If you’re craving a dish that perfectly blends tender, flavorful steak with the vibrant, comforting taste of a rich tomato sauce, look no further than this Steak Pizzaiola Recipe. It’s a classic Italian favorite that turns simple ingredients into a dish bursting with bold aromas and satisfying textures. The melding of garlic, herbs, and crushed tomatoes creates a sauce so captivating that every bite of steak is elevated to something truly special. Whether you want an easy weeknight meal or something a bit more rustic and heartwarming, this recipe is a guaranteed winner in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is all you need for this delightful dish. Each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, from the juicy richness of the steak to the bright, herby tomato sauce that hugs every bite.
- 4 beef sirloin or top round steaks (about 1/2 inch thick): These cuts balance tenderness and flavor, perfect for absorbing the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural taste of the steaks.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a silky base for searing and sautéing with a subtle fruity note.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds pungent warmth and depth to the sauce.
- 1 small onion (thinly sliced): Sweetens and softens the tomato base as it cooks down.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes: Forms the hearty, vibrant foundation of the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings that unmistakable Italian herbal brightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Complements oregano with a sweet, fragrant lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle heat for those who like a little kick.
- 1/4 cup dry red wine (optional): Enhances richness and adds complexity to the sauce if you choose to use it.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Freshens and brightens the finished dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Steak Pizzaiola Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Steaks
Start by seasoning both sides of your steaks generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the steaks for about 2 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful brown crust to develop without cooking the steaks all the way through just yet. Once seared, remove the steaks from the pan and set them aside—this step locks in the juices and builds flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Onions
Lower the heat to medium and toss the minced garlic and thinly sliced onion into the same skillet. Let them cook gently until they become soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes—this base will infuse the sauce with incredible aroma and sweetness.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce
Next, add the crushed tomatoes along with dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Pour in the dry red wine if you’re using it; it’s optional but really adds a lovely depth. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing all those flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer Steaks in the Sauce
Return the seared steaks to the skillet, nestling them right into the tomato sauce. Cover the pan and let everything simmer on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes. This slow cook tenderizes the steak and lets it soak up all the herby, garlicky tomato goodness. By the end, you’ll have steaks so tender they practically melt in your mouth.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the dish with the chopped fresh parsley. This final touch brightens the flavors and adds a pop of inviting green that makes your Steak Pizzaiola Recipe look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Steak Pizzaiola Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the star garnish here, bringing a lively, grassy note that balances the rich tomato sauce perfectly. For extra indulgence, try shaving some aged Parmesan on top for a salty, nutty contrast.
Side Dishes
This steak shines when served over simple pasta, creamy polenta, or alongside crusty bread that’s perfect for mopping up the luscious sauce. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette also pairs beautifully to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a centerpiece-worthy meal, plate each steak with a generous ladle of sauce, garnished and surrounded by roasted vegetables or even grilled asparagus. Serving in shallow bowls can give it a rustic, Italian trattoria vibe that feels warm and welcoming on any dining table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Steak Pizzaiola keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and meld more overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked steak and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve that signature tenderness and rich tomato flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, to avoid drying out the steak. Adding a splash of water or beef broth can help revive the sauce’s luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or top round work well because they tenderize nicely during simmering, you can use other cuts like flank or skirt steak. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid toughness.
Is the red wine necessary in the Steak Pizzaiola Recipe?
Not at all. The wine adds a depth of flavor and a nice richness, but the sauce is delicious without it too. Feel free to omit it if you prefer a simpler or alcohol-free dish.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is very mild with just a pinch of red pepper flakes, which are optional. If you like things spicier, you can increase the amount or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Making the tomato sauce a day ahead actually enhances the flavors, as the herbs and garlic get time to meld. When ready, just reheat and add the steaks to simmer until tender.
What should I serve with Steak Pizzaiola?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, creamy polenta, or even garlic mashed potatoes. Don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up all that incredible sauce!
Final Thoughts
I hope this Steak Pizzaiola Recipe inspires you to bring a touch of Italian comfort into your home. It’s the kind of meal that makes friends and family linger at the table, savoring every moment and bite. Simple, hearty, and packed with flavor, this recipe will likely become one of your all-time favorites—and I can’t wait for you to try it!
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Steak Pizzaiola Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Steak Pizzaiola is a classic Italian dish featuring tender beef steaks simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce infused with garlic, onions, herbs, and a hint of red wine. Perfectly seared and slow-cooked to juicy perfection, this hearty main course is ideal for serving over pasta, polenta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
Steak
- 4 beef sirloin or top round steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup dry red wine (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season and Sear Steaks: Season both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for about 2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic and sliced onion until soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, and red wine if using. Stir everything to combine and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to develop flavors.
- Simmer Steaks in Sauce: Nestle the seared steaks into the tomato sauce in the skillet. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, until the steaks are tender and fully cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving. Pair with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread to enjoy the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, polenta, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Use thinner cuts of steak for quicker cooking.
- Longer simmering tenderizes tougher cuts like top round, enhancing flavor and texture.
