Homemade Beef Olives Recipe | Perfect Comfort Food

Are you looking to try a hearty and delicious recipe that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions? Beef olives might just be what you need! While the name might confuse some, this dish doesn't actually include olives. Instead, these "olives" are tender rolled beef parcels filled with a savory stuffing, cooked to perfection in a rich gravy.

This step-by-step recipe will guide you through the process of making traditional beef olives that are guaranteed to impress. Whether you're a seasoned cook or looking for an approachable recipe to elevate your meals, this satisfying dish is worth adding to your repertoire.

What Are Beef Olives?

Beef olives are essentially thin slices of beef rolled up with a flavorful stuffing, secured, and then cooked in a savory gravy. They get their name from their shape, which vaguely resembles an olive. This recipe has strong roots in British and Scottish cuisine, where it has been cherished for generations as a comforting, filling meal.

The beauty of beef olives lies in their versatility. The stuffing can incorporate a variety of ingredients, from breadcrumbs to herbs, and even sausage meat. They're incredibly customizable based on your preferences or dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort food classic: Beef olives are the perfect crowd-pleaser for a family dinner.
• Customizable stuffing: Tailor the filling to your taste preferences.
• Make-ahead friendly: They’re ideal for prepping in advance for a stress-free meal!
• Packed with flavor: Every bite is tender, juicy, and full of rich, hearty taste.

Ingredients

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients for the beef olives and gravy.

For the Beef Olives:

• 1.5 pounds thin-sliced beef (like sirloin or top round, pounded thin)
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 small egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create tender, flavorful beef olives and a hearty gravy that ties everything together.

Step 1. Prepare the Stuffing

1. Start by combining the breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Add the beaten egg to the mixture and stir until everything is well incorporated. The stuffing should hold together slightly when pressed. Set it aside.

Step 2. Assemble the Beef Olives

1. Lay out the beef slices on a clean work surface. If needed, use a meat mallet to pound them thin for even cooking.
2. Place a spoonful of stuffing on one end of each beef slice. Roll the beef tightly around the stuffing, securing each roll with a toothpick or kitchen twine.

Step 3. Sear the Beef Olives

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sear the beef olives on all sides until browned. This step locks in flavor and ensures they hold their shape during cooking.
2. Remove the seared beef olives and set them aside.

Step 4. Make the Gravy

1. Using the same skillet, add the sliced onion and chopped carrots. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Gradually add beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste, stirring constantly to create a smooth gravy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the gravy to simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5. Simmer the Beef Olives

1. Return the beef olives to the skillet, spooning some of the gravy over the top.
2. Cover with a lid and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the beef is tender and cooked through. Be sure to flip the beef olives halfway through for even cooking.

Step 6. Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the toothpicks or twine from the beef olives before serving.
2. Plate the beef olives alongside mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice. Drizzle with the rich gravy and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a beautiful finishing touch.

Tips for Perfect Beef Olives

• Choose the right beef cut: Sirloin, flank, or top round works best as they’re easy to pound thin.
• Secure the rolls carefully: Use toothpicks or twine to ensure the rolls don’t unravel.
• Don’t skip the searing: It enhances the flavor and keeps the rolls intact.
• Experiment with stuffing: Add sausage meat, nuts, or dried fruits for extra flavor.

Why Beef Olives Deserve a Spot on Your Dinner Menu

Beef olives combine simple ingredients to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. The tender beef enveloping the herby, savory stuffing, all bathed in a rich gravy, makes for an unforgettable dinner experience. Plus, the versatility and ability to customize the dish mean it’s perfect for feeding family or impressing dinner guests alike.

Whether you’re a beef lover, home cook, or foodie, this timeless recipe is sure to be a hit. Try your hand at making beef olives today and discover a comforting classic that’s as satisfying to cook as it is to eat.