There’s something magical about slow-cooked meals that fill our homes with irresistible aromas, and braciole is no exception. This classic Italian dish, featuring tender beef rolled with a savory filling, feels like a warm hug on a plate. While traditionally prepared in the oven, we’re taking a modern twist by using a crock pot to make it even simpler without sacrificing any of the rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Crafting the perfect braciole in a crock pot requires quality ingredients and attention to detail. Here’s everything we need to create this flavorful Italian dish:
For The Braciole
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak – pounded to ¼-inch thickness
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs – fresh or store-bought
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – packed with flavor
- 2 cloves garlic – finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley – chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for searing the beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Kitchen twine – for securing the rolled steak
For The Sauce
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes – San Marzano preferred
- 1 small onion – finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic – minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes – optional, for heat
- ½ teaspoon sugar – balances acidity
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing
- ½ cup dry red wine – enhances depth of flavor
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Each of these components works together to build an authentic, rich Italian meal with perfectly balanced flavors.
Tools And Equipment
To make braciole in a crock pot, we need a few essential tools to ensure the process is smooth and efficient. For those who want to elevate their experience, there are optional tools that can add convenience and precision.
Essential Tools
Here are the must-have tools for preparing and cooking braciole in a crock pot:
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: For butterflying the flank steak and finely chopping fresh herbs.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy board for meat preparation and slicing after cooking.
- Meat Mallet: To pound the flank steak evenly, ensuring it’s tender and thin enough to roll.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings for the filling.
- Kitchen Twine: Essential for securing the braciole rolls to keep the filling intact during cooking.
- Crock Pot or Slow Cooker: The star of this recipe, providing even, slow cooking to make the beef incredibly tender.
- Tongs: To easily handle and place the braciole into the crock pot or remove them once cooked.
Optional Tools
While not mandatory, having these tools can make the preparation more convenient:
- Cast Iron Skillet: Perfect for browning the braciole rolls before adding them to the crock pot for an extra layer of flavor.
- Meat Thermometer: To check the internal temperature if desired. Aim for 145°F for perfectly cooked beef, per USDA guidelines.
- Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring the sauce in the crock pot, ensuring nothing sticks to the sides.
- Food Processor: Useful for finely chopping garlic or parsley quickly if you prefer consistency.
- Storage Containers: For storing leftovers or preparing the braciole rolls ahead of time.
Tools Overview Table
To summarize the tools:
| Tool | Purpose | Essential/Optional |
|---|---|---|
| Chef’s Knife | Butterflying and chopping ingredients | Essential |
| Cutting Board | Preparing and slicing meat | Essential |
| Meat Mallet | Tenderizing and thinning steak | Essential |
| Mixing Bowl | Combining filling ingredients | Essential |
| Kitchen Twine | Securing the rolled braciole | Essential |
| Crock Pot | Slow cooking the beef | Essential |
| Tongs | Handling the rolls safely | Essential |
| Cast Iron Skillet | Browning the rolls for added flavor | Optional |
| Meat Thermometer | Checking the internal temperature | Optional |
| Silicone Spatula | Stirring the sauce without scratching the pot | Optional |
| Food Processor | Chopping ingredients for consistency | Optional |
| Storage Containers | Prepping or saving leftovers | Optional |
Directions
Making braciole in a crock pot is a process that guarantees tender, flavorful results. Follow these step-by-step directions to bring this classic Italian dish to life with minimal hands-on time.
Prep The Ingredients
- Lay the flank steak flat on a clean cutting board. Use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat.
- Cover the steak with plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound it to about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and makes it easy to roll.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Mix well to create the filling.
- Gather your seasoning: salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Set aside for later use.
Assemble The Braciole
- Lay the prepared flank steak on the board. Spread an even layer of the breadcrumb mixture onto the surface, leaving about a 1-inch border along the edges for easier rolling.
- Starting from one end, carefully roll the steak into a tight cylinder.
- Use kitchen twine to tie the rolled steak securely. Aim for three to four ties spaced evenly to prevent the roll from unwrapping during cooking.
Sear The Braciole
- Set a cast-iron skillet or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and let it heat until shimmering.
- Place the braciole gently in the skillet. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until browned evenly.
- Use tongs to rotate the braciole. Once browned, remove it from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
“Browning seals in the juices and gives the braciole a rich, caramelized flavor.”
Prepare The Sauce
- In the same skillet, add 1 small diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in 1 cup beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon for extra flavor.
- Stir in 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
Slow Cook In The Crock Pot
- Transfer the seared braciole into the crock pot. Pour the prepared sauce over the meat, ensuring it’s fully submerged.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours. The long cooking time will make the meat incredibly tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the braciole reaches 145°F for doneness.
- Once done, remove the braciole from the pot. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into 1/2-inch-thick medallions. Serve with the sauce spooned over the top.
| Setting | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| LOW | 6-8 hours |
| HIGH | 4-5 hours |
Make-Ahead Instructions
Planning ahead is key to simplifying the process of making braciole in a crock pot. Follow these make-ahead strategies for effortless preparation and storage.
Preparing In Advance
To streamline the cooking process, we recommend assembling your braciole up to a day in advance. Here’s how:
- Prepare the steak: Trim and pound the flank steak as directed. Layer the filling, roll tightly, and secure with kitchen twine.
