Nana’s Italian Roulade

Introduction

Nana’s Italian Roulade is a heartwarming dish that combines the comfort of tradition with the excitement of bold, Italian-inspired flavors. Tender, thin slices of beef are rolled around a savory filling of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, fresh herbs, and prosciutto, creating a swirl of flavors and textures that’s as beautiful to serve as it is delicious to eat. Simmered in a rich tomato sauce, this dish is the ultimate expression of love and care in the kitchen.

I first learned this recipe from my Nana, who would prepare it for special family gatherings. The process of rolling and stuffing the beef is a labor of love, but the payoff is worth every moment. As the roulade cooks, the flavors meld together, with the filling becoming tender and flavorful and the beef absorbing the rich, tangy notes of the tomato sauce. It’s a dish that feels rustic and elegant all at once.

What I love most about Nana’s Italian Roulade is how versatile it is—you can serve it over pasta, with crusty bread for dipping, or alongside a fresh green salad. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy Sunday dinner, this roulade is a comforting, show-stopping centerpiece that’s sure to bring everyone to the table with smiles and second helpings.

Perfect for:

Sunday family dinners
Holiday gatherings
Dinner parties
Celebrating Italian traditions
Comfort food enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Nana’s Italian Roulade will become a family favorite:

Rich Italian Flavors: The combination of herbs, Parmesan, and pancetta infuses every bite with authentic Italian taste.
Tender Beef: Slow-cooking makes the beef roulade incredibly tender and flavorful.
Homemade Touch: Rolling and stuffing the beef yourself adds a personal and authentic touch.
Versatile Serving Options: Pairs wonderfully with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Perfect for feeding a hungry family or a large gathering.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and cook when ready to serve.
Slow-Cooked Goodness: The tomato sauce develops deep flavors over time.
Customizable Filling: Adjust the stuffing ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Show-Stopping Presentation: The rolled slices reveal a beautiful spiral of filling.
Comforting and Hearty: The perfect dish to warm hearts and stomachs.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 3.5 hours (including cook time)
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 28g

Ingredients

For the Roulade:

1.5 lbs thinly sliced beef (such as flank or top round)
1 cup breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 oz pancetta, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 large egg, beaten
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
Beef broth
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

Fresh basil leaves
Grated Parmesan cheese

Ingredient Highlights

Thinly Sliced Beef: Ideal for rolling and holds the stuffing well.
Pancetta: Adds a savory depth to the filling.
Fresh Parsley: Provides brightness and freshness to the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Mix Filling Ingredients: In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, pancetta, garlic, parsley, oregano, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated.

Assemble the Roulade:

Flatten Beef Slices: Place beef slices on a flat surface and pound gently to an even thickness.
Spread Filling: Evenly spread the filling over each slice, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll and Secure: Roll up each slice tightly and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.

Sear the Roulades:

Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Brown the Rolls: Sear the roulades on all sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Cook until softened.
Deglaze with Wine: Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Simmer Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Cook the Roulades:

Combine Sauce and Roulades: Place the seared roulades in the sauce, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Simmer: Cover and cook on low heat for 2.5-3 hours, occasionally spooning sauce over the roulades.

Serve:

Slice and Plate: Remove roulades from the sauce, slice into rounds, and serve with sauce over pasta or polenta. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Nana’s Italian Roulade:

With Pasta: Serve over spaghetti or fettuccine for a classic pairing.
With Polenta: Creamy polenta makes an excellent base for the roulades and sauce.
On Crusty Bread: Turn leftovers into hearty sandwiches.
As a Main Dish: Pair with a fresh salad and roasted vegetables.
For Holidays: A festive centerpiece for Christmas or Easter.
With Garlic Bread: Sop up the rich sauce with warm garlic bread.
As Meal Prep: Freeze individual portions for a quick, satisfying meal later.
Family-Style: Slice and serve on a platter for a shared meal.
With Parmesan: Generously sprinkle with extra Parmesan for added richness.

Additional Tips

Perfect Your Filling: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like basil, mozzarella, and prosciutto for the best flavor. Pre-season vegetables lightly to avoid an overly salty dish.
Even Thickness Matters: Pound the meat (or eggplant for a vegetarian option) evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly and rolls easily.
Prevent Overstuffing: Avoid overfilling the roulade to keep the roll tight and secure during cooking.
Secure the Roll: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the roulade together while baking or frying.
Sear Before Baking: Searing the roulade in a hot skillet before baking adds depth of flavor and helps hold its shape.
Sauce Smarts: Pair your roulade with a simple marinara or creamy Alfredo sauce, allowing the roulade’s flavors to shine.
Rest Before Slicing: Let the roulade rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices and make slicing easier.
Customize the Filling: Add a personal twist by incorporating spinach, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Cook for the Crowd: Make multiple smaller roulades if serving a large group; they’re easier to portion and plate.
Presentation Counts: Slice roulade into thick rounds, arrange on a platter, and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for a beautiful display.

Recipe Variations

Spinach and Ricotta Filling: Swap pancetta for a vegetarian filling of spinach and ricotta.
Meat Roulade: Use meat loin slices instead of beef.
Spicy Tomato Sauce: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Mushroom Sauce: Replace the tomato sauce with a creamy mushroom sauce.
Cheese-Stuffed Roulade: Add mozzarella or provolone to the filling for a gooey center.
Herb-Infused Sauce: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the tomato sauce.
Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic reduction over the roulades before serving.
Vegetarian Option: Use zucchini or eggplant slices in place of beef.
Smoked Paprika: Sprinkle smoked paprika in the filling for a smoky flavor.

Special Equipment

Meat mallet – For pounding the meat thin and evenly for easy rolling.
Large cutting board – To have a stable surface for prepping and rolling the roulade.
Kitchen twine – To securely tie the roulade and keep the filling intact.
Baking dish – For baking the roulade and keeping all the delicious juices.
Mixing bowls – To prepare and combine the filling ingredients.
Cheese grater – For freshly grating Parmesan or Pecorino cheese.
Sharp chef’s knife – For slicing the roulade cleanly for serving.
Non-stick skillet – To sear the roulade before baking for a flavorful crust.
Instant-read thermometer – To ensure the roulade is cooked to the perfect internal temperature.
Silicone basting brush – For brushing the roulade with oil, marinade, or sauce before baking.

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, thinly sliced chicken breast works well. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Can I skip the pancetta?
Yes, you can omit it or replace it with diced mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
How do I prevent the filling from falling out?
Roll the beef tightly and secure well with twine or toothpicks.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sear the roulades first, then cook in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger pot and adjust sauce quantities as needed.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat roulades gently in a covered skillet with sauce over low heat.
Can I use store-bought sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce provides a fresher, more authentic taste.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer uncovered to reduce the sauce or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
What side dishes pair well with this dish?
Serve with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic mashed potatoes.

Conclusion

Nana’s Italian Roulade is a cherished family classic that combines tender beef rolled around a savory, flavor-packed filling. Bursting with Italian-inspired ingredients like fresh spinach, tangy Parmesan, and aromatic herbs, this roulade is slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce to perfection. Each slice reveals a beautiful swirl of vibrant colors and flavors, making it a perfect centerpiece for special occasions or a hearty Sunday dinner.

This recipe is endlessly customizable. Swap spinach for roasted peppers, add prosciutto or mozzarella for an extra indulgent twist, or enhance the tomato sauce with a splash of beef broth and fresh basil. The slow-cooking process ensures the beef stays tender and the flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

I’d love to see how you bring Nana’s Italian Roulade to life! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your culinary masterpiece. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your personal tweaks or family-inspired touches that made this roulade uniquely yours!