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The Recipe · No.321 · Braciole

Braciole, and where to source it

Braciole — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Braciole Italian 5best2buy.com

Pound the beef thin and even so it rolls tight and cooks through; a thick slice stays tough no matter how long it braises. Brown the rolls hard before they go in the sauce, then hold a bare simmer for two hours, because a boil turns the collagen rubbery instead of silky.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep30 min
Cook2 hr 30 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineItalian
Cost$$$
Contains  dairy · gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Beef top round
Thin slices pounded flat; pasture-raised beef braises down tender and beefy.
1.5 lb, thin slices
Breadcrumbs
The base of the filling, seasoned and bound so it stays put as it rolls.
1 cup
Parmigiano-Reggiano
Grated into the filling for savory depth.
1/2 cup grated
Canned tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes make the long-simmered gravy the rolls braise in.
1 can (28 oz)
Olive oil
For browning the rolls and softening the aromatics.
3 tbsp
Garlic, parsley, and red wine
Garlic and parsley in the filling, 1/2 cup red wine to deglaze.
4 cloves, handful parsley, 1/2 cup wine
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortA project
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Make the fillingMix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, and olive oil into a moist filling. Season well.
  2. Roll and tiePound the beef to 1/4 inch, spread filling thin, roll tight, and tie with twine or secure with toothpicks.
  3. BrownBrown the rolls in oil on all sides, then remove; deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping the fond.
  4. BraiseAdd crushed tomatoes, return the rolls, cover, and simmer 2 to 2.5 hours until fork-tender. Snip the twine before serving.
The Toolkit

Kitchen twine · Meat mallet · Dutch oven · Tongs

Straight Answers
Can you make Braciole in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Braciole? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Braciole ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Braciole gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).

Is Braciole vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.321

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