Pork Shoulder Braciola with Ragù
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026
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This slow-roasted pork shoulder braciola with ragù is a stunning high-protein dish that transforms a budget-friendly cut of meat into a spectacular Italian feast. By butterflying the pork and stuffing it with a savoury mixture of garlic, fresh rosemary, and Parmesan, every slice is infused with deep, aromatic flavours. The meat gently braises in a rich tomato sauce for several hours, resulting in a melt-in-the-mouth texture and a thick, velvety ragù that is perfect for coating your favourite pasta shape.
Ideal for a Sunday lunch or a comforting weekend dinner, this recipe is as practical as it is impressive. You can prepare the stuffed pork up to two days in advance, making it an excellent choice for stress-free entertaining. Serve the sliced meat on a large platter with plenty of extra cheese and the remaining sauce for a truly heart-healthy and satisfying homemade meal that the whole family will enjoy.
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Ingredients for Pork Shoulder Braciola with Ragù
1 (4-lb.) piece skinless, boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt)
Kosher salt
2 large eggs, beaten to blend
1 head of garlic, cloves separated, half finely chopped, half thinly sliced
60g panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/3 cup chopped parsley
1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
90g Parmesan, coarsely grated, plus finely grated for serving
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 (800g) cans whole peeled tomatoes
450g pasta (any shape)
How to make Pork Shoulder Braciola with Ragù
Back to contentsPreheat oven to 107°C. Place pork shoulder, fat side down, on a cutting board with a short end facing you. Holding a long, sharp knife about 1" above cutting board, make a shallow cut along the entire length of a long side of roast. Continue cutting deeper into the roast, lifting and unfurling meat with your free hand, until it lies flat (be careful not to cut all the way through). Season generously on both sides with salt.
Mix eggs, chopped garlic, panko, parsley, rosemary, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and 90g Parmesan in a medium bowl. Keeping fattier side of pork shoulder facing downward, smear filling all over top side. Roll up roast and tie closed in 3–4 places with kitchen twine.
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium-high. Sear pork roast until browned all over, 10–12 minutes total. Arrange tomatoes and their juices and sliced garlic all around roast and bring to a simmer. Make sure roast is turned fat side up, cover pot, and transfer to oven. Roast until a skewer easily passes through meat (a thermometer inserted into the centre should register 200–96°C), 4–5 hours. Keep covered and let rest in pot 30 minutes.
Transfer pork roast to a cutting board and remove kitchen twine. Gently mash sauce in pot with a spoon or a potato masher (simmer it gently to thicken, if desired). Taste ragù and season with salt if needed. Slice pork 1" thick.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente; drain.
Spoon pasta into a serving dish and top with some ragù; toss to coat. Sprinkle with finely grated Parmesan. Transfer pork to a platter; spoon remaining ragù over.
Pork can be stuffed and rolled 2 days before roasting; cover and chill. Pork can be roasted 3 days ahead; let cool, then cover and chill. Reheat gently in sauce before serving.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
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UK recipe editors
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UK recipe editors
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
28 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editorsPeer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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