19 Delicious Sides to Serve with Beef Braciole

Beef braciole is a savory Italian-American stuffed beef roll, simmered in tomato sauce until fall-apart tender. With its rich, complex flavors, beef braciole makes a spectacular centerpiece for a hearty family meal. However, with such a showstopping main course, you’ll want to give careful thought as to what sides to serve alongside it.

The right accompaniments will perfectly complement the braciole without overpowering it. They can provide texture contrasts, brighten up the plate with color, and round out the meal nutritionally. Here are 19 delicious options for what to serve with beef braciole.

Pasta

Of course, pasta is a classic pairing for braciole served in tomato sauce. The sauce clings to the noodles, allowing you to savor every drop. Opt for short tubular shapes like rigatoni or penne that can catch bits of beef and sauce in their ridges. Heartier shapes like pappardelle or mafalde also pair nicely.

Some great pasta options include:

• Rigatoni or penne
• Pappardelle
• Fusilli
• Orecchiette
• Farfalle
• Cavatappi
• Mafalde

Serve grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan on the side for sprinkling over the pasta.

Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty garlic bread is another must for soaking up the rich tomato sauce. The garlic provides a pleasant bite that offsets the richness. Bake or grill a loaf and slice into thick pieces for dunking into the sauce. For next level flavor, spread with butter or brush with olive oil first.

Meatballs

For a heartier meal, add some beef, pork, or turkey meatballs simmered right in the sauce alongside the braciole. The contrasting shapes and textures take this meal to new heights. Or, serve them as an appetizer before the main course.

Sausage

Sliced Italian sausage is another excellent addition for more meat. Browning the sausage first adds great flavor. Serve sweet or hot sausage depending on your preference.

Polenta

Creamy, cheesy polenta is a satisfying accompaniment to braciole’s richness. The smooth cornmeal with melted cheese provides a lovely texture contrast to the fork-tender beef. Fry up cubes of polenta for added flavor.

Risotto

A creamy risotto makes a nurturing base for the braciole and sauce. The starchy rice drinks up the sauce beautifully. Mushroom or butternut squash are both stellar flavors for risotto alongside braciole.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables add bright colors, flavors, and nutrition to balance this hearty dish. Roast carrots, Brussels sprouts, squash, peppers, or cauliflower drizzled with olive oil and seasoning. They pair perfectly with the rich beef.

Mashed Potatoes

For ultimate comfort food, serve braciole over creamy mashed potatoes. Russets or Yukon Golds make fluffy, buttery spuds that soak up the sauce. Mix in roasted garlic or cheese for extra flavor.

Potatoes Au Gratin

For more indulgence, baked au gratin potatoes provide irresistible cheese-coated, crispy edges. The creamy potato center soaks up the tomato sauce beautifully.

Sicilian Eggplant Caponata

This sweet-and-sour eggplant relish offers the perfect tangy counterpoint to creamy, savory braciole. The mix of eggplant, tomatoes, olives, and vinegar is a Sicilian specialty.

Roasted Vegetables

Balsamic-roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus lend bright flavors and contrasting texture. Their charred edges pair perfectly with the fork-tender beef.

Broccoli Rabe

Broccoli rabe sauteed in garlic and olive oil is a popular Italian side. Its pleasant bitter notes balance the rich sauce. Other greens like escarole or spinach also pair nicely.

Fennel Salad

The light anise flavor of shaved fennel brightens up the heavier braciole dish. Toss with citrus, parsley, and olive oil for a crisp salad.

Arugula Salad

Peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon and Parmigiano-Reggiano adds freshness. The peppery greens stand up well to the heartiness of the braciole.

Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad with crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, Parmesan, and croutons completes the meal. The cool crispness balances the warm tomato-bathed beef.

Italian Bread Salad

Leftover bread can become a delicious salad soaked in the sauce leftover from the braciole. Cubed bread, tomato, onion, parsley, garlic, and olive oil is a winning combination.

Garlicky Greens

Bitter greens like broccoli rabe, kale, escarole, or dandelion greens sauteed in olive oil and garlic provide a pleasant counterpoint to the rich rolled beef.

Zucchini Noodles

For a lighter option, vegetable “zoodles” tossed in pasta sauce offer vitamin-packed ribbons to twirl with beef. Pair zucchini or summer squash noodles with braciole for a healthier take.

With options ranging from hearty to fresh and light, there are so many fantastic ways to round out a beef braciole meal. From pasta and risotto to roasted veggies and salad, you’re sure to find the perfect match. Just be sure to save room for whichever delicious sides you choose to accompany this showstopping Italian-American classic.