BRACIOLE NEAPOLITAN-STYLE recipe & history - all you need to know! (2025)

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Braciole recipe Neapolitan-style is a dish that ran the history of the Southern-Italian cuisine! The ingredients of this delicious rolled meat come from the Ancient Greece, via the discovering of America and the French domination of the territory around Naples. The meat is filled with cured prosciutto, raisins, pine nuts, and cheese, then seared and slow cooked in a tasty tomatoes sauce. To complete the recipe as the tradition requires, toss the pasta with the sauce and serve it as first course. The meat will be a fantastic second course, a complete meal to depict an authentic feast Italian-style!

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  • 8 slices top round meat extra thin cut (Milanesa)
  • 8 slices Italian Prosciutto
  • 2 Lb (900 g) tomato puree
  • 2 tbsp double concentrated tomato paste
  • 6 tbsp pine nuts
  • 6 tbsp raisins
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp lard (manteca)
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1 (300 g) red onion
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley
  • 4 leaves fresh basil
  • 8 tbsp Italian Provolone, grated (alternatively, Pecorino or Cacio Cavallo)
  • 1 glass (250 ml) red wine
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • to taste table salt (optional)

FOR THE PASTA

  • 24 oz (680 g)short pasta (best if Rigatoni or Tortiglioni)
  • Braciole sauce
  • 8 tbsp Italian Provolone, grated (alternatively, Pecorino or Cacio Cavallo)
  • 4.5 tbsp rock salt every 5 qt of water

WHAT BRACIOLE MEANS INTO THE ITALIAN CUISINE

The term braciola(braciole in the plural) indicates different cuts of meats, depending on the regions of Italy.

Into the Northern Italian cuisine, Braciole means pork or veal chops, commonly grilled or seared. In Southern Italy instead, braciole have the same meaning of the International term: thin rolled steaks and filled with herbs and cheese.

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PORK, VEAL OR BEEF BRACIOLE?

Regarding Northen-Italian style braciole, they are made exclusively from pork or veal.

Into the Southern-Italian cuisine, the most traditional braciole recipes are from Sicily, Calabria, and Naples. Southern-Italian braciole are frequently stewed into tomato sauce, or grilled, or pan seared.

The most common Southern braciole steak cuts are pork shoulder and Beef top round.

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BRACIOLE NEAPOLITAN-STYLE HISTORY

The ingredients of slow cooked braciole are influenced by several invasions and settlements of the Neapolitan territory.

The use of raising comes from the Greco-Roman tradition; it is the most ancient, sweet and sour flavor into this recipe, along with pine nuts.

Angevin domination started from XIII Century, brings a significant French influence into the Neapolitan cuisine; particularly, the slow-cooking meats and ragouts.

Starting from XVI Century Tomatoes, coming from the new American continent, enter forcefully into Southern-Italian tradition, and pair perfectly with Mediterranean flavors.

The term braciole and braciolette (little braciole in Italian) appear for the first time in 1837, in the cookbook “Cucina Teorico-Pratica” By Ippolito Cavalcanti Duke of Buonvicino.

The modern version of the Neapolitan braciole recipe is published by Jean Carola Francesconi in 1965. This recipe upholds the tradition and adds a fragrant slice of Italian Prosciutto into the filling.

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ONE RECIPE TWO COURSES

Like many Southern-Italian recipes, Neapolitan braciole are served as second course. With the tomato sauce is traditional to toss pasta, particularly short pasta like Rigatoni or Tortiglioni, and served as first course.

This tradition comes from the workers of the nobles kitchens, which use to save a little quantity of sauce to eat after serving the meat.

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NEAPOLITAN BRACIOLE RECIPE

First of all, choose the right cut of beef; best if top round extra thin cut Milanesa-style.

Soak 3 tbsp of raisins in room temperature water about 30 minutes until re-hydrated. Waiting for the raisins, pour a splash of olive oil into a pan and sauté 3 tbsp of pine nuts until lightly golden brown.

Finally, grate the cheese, and mince the fresh parsley finely along with garlic.

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HOW TO MAKE BRACIOLE

Tenderize the meat beating each steak lightly with the flat side of a tenderizer. It’s critical do not rip the meat.

After that, lay out a slice of Prosciutto over each braciole steak, and spread on the grated cheese, minced garlic and parsley, raisins, and sauteed pine nuts.

Eventually, bend the longer sides of the steaks and roll the shorter side of the meat, tying each braciola with kitchen strings.

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HOW TO COOK BRACIOLE

Pour the lard into an enamel dutch oven or thick-bottomed heavy pot, and melt over medium heat.

Now sear the rolled meat a few pieces at a time just a couple of minutes, until golden brown. This step is critical and can be difficult the first times because the meat tends to stick; if it happens, baste with a few tbsp of wine.

When all the meat rolls are seared, place in a bowl covered, and sauté finely sliced onion into the lard and meat’ juices until soft and translucent.