- Optional searing: Sear the rolled braciole in a hot skillet to lock in flavor (this step can also be done ahead). Let it cool before storing.
- Sauce prep: Chop onions and garlic, and portion out the remaining sauce ingredients beforehand. We suggest mixing the sauce ingredients together in a bowl for easy pouring when ready to cook.
Once these steps are complete, transfer the assembled, cooled braciole and prepared sauce into airtight containers and refrigerate. This prepped version can go straight into the crock pot when it’s time to cook.
Storing Tips
Proper storage is essential to maintain freshness for make-ahead braciole.
- Refrigeration: Store prepped braciole and sauce in separate, airtight containers in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Freezing option: Want to plan further ahead? Freeze the assembled, uncooked braciole by tightly wrapping it in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and use within 2–3 months for optimal quality.
- Thawing frozen braciole: Transfer the frozen braciole to the refrigerator to thaw overnight before cooking. Avoid microwaving, as it can affect the texture.
Serving Suggestions
A perfectly cooked braciole in a crock pot is a delight on its own, but pairing it thoughtfully and garnishing it creatively elevates the experience to a restaurant-quality meal. Let’s explore side dishes and garnishing ideas that bring out the best in this classic Italian dish.
Pairing With Side Dishes
When it comes to pairing side dishes with braciole, the goal is to complement the tender beef, savory filling, and rich sauce with textures and flavors that enhance, not overshadow, the dish. Here are our top suggestions:
- Creamy Polenta: A soft, buttery polenta is a classic pairing, soaking up the flavorful sauce beautifully. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra touch.
- Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes balance the hearty braciole, creating a comforting and indulgent meal.
- Al Dente Pasta: Serve the braciole over spaghetti, rigatoni, or fettuccine, tossed lightly in olive oil or the tomato sauce from the crock pot.
- Italian Risotto: A rich, creamy mushroom or Parmesan risotto complements the meatiness of the braciole.
- Steamed Vegetables: Light steamed options like green beans, asparagus, or broccoli offer freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: A rustic loaf or focaccia makes a perfect tool to mop up the flavorful sauce, ensuring no drop goes to waste.
Below is a quick summary of side options:
| Side Dish | Flavor Profile | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy Polenta | Buttery, silky | Absorbs sauce and adds richness |
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Savory, creamy | Balances hearty, meaty flavors |
| Al Dente Pasta | Neutral, slightly chewy | Enhances sauce and texture |
| Mushroom Risotto | Umami-rich, creamy | Matches braciole’s earthy tones |
| Steamed Vegetables | Fresh, crisp | Adds freshness and counterbalances richness |
| Crusty Bread | Rustic, chewy | Ideal for soaking up the savory sauce |
Garnishing Ideas
Garnishing braciole not only enhances its visual appeal but also adds complementary flavors and textures. Try these finishing touches to complete the dish:
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, basil, or oregano over the braciole for a burst of color and a fresh, aromatic note.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory, nutty depth.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a hint of heat, sprinkle on just before serving.
- Drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds a luxurious finish and enhances the sauce’s richness.
- Lemon Zest: Add a zest of lemon for a bright, citrusy contrast to the deep, savory flavors.
For a truly elegant presentation, arrange the sliced braciole on a platter, lightly spoon the sauce over the top, and finish with a mix of fresh herbs, grated Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil. Guests will be as impressed by the stunning appearance as they are by the dish’s delicious flavors.
Conclusion
Braciole made in a crock pot brings together the best of tradition and convenience, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. With the right tools, ingredients, and a little patience, we can enjoy a perfectly tender and aromatic meal that feels like a warm embrace from Italy.
Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. By pairing it with complementary sides and garnishes, we can elevate the experience even further. Let’s savor every bite and celebrate the joy of slow-cooked perfection!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is braciole?
Braciole is a classic Italian dish made with thinly sliced beef, such as flank steak, filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and seasonings, then rolled, tied, and slow-cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce.
Can braciole be made in a crock pot?
Yes! Making braciole in a crock pot simplifies the process while preserving its authentic flavors. After preparing and searing the braciole, it can be slow-cooked in a crock pot for perfectly tender results.
What ingredients are needed for braciole?
Key ingredients include flank steak, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, seasonings, crushed tomatoes, onions, garlic, and beef broth for the accompanying sauce.
What tools are essential for making braciole?
Essential tools include a sharp chef’s knife, cutting board, meat mallet, kitchen twine, mixing bowl, crock pot, and tongs. Optional tools like a cast iron skillet or meat thermometer can enhance the process.
How long does it take to cook braciole in a crock pot?
Cook braciole on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, depending on your preferred timeline.
Can I make braciole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the braciole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen uncooked for longer storage and thawed before cooking.
What are the best side dishes to serve with braciole?
Popular side dishes include creamy polenta, garlic mashed potatoes, al dente pasta, Italian risotto, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
How can I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet with sauce over low heat or in a microwave until heated through.
Is searing the braciole necessary before slow cooking?
Searing the braciole enhances flavor by caramelizing the meat’s surface, but it is optional. Skipping this step won’t affect the dish’s tenderness.
What garnishes pair well with braciole?
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, or a touch of lemon zest for added flavor and presentation.