Pixicook

15 Best Italian Beef Recipes

Italian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and heartwarming comfort food, particularly when it comes to beef recipes. This collection showcases a variety of Italian beef dishes that bring the essence of Italy into your kitchen. From the savory layers of a three-meat lasagna to the tender and herb-infused braciole, each recipe offers a taste of Italian tradition crafted to please the palate and feed the soul.

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1. Hearty Beef and Zucchini Spaghetti Bolognese

A wholesome and delicious spaghetti Bolognese made with ground beef and zucchini noodles.

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2. Hearty Homestyle Beef and Zucchini Spaghetti

A comforting dish featuring a rich, meaty sauce served over fresh zucchini noodles.

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3. Savory Beef and Italian Sausage Meatballs in Homemade Marinara

Delicious savory beef and Italian sausage meatballs simmered in a rich homemade marinara sauce.

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4. Savory Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs with Homemade Marinara

A hearty and flavorful Italian dish featuring oven-baked meatballs in a rich, homemade marinara sauce.

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5. Hearty Trifecta Meat Ragu

A rich and hearty meat ragu featuring pancetta, Italian sausage, and ground beef simmered in marinara sauce with a touch of rosemary and Worcestershire sauce.

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6. Italian Meatballs

Delicious meatballs infused with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a hearty meal.

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7. Hearty Homestyle Bolognese

A rich and hearty Bolognese sauce made with finely diced skirt steak, pancetta, and vegetables, perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta.

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8. Tuscan-Style Boiled Meat Platter (Piatto di Bollito Toscano)

A traditional Tuscan dish featuring a variety of meats, vegetables, and stuffed cabbage, all gently simmered to perfection.

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9. Steak Sandwiches

A delightful combination of herbed steak and aromatic aioli on crisp, golden bread.

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10. Cheesy Meatball Pizza Delight

A delicious pizza topped with homemade meatballs, fresh mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce.

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11. Parmesan Crusted Tuscan Meatloaf

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italy with this Parmesan Crusted Tuscan Meatloaf. Perfectly paired with fluffy jacket potatoes and crisp green beans, this meal is a hearty and satisfying option for any supper. The golden, cheesy crust adds a delightful crunch that complements the tender, savory beef.

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12. Herbed Braciole with Fontina in Tomato Sauce

This classic Italian dish features tender flank steak rolled with a savory herb and cheese filling, then braised in a rich tomato sauce. It’s perfect for a special dinner with family and friends.

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13. Hearty Three-Meat Lasagna

A rich and satisfying lasagna made with a blend of ground meats, a creamy ricotta mixture, and a homemade besciamella sauce, layered with pasta and baked to perfection.

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14. Meatballs

Tender and flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting Italian-American meal.

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15. Savory Italian Meatloaf with Tomato Basil Sauce

A hearty and flavorful Italian meatloaf topped with a rich tomato basil sauce and melted fontina cheese.

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Cooking Tips for Italian Beef Recipes

What type of beef cuts are best for Italian recipes?

For slow-cooked sauces and stews, chuck or brisket cuts are ideal as they become tender over long cooking periods. For meatballs or meatloaf, a mix of ground beef and pork or veal adds flavor and juiciness.

How can I ensure my meatballs don't fall apart?

Use a binding agent like breadcrumbs combined with eggs, and be sure not to overmix the meat. Chill the meatballs before cooking to help them retain their shape.

What's the secret to a flavorful Bolognese sauce?

Building layers of flavor by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery (a sofrito) before adding meat, and simmering the sauce slowly with tomatoes and herbs, is key to a rich and savory Bolognese.

How long should I cook my beef for tender braciole?

Braciole should be seared first to lock in flavors and then slow-cooked in sauce for at least 1.5 to 2 hours until it's fork-tender.

Can I prepare Italian beef dishes ahead of time?

Yes, many Italian beef dishes like lasagna, meatloaf, and meatballs can be prepared in advance and either refrigerated or frozen until you're ready to cook or reheat them.