top round beef
• Olive oil, two tbsp.
• Two cups spinach
• Half a cup of feta cheese
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• 3 garlic cloves
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• 1 tablespoon basil
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

TOMATO SAUCE:

• Two tbsp. olive oil
• One onion
• Three garlic cloves
• One can of crushed tomatoes
• Two tbsp. tomato paste
• Half a cup of beef broth
• Black Pepper
• Half a cup of dry red wine
• One tsp. basil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt

GARNISH:

• 2 tablespoons parsley
• 2 tablespoons basil ribbons
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

INGREDIENT NOTES & THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS:

TOP ROUND BEEF:

• Top round beef is used because it becomes tender during slow braising and rolls easily around the filling.

SPINACH:

• Spinach adds freshness, color, and nutrients to the filling while keeping it moist. As a substitute, use kale, Swiss chard, or arugula.

PARMESAN CHEESE:

• Parmesan adds a rich, savory, and nutty flavor to the filling. Alternatively, use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.

PINE NUTS:

• Pine nuts give the filling a buttery flavor and a delicate crunch. You can replace them with chopped walnuts, almonds, or pistachios.

OLIVE OIL:

• Extra virgin olive oil enhances the Mediterranean flavor while adding heart-healthy fats.

RED WINE:

• Red wine deepens the richness of the tomato sauce during braising. If preferred, replace it with an equal amount of beef broth.

FRESH HERBS:

• Fresh basil and parsley provide bright flavor and aroma to the dish.

BEEF BROTH:

• Beef broth enriches the sauce with savory depth while keeping the braciole tender. Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. First, pound 1/4 inch thick slices of the beef, then season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Mix spinach, feta, Parmesan, garlic, pine nuts, oregano, parsley, and basil in the bowl.
3. Spread the filling on the beef slices and leave some border on the edges, then roll the slices and secure with toothpicks.
4. Warm olive oil in the oven on medium-high heat and brown the beef rolls for 3 minutes.
5. Cook onion for five minutes in the same pot and garlic for 30 seconds.
6. Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, wine, basil, Italian seasoning, paprika, and bay leaf to simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Put the beef rolls in the sauce and cover to cook for 90 minutes on low flame.
8. Take out the bay leaf & adjust the seasonings.
9. Lastly, garnish the dish with parsley, basil, and parmesan, then serve.

TIPS:

• You can toast the pine nuts for additional flavor.
• Cool the braciole for almost five minutes and then eat.
• Include fresh herbs and then serve for a perfect taste.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

PASTA PAIRINGS:

• Whole Wheat Spaghetti
• Whole Wheat Fettuccine
• Pappardelle
• Whole Wheat Linguine
• Penne Rigate

GRAIN & STARCH SIDES:

• Creamy Parmesan Polenta
• Lemon Herb Couscous
• Brown Rice Pilaf
• Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
• Roasted Baby Potatoes

MEDITERRANEAN VEGETABLE SIDES:

• Grilled Zucchini & Eggplant
• Roasted Asparagus
• Garlic Green Beans
• Mediterranean Roasted Broccoli
• Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

FRESH SALADS:

• Greek Salad
• Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
• Arugula Parmesan Salad
• Italian Chopped Salad
• Mixed Greens with Lemon Vinaigrette

BREAD & LIGHT SIDES:

• Whole-Grain Crusty Bread
• Rosemary Focaccia
• Garlic Herb Breadsticks
• Olive Bread
• Toasted Whole Wheat Ciabatta

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

• Put this braciole in a closed box and stock it for a minimum of 2 to 4 days.

FREEZER:

• Add the braciole and sauce in the vessel and stock it for 2-3 months.

FAQs:

Can I make this recipe earlier than required time?

• Yes, you can prepare it earlier because cooling improves the flavor.

Is wine good to exclude from this recipe?

• Yes, you may use beef broth as a replacement.

Can I bake these rolls instead of cooking?

• Yes, you may bake them for two hours at 325°F.

NUTRITIONAL FACTS:

Calories: 430 kcal

Sodium: 590 mg

Net Carbs: 8 g

Fiber: 2 g

Sugar: 5 g

Fat: 24 g

Protein: 43 g

Overall Carbs: 10 g

Portion Size: 1 beef braciole roll