Stuffed London Broil: A Chef’s Take on a Classic

My grandmother, Nana Rose, wasn’t much for fancy presentations. Her cooking was all about hearty flavors and feeding a crowd. I remember one Sunday, she pulled a London broil from the fridge, a blank canvas for her culinary whims. She’d stuff it with whatever odds and ends she had – leftover roasted vegetables, a chunk of goat cheese nearing its expiration date, some sun-dried tomatoes swimming in olive oil. It always tasted like home, like love baked into a humble cut of meat. This recipe is my homage to Nana Rose, a refined version of her spontaneous creation, but with the same soul.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Dietary Type: Varies (see substitutions for dairy-free option)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs London broil beef
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 3 ounces herbed goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons chopped roasted red peppers
• 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 cups chopped fresh spinach

Equipment Needed

• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Butcher’s string
• Meat thermometer
• Broiling pan

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the London broil. With a sharp knife, carefully slice three 5 x 1-inch slits in the top of the London broil, being careful not to cut all the way through. These slits will create pockets for the flavorful filling.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the remaining ingredients: sliced scallions, crumbled herbed goat cheese, chopped roasted red peppers, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped fresh spinach. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until evenly distributed. This ensures a consistent and delicious filling for your London broil.

3. Carefully fill the slits in the London broil with the prepared filling mixture. Pack the filling firmly into each slit, ensuring it’s evenly distributed and securely held in place. The more filling you can comfortably fit, the more flavorful each slice will be.

4. Using butcher’s string, tie the meat in 1-inch intervals. This step is crucial for maintaining the shape of the stuffed London broil during cooking and preventing the filling from spilling out. Securely tie the string around the roast at regular intervals.

5. Sprinkle the top of the tied London broil evenly with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This adds an extra layer of herbaceous flavor to the meat.

6. Preheat your broiler. Place the stuffed London broil on a broiling pan.

7. Broil for 35 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast registers 140°F for medium-rare. Be sure to turn the meat once halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on all sides. Keep a close eye on the meat to prevent burning.

8. Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the London broil from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.

9. Remove the butcher’s twine and slice the London broil against the grain into thin slices to maximize tenderness.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Goat Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t have herbed goat cheese on hand, plain goat cheese works perfectly well. You can add your own herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to customize the flavor.
• Pre-Stuffing Prep: The filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This saves time on the day of cooking and allows the flavors to meld together even more.
• Broiler Beware: Broilers can vary greatly in intensity. Watch your London broil carefully and adjust the cooking time as needed to prevent burning. If the top is browning too quickly, lower the rack or reduce the broiling temperature slightly.
• Achieving the Perfect Doneness: For a more accurate reading, use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding any of the filling. Remember that the internal temperature will continue to rise slightly as the meat rests.
• Even Filling Distribution: To ensure an even distribution of filling, consider using a piping bag or a small spoon to carefully pack the mixture into each slit.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the stuffed London broil hot, sliced thinly, and arranged attractively on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color. This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

Storage: Leftover stuffed London broil can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the slices in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven at 300°F until heated through. Avoid overcooking, which can dry out the meat.

Freezing: While freezing is possible, it may affect the texture of the meat and filling slightly. If freezing, wrap the leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	241.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	98 g	41%
Total Fat	10.9 g	16%
Saturated Fat	4.5 g	22%
Cholesterol	98.3 mg	32%
Sodium	152.6 mg	6%
Total Carbohydrate	1.5 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0.5 g	2%
Sugars	0.6 g	2%
Protein	32.6 g	65%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the herbed goat cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or a pesto made with dairy-free Parmesan cheese.
• Vegetarian Filling: Replace the goat cheese with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and breadcrumbs for a vegetarian-friendly stuffing.
• Seasonal Variations: Adapt the filling to the seasons. In the fall, try adding chopped apples, cranberries, and walnuts. In the spring, use asparagus, peas, and fresh herbs.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a touch of heat.
• Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs in the filling, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage.
• Wine Reduction Sauce: For an elegant presentation, deglaze the pan with red wine after broiling and reduce it into a flavorful sauce to drizzle over the sliced London broil.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I prepare the stuffed London broil ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can stuff the London broil and tie it with butcher’s string up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to broil.

Q: How do I ensure the London broil is cooked evenly?
A: Turn the meat halfway through the broiling time to ensure even cooking on all sides. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and avoid overcooking.

Q: Can I use a different cut of meat?
A: While London broil is ideal for this recipe, you can also use flank steak or sirloin steak. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
A: You can substitute sun-dried tomatoes with fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted bell peppers for a similar flavor and texture.

Q: Can I grill the stuffed London broil instead of broiling it?
A: Yes, you can grill the stuffed London broil over medium heat, turning occasionally, until it reaches the desired internal temperature.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed London broil is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather around the table, share stories, and create lasting memories. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and flavors to create your own signature version. I encourage you to try this recipe, share it with your loved ones, and let me know what you think! And maybe, just maybe, it’ll become a family favorite, just like it was in my Nana Rose’s kitchen. Consider pairing it with a robust Cabernet Sauvignon to elevate the dining experience. Enjoy!