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SLOW-COOKED BRACIOLE

Once the onion is ready, add the beef roulades, raise the flame and baste with 1 glass of red wine.

Cook and stir a few minutes over high heat, then add the tomato paste. Cook a couple of minutes more, then add the tomato puree and stir fry a few minutes.

After that, low the flame and cook the meat 1 hour and 30 minutes. The meat must cook very gently, bubbling slowly.

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TOMATO SAUCE

After 90 minutes, raise the meat and place into a bowl, covered. Cook the sauce until extremely thick, about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, sauté 3 tbsp of pine nuts and soak 3 tbsp of raisins. After two hours, add the rolled meat, and pine nuts, and raisins, and cook 20 mins more, very slowly.

Serve the Neapolitan braciole over a few tbsp of sauce, and save the remainder sauce to toss the pasta.

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RECIPE - PRINTABLE VERSION

Yield: 8

BRACIOLE NEAPOLITAN-STYLE recipe & history - all you need to know!

BRACIOLE NEAPOLITAN-STYLE recipe & history - all you need to know! (12)

Braciole recipe Neapolitan-style is a dish that ran the history of the Southern-Italian cuisine! The ingredients of this delicious rolled meat come from the Ancient Greece, via the discovering of America and the French domination of the territory around Naples. The meat is filled with cured prosciutto, raisins, pine nuts, and cheese, then seared and slow cooked in a tasty tomatoes sauce. To complete the recipe as the tradition requires, toss the pasta with the sauce and serve it as first course. The meat will be a fantastic second course, a complete meal to depict an authentic feast Italian-style!

Prep Time30 minutes

Cook Time4 hours

Total Time4 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 slices top round meat extra thin cut (Milanesa)
  • 8 slices Italian Prosciutto
  • 2 Lb tomato puree (900 g)
  • 2 tbsp double concentrated tomato paste
  • 6 tbsp pine nuts
  • 6 tbsp raisins
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp lard (manteca)
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1 red onion (300 g)
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley
  • 4 leaves fresh basil
  • 8 tbsp Italian Provolone, grated (alternatively, Pecorino or Cacio Cavallo)
  • 1 glass red wine (250 ml)
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • to taste table salt (optional)
  • FOR THE PASTA
  • 24 oz short pasta (best if Rigatoni or Tortiglioni) (680 g)
  • Braciole sauce
  • 8 tbsp Italian Provolone, grated (alternatively, Pecorino or Cacio Cavallo)
  • 4.5 tbsp rock salt every 5 qt of water

Instructions

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NEAPOLITAN BRACIOLE RECIPE

  1. First of all, choose the right cut of beef; best if top round extra thin cut Milanesa-style.
  2. Soak 3 tbsp of raisins in room temperature water about 30 minutes until re-hydrated. Waiting for the raisins, pour a splash of olive oil into a pan and sauté 3 tbsp of pine nuts until lightly golden brown.
  3. Finally, grate the cheese, and mince the fresh parsley finely along with garlic.

HOW TO MAKE BRACIOLE

  1. Tenderize the meat beating each steak lightly with the flat side of a tenderizer. It’s critical do not rip the meat.
  2. After that, lay out a slice of Prosciutto over each braciole steak, and spread on minced garlic and parsley, raisins, and sauteed pine nuts.
  3. Eventually, bend the longer sides of the steaks and roll the shorter side of the meat, tying each braciola with kitchen strings.

HOW TO COOK BRACIOLE

  1. Pour the lard into an enamel dutch oven or thick-bottomed heavy pot, and melt over medium heat.
  2. Now sear the rolled meat a few pieces at a time just a couple of minutes, until golden brown. This step is critical and can be difficult the first times because the meat tends to stick; if it happens, baste with a few tbsp of wine.
  3. When all the meat rolls are seared, place in a bowl covered, and sauté finely sliced onion into the lard and meat’ juices until soft and translucent.

SLOW-COOKED BRACIOLE

  1. Once the onion is ready, add the beef roulades, raise the flame and baste with 1 glass of red wine.
  2. Cook and stir a few minutes over high heat, then add the tomato paste. Cook a couple of minutes more, then add the tomato puree and stir fry a few minutes.
  3. After that, low the flame and cook the meat 1 hour and 30 minutes. The meat must cook very gently, bubbling slowly.

TOMATO SAUCE

  1. After 90 minutes, raise the meat and place into a bowl, covered.
  2. Cook the sauce until extremely thick, about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  3. Meanwhile, sauté 3 tbsp of pine nuts and soak 3 tbsp of raisins. After two hours, add the rolled meat, and pine nuts, and raisins, and cook 20 mins more, very slowly.
  4. Serve the Neapolitan braciole over a few tbsp of sauce, and save the remainder sauce to toss the pasta.

