We’ve always been fans of Braciole, that classic Italian dish where thin beef slices get stuffed with savory fillings and rolled to perfection. Originating from Southern Italy it’s a comforting staple that’s evolved into our easy Crock Pot version, perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
In our kitchen we love how this slow-cooker method tenderizes the meat while infusing it with rich herbs and spices. It’s a game-changer for home cooks seeking authentic taste with minimal effort so let’s dive into this hearty recipe together.
Ingredients
In our Braciole Recipe Crock Pot, we gather fresh, high-quality ingredients to create an authentic Italian dish that’s tender and bursting with flavor. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they’re used, starting with the beef and moving to the stuffing and sauce components. We’ve included prep specifics for accuracy and ease.
Beef and Stuffing Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef top round or flank steak, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness for even rolling and optimal tenderness.
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs, toasted lightly in a skillet for added crunch and flavor depth.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated to enhance the nutty taste that binds the stuffing together.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped to infuse a bright, herbaceous note into the filling.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced for a pungent aroma that elevates the overall stuffing mixture.
- 4 slices prosciutto or pancetta, thinly sliced to provide a salty, savory layer that wraps around the beef.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, for a rich base that simmers slowly in the Crock Pot to develop deep flavors.
- 1/2 cup red wine, such as Chianti, to deglaze and add a robust, tangy element that tenderizes the meat.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled to release its earthy essence into the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjusted to taste for balancing the dish’s savory profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground to add a subtle kick without overwhelming the herbs.
These ingredients ensure our Crock Pot Braciole remains true to its Southern Italian roots while being simple for busy weeknights. Now, we’ll move on to the preparation steps in the next section.
Required Tools and Equipment
To bring our Crock Pot Braciole to life after selecting the perfect ingredients, we need a few key tools and equipment that make preparation straightforward and efficient. These items ensure even cooking and help achieve that tender, flavorful result with minimal effort.
Here’s a breakdown of the essential tools:
- Slow Cooker (Crock Pot): Our star appliance, a 6-quart model works best for this recipe as it allows the beef to simmer slowly and absorb flavors without overheating.
- Meat Mallet: Use this to pound the beef slices to an even thickness, making them easier to roll and stuff for optimal tenderness.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for precisely slicing and preparing the meat, herbs, and other ingredients with clean cuts.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy, large board provides a safe surface for all our chopping and assembly work.
- Mixing Bowl: We recommend a medium-sized one to combine the stuffing ingredients like breadcrumbs, cheese, and garlic thoroughly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial, so these help us portion out ingredients like spices and liquids precisely.
- Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine: These secure the rolled braciole bundles, preventing them from unraveling during cooking.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: Optional but helpful for quickly browning the rolls before adding them to the slow cooker, which enhances the dish’s depth of flavor.
With these tools in hand, we’re fully equipped to transition smoothly into the preparation steps and create an authentic, mouthwatering Crock Pot Braciole.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through preparing Crock Pot Braciole with simple, step-by-step instructions to achieve tender, flavorful results every time.
Prepare the Braciole
To start, we focus on prepping the beef and stuffing for maximum tenderness and flavor. Begin by placing the beef top round or flank steak slices on a clean cutting board. Using our meat mallet, pound each slice to about 1/4-inch thickness—feel the meat’s resistance give way to a supple texture that ensures even cooking and absorbs the rich herbs and spices.
Next, in a mixing bowl, combine the stuffing ingredients: 1 cup of Italian breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of finely chopped parsley, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 4 ounces of prosciutto or pancetta. Mix thoroughly until the mixture forms a cohesive, aromatic blend—the pungent garlic and fresh parsley will release an irresistible scent that hints at the dish’s Southern Italian roots.
Assemble and Roll
With our stuffing ready, we now assemble the Braciole rolls for a neat, flavorful package. Lay out each pounded beef slice and spread a generous 2-3 tablespoons of the stuffing mixture evenly across the surface, leaving a small border to prevent spillage.
Carefully roll up each slice tightly from one end to the other, enclosing the savory filling—the herbs and garlic inside will promise bursts of flavor with every bite. Secure each roll with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold its shape, ensuring the rolls maintain their form during slow cooking for that perfect, tender Braciole texture.
