Rollettes
Rollette is a savory Italian-inspired dish featuring tender rolled steak filled with bread crumbs, herbs, and bacon, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This hearty, flavor-packed meal pairs beautifully with pasta, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions that call for comforting, flavorful cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. round steak ⓘ
- 3 strips bacon ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 clove minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- pinch of basil or marjoram ⓘ
- cooked spaghetti or favorite pasta ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the steak into 6 oblong pieces (or have the butcher do this). Sprinkle each with salt and pepper.
- Pound the steak slices thin with the edge of a plate.
- Place half a strip of bacon on each piece of steak.
- Mix bread crumbs, chopped onion, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Spread this mixture over the bacon on each piece.
- Roll up each piece of steak and secure with toothpicks or string.
- Brown the rolls gently on all sides in hot oil.
- Mix tomato paste with the remaining ingredients, except the pasta.
- Pour the sauce over the rolls.
- Cover tightly and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until tender.
- Remove toothpicks or string before serving.
- Serve the rolls over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce for a richer taste. If you don't have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or even cooked rice can be used as a substitute. For a lighter option, you could replace the bacon with turkey bacon or omit it altogether. Adjust the herbs to your preference, using fresh basil or oregano in place of marjoram.
Serving Suggestions
These rollettes are delicious served over a bed of cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta, allowing the sauce to soak in. Pair with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Rigatoni And Cheese Casserole for a comforting dinner. A sprinkle of additional Parmesan and fresh parsley can elevate the presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover rollettes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, covered, for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rollettes contains roughly 268 calories, with 19g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (80% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 968mg per serving (42% 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 cut of meat for this recipe?
Yes, while round steak is traditional, you can use flank steak or sirloin for a more tender result. Just ensure the meat is pounded thin for easier rolling and cooking.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the rollettes up to the simmering step a day in advance. After browning the rolls, cool them, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply simmer them on the stove until heated through.
What can I use instead of tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste, you can use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, but you may need to cook the sauce down a bit longer to achieve the desired thickness. Adding a little sugar can help balance the acidity.
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).