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1

Amount Per ServingCalories 725Total Fat 32gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 131mgCarbohydrates 55gFiber 6gSugar 13gProtein 54g

The writers and publishers of this blog are not nutritionists or registered dietitians.All information presented and written within our blog are intended for informational purposes only. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators.You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.The writers and publishers of this blog are not responsible for adverse reactions, effects, or consequences resulting from the use of any recipes or suggestions herein or hereafter.Under no circumstances will this blog or its owners be responsible for any loss or damage resulting from your reliance on nutritional information given by this site. By using this blog and its content, you agree to these terms.

TAKE A LOOK AT THIS

SLOW COOKED EYE OF ROUND STEAKS with pizzaiola sauce

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BRACIOLE NEAPOLITAN-STYLE recipe & history - all you need to know! (2025)

FAQs

What is the history of braciole? ›

Although the origins of this famous Italian dish are vague, legend has it that the Sicilians were the original resourceful cooks that came up with the idea of pounding meat and rolling it with breadcrumbs and other local items stretched out to feed many more people than the meat alone could.

What cut of meat is braciole made from? ›

One of the biggest divides in the Italian-American braciole world centers around which cut of beef to use. The two main camps are those that favor flank steak and those that prefer top round.

Can I prep braciole the night before? ›

Make ahead: The uncooked braciole can be wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated overnight. This dish gets better with time. If you can, make it in the morning or the night before, refrigerate, and reheat when you're ready to serve.

Why is my braciole tough? ›

If you try to cook braciole quickly, you're going to end up with a dense brick to chew through instead of the tender beef roll we're going for. Slow cooking is a crucial component that can't be overlooked.

What is the oldest Italian dish? ›

A common dish in the Lunigiana region and historical territory of Italy, it is an ancient pasta originating from the Etruscan civilization of Italy. Testaroli has been described as "the earliest recorded pasta". It is also a native dish of the southern Liguria and northern Tuscany regions of Italy.

What is the rarest Italian dish? ›

Su filindeu—literally “threads of God” in Sardo—is unfathomably intricate. It's made by only three women on Earth, all of whom live on Sardinia. And they make it only for the biannual Feast of San Francesco. It's been this way for the last 200 years.

Can you overcook braciole? ›

EXPERT TIP: Because the beef is thinly cut – if overcooked, the braciole will dry out.

What is a braciole slang? ›

braciole (n.) —1. a piece of Italian beef pan fried in its own juices. 2. a euphemism for male genitalia.

What can I use instead of flank steak for braciole? ›

What can I use instead of flank steak for braciole? Instead of flank steak, use a top round, which is typically a more cost-effective cut of beef and will yield similar results when pounded thinly. On the other hand, you can also use sirloin, pork loins, or even turkey breasts to make braciole.

What is the difference between braciole and involtini? ›

Reserve the term "braciole" for pork loins, large cuts of flank steak or turkey breasts - essentially, big cuts and roasts that get sliced up and served to many people. Involtini, however, is the name used for thin cutlets of meat that are most often served in individual portions.

What is the difference between braciole and spiedini? ›

The main difference between Spiedini and Braciole lies in the cooking technique. 'Spiedini' refers to skewers of meat, whereas 'Braciole' refers to rolled slices of meat. In Sicily, however, these terms can often be used interchangeably, as the meat is rolled and then sometimes cooked on skewers.

How to cut top round for braciole? ›

Two pounds of top round can be cut by your butcher to give you about 6 1/8 inch strips of 5 inch by 10 inch top round. Your supermarket may even have the meat pre-cut for you if you look for it. When each strip is rolled up, you will cut them in half, creating 12 bracioles.

How do you make meat not rubbery? ›

Use salt. We season meat with salt for more than just flavor — with tougher cuts, like choice steaks and roasts, it helps break down the proteins for a more tender texture. Instead of seasoning meat just before cooking, give it a generous coating of salt about an hour before you're ready to get started.

Why is my steak super chewy? ›

Typically, leaner cuts like the flank or skirt can be chewy if not prepared correctly. Cooking Method: Overcooking can cause the steak to lose its moisture, making it dry and chewy. Conversely, undercooking can make certain cuts feel tough. Aging Process: Steaks that are not properly aged can be less tender.

Is braciole Italian or Italian-American? ›

This is an American-Italian dish that is a pounded beef filet that is stuffed with cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs that is then pan-seared and braised in a tomato sauce. The stuffing will depend on who is making it. You pronounce this classic Italian recipe as Brah-J “yoh- lah.

What does Braciola mean? ›

ˌbrä-chē-ˈō-ˌlā : a thin slice of meat wrapped around a seasoned filling and often cooked in wine.

What is the most famous meat in Italy? ›

Mortadella: Mortadella is one of the most famous Italian Meats worldwide. It was first produced in Bologna and is the ancient ancestor to what Oscar Meyer simply calls Bologna Meat in the US.

What is the history of Frijoles Puercos? ›

Originally, frijoles puercos were served as part of an important feast or a special occasion. Weddings, baptisms, first communions, and quinceañeras (a young girl turning fifteen) were all considered to be a special occasion and an important time to celebrate. The main dish would include birria or barbacoa.

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