Sicilian Stuffed Beef Rolls in Marinara Sauce, also known as “Involtini di Manzo,” is a classic dish from the heart of Sicily. This savory recipe combines tender, thinly sliced beef filled with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, pine nuts, and provolone cheese, all rolled up and simmered in a rich marinara sauce. This dish is perfect for impressing guests or for a cozy family dinner. The beautiful blend of flavors showcases the richness of Italian cuisine, offering a balance between tender beef and cheesy, herb-infused stuffing with the tang of marinara. Let’s dive into this hearty and flavorful Sicilian specialty.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef (such as flank steak)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (preferably Italian-style for added flavor)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (finely grated for better texture)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (adds a savory kick)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for freshness and color)
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, shredded (or mozzarella if preferred)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (for a delightful crunch and nuttiness)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin for rich flavor)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (use homemade or store-bought)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks for securing the beef rolls
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, shredded provolone cheese, toasted pine nuts, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly mixed. This filling will form the flavorful core of your beef rolls.
Step 2: Lay Out and Stuff the Beef Slices
Place the thinly sliced beef (flank steak works wonderfully for its tenderness) on a clean, flat surface. Ensure the beef slices are dry by patting them with paper towels. Take a generous spoonful of the prepared filling and place it on one end of each slice of beef. Be careful not to overstuff, as this will make rolling difficult. Spread the filling evenly across the slice to ensure each bite gets a balance of beef and filling.
Step 3: Roll and Secure the Beef Rolls
Starting from the end where you placed the filling, carefully roll up each beef slice tightly. Secure each roll by inserting a toothpick through the center to prevent it from unrolling during the cooking process.
Step 4: Brown the Beef Rolls
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the beef rolls. Brown the rolls on all sides for 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring an even sear. This step is essential for locking in the flavors and juices before simmering in the marinara sauce.
Step 5: Simmer in Marinara Sauce
Once the beef rolls are browned, pour 2 cups of marinara sauce over the rolls in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rolls simmer gently in the sauce for about 30 minutes. The sauce will infuse the rolls with its rich flavor while allowing the beef to become tender and juicy.
Step 6: Final Touches
After the rolls have simmered and the beef is tender, remove the skillet from heat. Carefully remove the toothpicks from each roll (use tongs or a fork to avoid burning your fingers). Before serving, spoon a generous amount of the marinara sauce over the rolls to enhance the flavor.
Cooking Note:
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a splash of beef broth or water to the marinara sauce while it simmers. This will help create a more liquid consistency, perfect for spooning over pasta or bread.
- Browning the beef rolls before simmering is crucial, as it seals in the juices and ensures a rich, meaty flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Sicilian Stuffed Beef Rolls are best served over a bed of al dente pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, which will absorb the delicious marinara sauce.
- Alternatively, pair this dish with a slice of rustic, crusty Italian bread to soak up the extra sauce.
- For a lighter meal, consider serving the rolls alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil, balancing the richness of the beef with fresh, zesty flavors.
Tips:
- For an added layer of flavor, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese over the beef rolls before serving.
- Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the filling brings out their nutty flavor, so don’t skip this step!
- You can substitute provolone cheese with mozzarella for a creamier texture or Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite.
- For a more pronounced garlic flavor, rub the inside of the beef slices with a cut clove of garlic before adding the filling.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 820mg
(Note: These values are approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used.)
FAQs:
1. Can I make Sicilian Beef Rolls in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef rolls in advance by assembling and browning them. Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before simmering them in the marinara sauce. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat them in the sauce and simmer as instructed.
2. Can I freeze the beef rolls?
Absolutely! Once the rolls have been browned, you can freeze them before simmering in sauce. Place the beef rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and simmer in marinara sauce for a quick dinner.
3. What type of beef works best for this recipe?
Flank steak or top round beef sliced thinly works great for this dish. These cuts are tender enough to roll and cook evenly, but they also hold up well to simmering in sauce without becoming tough.
4. Can I substitute the marinara sauce?
While marinara is traditional, you can switch things up by using a meat sauce or even a creamy tomato sauce. Just be sure the sauce has enough liquid to keep the beef rolls moist during cooking.
5. What can I use instead of pine nuts?
If pine nuts are not available, you can substitute them with chopped walnuts or almonds, which will still provide a nutty crunch and flavor.
Conclusion:
Sicilian Stuffed Beef Rolls in Marinara Sauce is a dish that brings the warmth of Italian cuisine to your table with its tender beef, rich filling, and flavorful marinara sauce. Whether you serve it over pasta or with crusty bread, this hearty meal is sure to become a family favorite. With the delicious combination of cheesy, garlicky stuffing and tender beef, every bite is a celebration of Sicilian flavors. Prepare this dish to impress your guests or to treat your family to a special, comforting meal!
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Sicilian Stuffed Beef Rolls in Marinara Sauce
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef (such as flank steak)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (preferably Italian-style for added flavor)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (finely grated for better texture)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (adds a savory kick)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for freshness and color)
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, shredded (or mozzarella if preferred)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (for a delightful crunch and nuttiness)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin for rich flavor)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (use homemade or store-bought)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks for securing the beef rolls
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, shredded provolone cheese, toasted pine nuts, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly mixed. This filling will form the flavorful core of your beef rolls.
Step 2: Lay Out and Stuff the Beef Slices
Place the thinly sliced beef (flank steak works wonderfully for its tenderness) on a clean, flat surface. Ensure the beef slices are dry by patting them with paper towels. Take a generous spoonful of the prepared filling and place it on one end of each slice of beef. Be careful not to overstuff, as this will make rolling difficult. Spread the filling evenly across the slice to ensure each bite gets a balance of beef and filling.
Step 3: Roll and Secure the Beef Rolls
Starting from the end where you placed the filling, carefully roll up each beef slice tightly. Secure each roll by inserting a toothpick through the center to prevent it from unrolling during the cooking process.
Step 4: Brown the Beef Rolls
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the beef rolls. Brown the rolls on all sides for 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring an even sear. This step is essential for locking in the flavors and juices before simmering in the marinara sauce.
Step 5: Simmer in Marinara Sauce
Once the beef rolls are browned, pour 2 cups of marinara sauce over the rolls in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rolls simmer gently in the sauce for about 30 minutes. The sauce will infuse the rolls with its rich flavor while allowing the beef to become tender and juicy.
Step 6: Final Touches
After the rolls have simmered and the beef is tender, remove the skillet from heat. Carefully remove the toothpicks from each roll (use tongs or a fork to avoid burning your fingers). Before serving, spoon a generous amount of the marinara sauce over the rolls to enhance the flavor.
Notes
Cooking Note:
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a splash of beef broth or water to the marinara sauce while it simmers. This will help create a more liquid consistency, perfect for spooning over pasta or bread.
- Browning the beef rolls before simmering is crucial, as it seals in the juices and ensures a rich, meaty flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
- Sodium: 820mg
- Protein: 30g