Slow Cooker Beef Braciole
Try this Slow Cooker Beef Braciole recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Beef Braciole recipe.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon golden raisins
- 1/4 up water
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh spinach
- 1/4 up seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 oz parmesan cheese freshly grated (i grate mine on the smallest holed side of my box grater)
- 1 1/4 lbs (20 oz) lean trimmed top round beef steak (try to get a thin cut – less pounding!)
- you will also need either kitchen twine or toothpi
- Carbohydrate 6.68109844015841 g
- Cholesterol 4.15793005466667 mg
- Fat 2.4632476761292 g
- Fiber 1.32858333471028 g
- Protein 3.02960755573196 g
- Saturated Fat 0.978074227706605 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (167g)
- Sodium 141.670796852682 mg
- Sugar 5.35251510544813 g
- Trans Fat 0.162109496123121 g
- Calories 57 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large skillet, heat the 2 teaspoons of oil over medium heat and add the onions. Cook for a few minutes until onions are softened and add garlic. Cook another minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Add the spinach and stir for about a minute until spinach is wilted. Remove the mixture from heat and transfer to a medium sized bowl.
- Add the parsley, breadcrumbs, Parmesan and raisins. Stir together to combine and set aside.
- Place your steak on a large piece of parchment paper and cover with another piece of parchment paper. Using a meat mallet, pound the steak to ½ - 1/3” thick.
- Sprinkle with salt & pepper.
- Spread the breadcrumb/spinach mixture down the center of the length of the steak.
- Roll the steak around the filling beginning with the long side.
- Tie the rolled steak up with kitchen twine or secure the edges with toothpicks.
- Pour the remaining tablespoon of oil into the large skillet and bring it over medium-high heat.
- Place the rolled steak into the skillet and brown for 2-4 minutes on each side until the sides are seared.
- Transfer the steak to your slow cooker and add ½ cup of water to your skillet to deglaze the pan.
- Scrape up all the browned bits in the skillet and pour it into the slow cooker over the steak.
- Add the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes and stir together.
- Spoon the sauce over the top of the steak and place the lid on the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 5 ½ - 6 hours.
My Go-To Slow Cooker Beef Braciole: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and dinner prep often feels like a never-ending marathon. That's why I've become a devout follower of the slow cooker. It's my secret weapon for creating delicious, comforting meals without sacrificing precious hours of my day. And this Slow Cooker Beef Braciole recipe? It’s a total game-changer.
Forget complicated techniques and endless chopping. This recipe is incredibly straightforward. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the beef to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld beautifully. The result? A succulent, flavorful beef dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The rich, savory sauce is simply irresistible, and I often find myself scraping the bottom of the slow cooker to get every last drop. It’s so easy, even my kids can help with the prep – a win-win for everyone!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. While the original recipe provides a solid foundation, feel free to experiment with the ingredients. Add different herbs and spices to personalize the dish to your liking. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, or a sprinkle of fresh oregano for a more herbaceous flavor. You could also swap out the marinara sauce for a different type of tomato-based sauce, or even try a creamy mushroom sauce for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
One of the things I love most about this recipe is the minimal cleanup involved. Everything goes into the slow cooker, minimizing the number of dishes I need to wash at the end of a long day. This is a huge bonus for me, as I often find myself short on time and energy for cleaning after a busy workday. After a long day of meetings and juggling tasks, the last thing I want to deal with is a mountain of dirty dishes. This recipe makes meal preparation easier, which allows for more quality time with my family.
Beyond the convenience, the flavor is what truly sets this Slow Cooker Beef Braciole apart. The beef is incredibly tender and juicy, and the sauce is rich and flavorful. It’s a dish that everyone in my family loves, regardless of age. Even my picky eaters gobble it up without complaint. It's a great way to get a healthy dose of protein and vegetables into their diets without the fuss of preparing separate dishes. The kids especially love dipping their bread into the leftover sauce, and I don't mind sharing!
I often serve this dish with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. The creamy potatoes complement the rich sauce beautifully, while the roasted vegetables add a touch of freshness and color to the plate. It's a well-rounded meal that satisfies both the taste buds and the need for a balanced diet.
This recipe is a true testament to the power of slow cooking. It's a simple, flavorful, and convenient meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. If you're looking for a delicious and easy recipe that will impress your family and friends, I highly recommend giving this Slow Cooker Beef Braciole a try. It’s become a staple in my household, and I'm sure it will quickly become a favorite in yours, too.
So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker to low, and let the magic happen. In just a few hours, you’ll have a delicious, tender, and flavorful meal ready to enjoy. And believe me, the time you save will be well worth it!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of olive oil and beef broth in the slow cooker.
- Add some heat: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Boost the herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep ahead: You can prepare the braciole filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
Enjoy your delicious and effortless Slow Cooker Beef Braciole!