Cook in the Crock Pot
Finally, we transfer our assembled Braciole to the Crock Pot for effortless, slow-cooked perfection. Place the rolls in the slow cooker, then pour in 2 cups of crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup of red wine, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to create a simmering sauce that infuses the meat with deep, robust flavors.
| Heat Setting | Cooking Time (hours) | Expected Result |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 6-8 | Most tender, ideal for busy days |
| High | 4-6 | Quicker option with great flavor |
Make-Ahead Tips
One of the beauties of our Crock Pot Braciole recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules. We can prepare components in advance to save time while preserving the dish’s tender texture and rich, herbaceous flavors. Below, we outline key strategies to make ahead without compromising authenticity or taste.
Preparing the Stuffing
We recommend making the stuffing mixture up to 24 hours in advance. In a mixing bowl, combine Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, minced garlic, and chopped prosciutto or pancetta. This allows the flavors to meld, creating a more aromatic and savory filling. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and prevent moisture loss.
Assembling the Beef Rolls
For optimal convenience, we can assemble the Braciole rolls a day ahead. After pounding the beef slices to 1/4-inch thickness, spread the prepared stuffing evenly over each slice, roll them tightly, and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine. Place the rolls in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This step ensures the beef absorbs the stuffing’s flavors overnight, resulting in a more tender and flavorful Crock Pot Braciole.
Making the Sauce
Prepare the sauce mixture in advance to enhance its depth. In a bowl, whisk together crushed tomatoes, red wine, oregano, salt, and black pepper. We suggest letting it sit in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours, as this allows the ingredients to infuse and develop a bolder, more robust taste. When you’re ready to cook, simply pour it over the assembled rolls in the Crock Pot for seamless integration.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
To maintain safety and quality, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any pre-assembled components in the fridge for up to 2 days. Ensure the beef rolls are well-wrapped to avoid drying out.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the assembled rolls and sauce separately in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking to preserve texture.
- Reheating: When using make-ahead elements, cook in the Crock Pot on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours. This gentle reheating process restores the meat’s juicy tenderness and amplifies the garlic and herb aromas, making your Braciole taste freshly made.
| Component | Refrigeration Time | Freezing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stuffing Mixture | Up to 24 hours | Up to 1 month | Keep airtight to maintain freshness. |
| Assembled Rolls | Up to 2 days | Up to 3 months | Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. |
| Sauce Mixture | Up to 48 hours | Up to 3 months | Stir before using to blend flavors. |
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing our Crock Pot Braciole recipe as it’s a simple way to bring authentic Italian flavors to your table. It’s perfect for those hectic days when you want tender, flavorful results with minimal fuss.
This dish shows how a slow cooker can elevate everyday ingredients into something special. We’re confident you’ll enjoy making it part of your routine so give it a try and savor the satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crock Pot Braciole?
Crock Pot Braciole is a traditional Southern Italian dish featuring thin slices of beef stuffed with ingredients like breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic, and prosciutto, then slow-cooked for tenderness. This easy version uses a slow cooker to simplify preparation while keeping authentic flavors intact, making it perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste.
What ingredients are needed for Crock Pot Braciole?
You’ll need beef like top round or flank steak, stuffing ingredients such as Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, and prosciutto, plus sauce components like crushed tomatoes, red wine, oregano, salt, and pepper. Focus on fresh, high-quality items to maintain the dish’s authentic Southern Italian essence.
How do I prepare Crock Pot Braciole step by step?
Start by pounding beef to 1/4-inch thickness. Mix stuffing with breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and garlic, then spread on beef slices. Roll tightly, secure with toothpicks or twine, and place in the slow cooker. Cover with a sauce of crushed tomatoes, wine, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours for tender results.
What tools are required for Crock Pot Braciole?
Essential tools include a slow cooker for cooking, a meat mallet to tenderize beef, a sharp chef’s knife and cutting board for prep, a mixing bowl for stuffing, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure rolls. These ensure efficient and even preparation.
Can I make Crock Pot Braciole ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the stuffing up to 24 hours in advance to enhance flavors, assemble the beef rolls a day ahead, and mix the sauce early for depth. Store components in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. This makes it ideal for busy schedules while keeping texture and taste intact.
How long does it take to cook Crock Pot Braciole?
Cook on low for 6-8 hours for the most tender meat, or on high for 4-6 hours if you’re short on time. The slow cooker tenderizes the beef and infuses flavors from herbs and spices, ensuring a flavorful result without much hands-on effort.
Is Crock Pot Braciole authentic to Italian cuisine?
Yes, Braciole originates from Southern Italy, traditionally made with stuffed beef rolls. This Crock Pot version adapts the classic recipe for convenience, using authentic ingredients like garlic, herbs, and tomatoes, while the slow cooker enhances tenderness without compromising traditional flavors.