Classic Beef Olives Recipe – Tender, Flavorful & Easy to Make!

There’s something undeniably special about a dish that feels both elegant and comforting—one that carries history in every bite yet fits perfectly on today’s dinner table. Beef olives (not to be confused with the fruit!) are exactly that kind of meal.

Imagine tender slices of beef, wrapped around a savory filling, slowly simmered until they’re so soft they practically melt on your tongue. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something memorable—rich in flavor, steeped in tradition, and surprisingly simple to make.

Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping Sunday roast, a cozy family dinner, or just a way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this classic beef olives recipe delivers. Let’s dive in and discover why this dish has been loved for generations—and how you can master it with ease.

(Why keep reading? Because by the end of this guide, you’ll have a foolproof method for making restaurant-quality beef olives at home—plus tips, tricks, and serving ideas to make it unforgettable.)

What Are Beef Olives?

Despite the name, beef olives don’t actually contain olives—they’re tender slices of beef rolled around a flavorful stuffing, then slow-cooked until irresistibly juicy.

This classic dish has roots in British and Scottish cuisine, where thin cuts of beef (like topside or flank steak) are pounded flat, filled with herbs, breadcrumbs, and sometimes bacon, then braised in a rich gravy.

Think of them as little flavor-packed bundles—similar to Italian braciole or German rouladen, but with their own hearty charm. The slow cooking ensures the beef becomes fork-tender, while the filling soaks up all the delicious juices.

Perfect for a comforting family meal or an impressive dinner party, beef olives are a simple yet elegant way to enjoy beef at its best.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Olives Recipe

This classic dish checks all the boxes for a perfect meal:

✅ Tender, juicy beef that falls apart with each bite
✅ Rich, savory flavors from the herby stuffing and slow-cooked gravy
✅ Surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients
✅ Impressive enough for special occasions but cozy enough for weeknights
✅ Versatile – pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread

The best part? While it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, the hands-on time is minimal. Just roll, sear, and let the simmering do the magic.

Ingredients for the Perfect Beef Olives Recipe

Great beef olives start with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting classic:

For the Beef Rolls:

• 1.5 lbs (700g) top round or flank steak – sliced ¼-inch thick (ask your butcher to prepare this)
• 4 slices smoked bacon, finely chopped
• ½ cup fresh breadcrumbs (panko works too)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cooking Sauce:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups beef stock (good quality makes a difference)
• ½ cup dry red wine (optional but recommended)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a bay leaf and a sprig of fresh thyme to the cooking liquid.

Step-by-Step Beef Olives Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create melt-in-your-mouth beef olives that will impress every time:

1. Prepare the Filling

• In a bowl, combine:
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Chopped bacon
  • Parsley
  • Minced garlic
  • Dijon mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper
• Mix until evenly combined (the texture should be moist but not wet)

2. Assemble the Beef Rolls

• Lay beef slices flat between parchment paper and gently pound to even thickness (about ¼ inch)
• Spread 2-3 tbsp of filling evenly over each slice
• Roll up tightly from the short end (like a cigar)
• Secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks

3. Sear to Perfection

• Heat olive oil in a heavy pot/Dutch oven over medium-high
• Brown rolls on all sides (2-3 minutes per side) – this builds flavor!
• Remove and set aside

4. Create the Sauce

• In same pot, sauté onions until soft (5 mins)
• Stir in flour and cook 1 minute
• Deglaze with red wine (if using), scraping up browned bits
• Add beef stock and tomato paste, bring to simmer

5. Slow Cook to Tenderness

• Return beef rolls to pot, ensuring they’re submerged
• Cover and simmer gently for 1.5-2 hours (until fork-tender)
• Turn rolls occasionally for even cooking

Pro Tip: For extra richness, finish with a knob of butter stirred into the sauce.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Take your beef olives from great to extraordinary with these perfect accompaniments:

Classic Sides

• Creamy mashed potatoes (the ultimate gravy catcher)
• Buttered egg noodles or polenta
• Roasted root vegetables (carrots, parsnips)
• Steamed green beans or buttered peas

For a Special Occasion

• Truffle mashed potatoes
• Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta
• Wild mushroom risotto

What to Drink

• Red wine: Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec
• Non-alcoholic: Rich grape juice or sparkling apple cider

Leftover Tip: Shred the beef into the sauce for an incredible pasta topping the next day.

Nutritional Information

Here’s what you’re getting in each serving of this hearty dish (based on 1 beef olive with sauce):

Key Notes:
✓ High-quality protein for muscle maintenance
✓ Iron-rich (15% DV) from the beef
✓ Contains vitamin B12 (45% DV)
✓ Moderate carbs – great for low-carb diets

Dietary Adjustments:
• For lower sodium: Use reduced-salt stock
• For lighter version: Trim visible beef fat and use turkey bacon

FAQs About Beef Olives Recipe

A Timeless Dish Worth Mastering

Beef olives are more than just a meal – they’re a delicious tradition that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With their tender beef, savory filling, and rich gravy, they prove that simple ingredients can create something truly special.

What makes this recipe stand out?

✨ Effortless elegance – impressive enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights
✨ Versatile flavors that pair beautifully with countless sides
✨ Make-ahead friendly – perfect for stress-free entertaining

Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this classic dish never fails to satisfy. The best part? It only gets better as the flavors meld, making leftovers something to look forward to.

Ready to try it? Gather your ingredients, take your time with the slow simmer, and get ready to enjoy one of the most comforting dishes you’ll ever make. Once you taste that first tender, flavorful bite, you’ll understand why beef olives have been beloved for generations.

Author’s Top Picks for More Comfort Food Recipes

If you loved this Beef Olives Recipe, you’ll adore these other cozy, flavorful dishes:

🍐 Easy Pear Butter – Sweet, spiced, and perfect on toast or oatmeal
🍜 Chicken and Egg Noodles – A creamy, hearty classic that’s pure comfort
🥜 Pistachio Muffins Recipe – Nutty, moist, and just sweet enough
🍫 Chocolate Chip Shortbread – Buttery, crumbly, and irresistible with tea

Each of these recipes brings homemade warmth to your table with simple, satisfying flavors. Try one (or all!) for your next cooking adventure.