Tender Ricotta-Stuffed Beef Braciole in Savory Marinara

Created on December 9th, 2025 at 11:50 am

Tender Ricotta-Stuffed Beef Braciole

Picture a cozy kitchen, the aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through the air, mingling with the rich scent of simmering marinara sauce. Melt in Your Mouth Beef Braciole is the kind of dish that warms the heart and soul. It’s a beautiful roll of tender beef flank steak enveloping a creamy filling of ricotta, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. As it bakes, the beef transforms into a soft, juicy delight, and the melted cheese oozes out, creating a luxurious sauce that beckons to be savored.

When you slice into the braciole, each piece reveals its layered colors—deep golden brown on the outside and vibrant green and white within. The moment you take a bite, you experience the harmonious blend of flavors. The savory richness of the beef pairs perfectly with the fresh herbs, while the cheese adds a delightful creaminess. This dish doesn’t just fill your stomach; it creates a sense of togetherness and comfort, perfect for sharing with loved ones around the dinner table.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Kitchen Utensils

When making Melt in Your Mouth Beef Braciole, it’s all about using reliable kitchen tools that make the process smooth and enjoyable. You don’t need a bunch of fancy gadgets—just a few practical utensils will do the trick. Simple tools help ensure that your cooking experience is both efficient and pleasant.

• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Skillet
• Baking dish

A Family Tradition

Melt in Your Mouth Beef Braciole has a special place in my heart. Growing up, Sunday dinners were sacred in my family. My grandmother would start her preparations early in the morning, filling the house with enticing aromas that promised a comforting meal. Braciole was always the star of the feast, and I remember watching her deftly roll and tie the beef, her hands skillfully working the ingredients together.

Every bite of her braciole brought back fond memories of laughter, stories, and the warmth of being surrounded by family. It was more than just a meal; it was a ritual that brought us together each week. Now, as I prepare this dish for my own family, I cherish those moments and strive to recreate the same love and warmth my grandmother instilled in her cooking. This recipe is a way to pass down not just the flavors but also the spirit of connection that surrounds the kitchen table.

Preparing the Dish

As you gather your ingredients, the vibrant green of the fresh spinach and the creamy white of the ricotta brings life to your countertop. The beef flank steak, glistening and beautifully marbled, promises a satisfying chew. You feel the excitement build as you pound the steak thin—it transforms into a canvas ready for flavor. The rich smell of garlic warms your kitchen while mixing the filling; the herbs add a fresh note that dances in the air.

Searing the rolled beef in olive oil fills the room with a mouthwatering sizzle, the outside browning beautifully, sealing in all the savory juices. When you pour the marinara sauce over the top and cover it with foil, anticipation grows. After a delightful 45 minutes in the oven, your kitchen is filled with the comforting fragrance of a homemade meal, urging you to gather your loved ones and enjoy a hearty, soul-filling feast.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. On a flat surface, lay the flank steak and pound it thin.
3. In a bowl, mix spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the filling evenly over the flattened steak.
5. Roll the steak tightly from one end to the other and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
6. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the rolled beef on all sides until browned.
7. Transfer to a baking dish and pour marinara sauce over the top.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, slice, and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

• Swap out the spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different green flavor.
• For added warmth, consider incorporating red pepper flakes into the cheese mixture.
• Use ground beef or pork instead of flank steak for a different texture.
• If you prefer a sauce with a kick, add some Italian sausage to the marinara sauce.
• Customize the herbs based on your preferences; oregano or thyme can also work wonderfully.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Let leftovers cool before storing to keep the braciole’s flavor locked in.

Storage & Make Ahead

If you have leftovers, storing them is simple. Cool the braciole completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating gently is key—microwave it or warm it in the oven covered with foil to prevent drying out. For meal prep, feel free to prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. You can also roll the beef and secure it in advance, ensuring a quick cooking process when you’re ready to serve dinner.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance, refrigerate it, and pop it in the oven when ready to serve.

Q: What can I serve with Beef Braciole?
A: It pairs beautifully with pasta, a fresh salad, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Q: Can I freeze Beef Braciole?
A: Absolutely! It freezes well. Just make sure to wrap it tightly before freezing for up to three months.

Q: How do I know when it’s done?
A: The beef should be tender and the filling hot throughout. A meat thermometer should read at least 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.

Happy Cooking!

Melt in Your Mouth Beef Braciole is more than just a recipe—it’s a warm embrace that invites you to gather with loved ones. As you recreate this dish, think of the memories you’ll make around your table, just like my family has done through generations. Don’t forget to save or share this recipe with others who would love to enjoy this hearty meal. Together, let’s keep the tradition alive! Happy cooking!

Tender Ricotta-Stuffed Beef Braciole in Savory Marinara

Roberto

A delicious roll of tender beef flank steak filled with creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese, baked to perfection in marinara sauce.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the beef braciole

• 1 lb beef flank steak Pounded thin
• 1 tbsp olive oil For searing the beef

For the filling

• 1 cup ricotta cheese Creamy filling
• 2 cups fresh spinach Can substitute with kale or Swiss chard
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Grated
• 3 cloves garlic Minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley Chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh basil Chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For baking

• 2 cups marinara sauce For pouring over the beef

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• On a flat surface, lay the flank steak and pound it thin.
• In a bowl, mix spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper.
• Spread the filling evenly over the flattened steak.
• Roll the steak tightly from one end to the other and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.

Cooking

• Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the rolled beef on all sides until browned.
• Transfer to a baking dish and pour marinara sauce over the top.
• Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
• Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, slice, and serve.

Notes

To make this recipe your own, consider these swaps: use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach, add red pepper flakes for heat, or replace flank steak with ground beef or pork. Serve with garlic bread to soak up the sauce.

Keyword Beef Braciole, Comfort Food, Family Dish, Homemade Cooking, Italian Recipe