Craving a delicious and satisfying dinner that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Italian Beef Roll recipe! This comforting dish is packed with flavor, boasting tender beef, savory herbs, and melted mozzarella cheese all nestled in a soft roll. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual weekend gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes 2 servings.
- For the Beef:
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef (sirloin or eye of round work well)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For Assembly:
- 2 large hoagie rolls
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Beef Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the thinly sliced beef to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned. This helps seal in the juices and develop a deeper flavor.
- Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Assembling the Italian Beef Rolls:
- While the beef simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the hoagie rolls in half lengthwise.
- Spoon the cooked beef mixture evenly onto the bottom halves of the rolls.
- Top each roll with several slices of fresh mozzarella cheese.
- Place the rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Italian Beef Rolls immediately. For an extra touch, consider serving them with a side of giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables) or a simple green salad. These delicious rolls are also fantastic served with a side of au jus, which is simply the cooking liquid from the beef reduced slightly for a richer flavor.
Tips for the Best Italian Beef Rolls:
- Thinly sliced beef is key: This ensures the beef cooks quickly and evenly. Ask your butcher to slice it thinly for you.
- Don't overcook the beef: Overcooked beef will be tough. Cook it just until it's tender.
- Use good quality Italian seasoning: This will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
- Add a touch of heat: If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
Variations:
- Provolone Cheese: Substitute provolone for the mozzarella for a slightly sharper flavor.
- Mushrooms: Add a cup of sliced mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra heartiness.
- Peppers: Include sliced bell peppers for added color and sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 500-600
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
Enjoy your homemade Italian Beef Rolls! This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of tender beef, savory herbs, and melted cheese is simply irresistible. This quick dinner idea offers a delicious and healthy meal option, perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts seeking delicious dishes and the best recipes.