Italian Meat Roll
Juicy Italian meat roll filled with savory vegetables, olives, and cheese, baked in flavorful spaghetti sauce—perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
- 1 large boneless round steak, tenderized
- salt ⓘ
- pepper ⓘ
- garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 pkg. meat marinade ⓘ
- 1/2 c. red wine ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Italian style salad dressing ⓘ
- 2 c. Italian bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 to 3 slices bread, crumbled and wet ⓘ
- 1 c. minced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 small can pitted ripe olives, chopped
- 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Season the round steak with salt, pepper, and garlic salt. Marinate for 1 hour in a mixture of meat marinade, red wine, and Italian salad dressing.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and spread with a mixture of bread crumbs, crumbled bread, minced onion, chopped celery, chopped green pepper, minced garlic, chopped olives, grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, and parsley flakes.
- Moisten the mixture with some of the marinade liquid.
- Roll up the steak tightly and tie with cooking cord.
- Place the rolled steak in a baking dish with Ragu spaghetti sauce. Cover and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour.
- Baste the steak often with the sauce during baking.
- Remove from oven, slice the roll, and serve hot.
- Excellent served with spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, choose a well-marbled round steak for tenderness. If you don’t have red wine, beef broth or additional marinade can be used as a substitute. Consider adding spinach or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor. If you're short on time, you can skip the marination step, though it enhances flavor significantly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Italian Meat Roll hot, sliced into thick pieces. It pairs excellently with spaghetti and a rich sauce, making it a great addition to any Italian meal. A side salad or garlic bread can complement the dish well. Consider serving with Classic Baked Pasta Casserole for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the meat roll and warm it in the microwave or a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or sauce to maintain moisture. Avoid overheating, as it may become dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Meat Roll contains roughly 209 calories, with 6g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1506mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the round steak with flank steak or even chicken breast if preferred. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through.
What can I do if I don't have Italian salad dressing?
If you don't have Italian salad dressing, you can create a quick substitute by mixing olive oil, vinegar, Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt. This will add a similar flavor profile to your meat roll.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the meat roll ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).