Beef olives are a comforting and flavorful dish that originates from British cuisine. These tender slices of beef are filled with a savory stuffing, rolled up, and slowly braised in a rich gravy. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, beef olives pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The stuffing can be customized with herbs, breadcrumbs, or even a touch of sausage meat for added flavor. This dish is a delightful way to transform an inexpensive cut of beef into an elegant and hearty meal.
Ingredients:
For the Beef Olives:
- 6 thin beef steaks (such as top round or flank, about 4–5 inches wide)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Kitchen twine or toothpicks
For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled sausage (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Gravy:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef Steaks:
- Lay each steak flat on a cutting board and pound gently with a meat mallet to ensure even thickness (about 1/4 inch thick).
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Make the Stuffing:
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, onions, sausage (if using), garlic, parsley, thyme, and Parmesan (if using). Add the beaten egg and milk, mixing until the stuffing holds together but isn’t too wet.
- Assemble the Beef Olives:
- Place a generous spoonful of stuffing in the center of each steak.
- Roll the steak tightly around the stuffing and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
- Brown the Rolls:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef rolls and sear until browned on all sides, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and stir in the flour. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the beef stock and red wine (if using). Add Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Cook the Beef Olives:
- Return the beef rolls to the skillet, spooning some gravy over the top. Cover and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the beef is tender. Add a little water or stock if the gravy thickens too much.
- Serve:
- Remove the twine or toothpicks and serve the beef olives hot with the gravy spooned over them. Pair with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Enjoy your classic and delicious beef olives!
