If you love the rich, hearty flavors of Italian cooking paired with tender, juicy steak, then the Steak Pizzaiola Recipe is going to become your new go-to comfort dish. This classic Italian beef recipe combines simple yet vibrant ingredients like crushed tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs to create a luscious sauce that infuses every bite of perfectly seared steak with mouthwatering flavor. Easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to share with guests, this Steak Pizzaiola Recipe brings the warmth and soul of Italian cuisine right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this Steak Pizzaiola Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role, from the tender cut of steak that serves as the star, to the fresh herbs and savory tomato sauce that brighten and enrich the dish’s character.
- 2 sirloin or ribeye steaks (about 8 ounces each): Choose well-marbled cuts for juicy tenderness and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the steak and sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Ideal for searing the steaks to a perfect golden crust.
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced: Provides fragrant, aromatic undertones key to authentic Italian flavor.
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: The rich, tangy base for the signature pizzaiola sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a warm, earthy herbiness that complements the tomato well.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds fresh, sweet notes for a balanced sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle kick to elevate the sauce’s complexity.
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained (optional): Introduces a briny pop that brightens the overall flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish: A fresh finishing touch that adds color and vibrancy.
How to Make Steak Pizzaiola Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Steaks
Start by patting your steaks dry with paper towels. This simple step ensures a great sear. Then season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper. Seasoning upfront allows the steaks to develop maximum flavor as they cook.
Step 2: Sear the Steaks
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steaks and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. This caramelization locks in juices, creating juicy, flavorful steak. Remove the steaks and set them aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Pizzaiola Sauce
Reduce heat to medium and toss the sliced garlic into the hot skillet. Cook it for just about 30 seconds until fragrant, which infuses the oil with garlic’s sweet aroma. Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and capers if using. Let this simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Simmer the Steaks in Sauce
Return your steaks to the skillet, nestling them right into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the tops, then simmer on low heat, gently cooking the steaks for 5 to 8 minutes until they reach your preferred doneness and soak up all that delicious tomato-herb goodness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the dish for an inviting pop of color and fresh flavor. Your Steak Pizzaiola Recipe is now ready to grab a spot at your dinner table!
How to Serve Steak Pizzaiola Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are essential to brighten the plate and enhance the tomato-based sauce. They bring a touch of color and herbal freshness that balances the richness of the steak and sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with simple sides that soak up its lovely sauce. Think creamy mashed potatoes, a pile of al dente pasta, or even crusty Italian bread to mop up every last flavorful spoonful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the steak sliced over garlic-rubbed crostini topped with the pizzaiola sauce for an elegant appetizer. Alternatively, layer the sliced steak and sauce over creamy polenta for a homey, rustic meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Steak Pizzaiola stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, separate the steak from the sauce to maintain texture best. Freeze the sauce and steak in separate containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Warm leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, spooning sauce over the steak to keep everything moist and tender. Avoid microwaving at high heat to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for the Steak Pizzaiola Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or ribeye is recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use flank steak or skirt steak. Just be mindful to adjust cooking time for thicker cuts.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Steak Pizzaiola Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t include any wheat-based ingredients. It’s a great option if you’re avoiding gluten!
Can I make this recipe without capers?
Definitely. Capers add a nice briny dimension but leaving them out won’t compromise the overall flavor too much. The herbs and tomatoes still create a rich, tasty sauce.
How do I know when the steak is cooked properly?
Using a meat thermometer helps—aim for 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium. Otherwise, the steak should feel firm but still yield slightly under gentle pressure.
Can I double the recipe for more servings?
Yes, just make sure your skillet is large enough to comfortably sear and simmer the steaks without overcrowding. Cooking in batches is another good option for maintaining the best texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a Steak Pizzaiola Recipe that brings together the robust simplicity of Italian cooking with the satisfying heartiness of steak. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day and is so easy to prepare yet impressive enough for any occasion. I encourage you to give it a try and experience for yourself the magic of this classic Italian dish!
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Steak Pizzaiola Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Steak Pizzaiola is a classic Italian dish featuring tender sirloin or ribeye steaks simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, and capers. This stovetop recipe combines seared steaks with a savory sauce made from crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a slightly spicy kick. Garnished with fresh parsley or basil, it’s perfect served alongside pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
Ingredients
Steaks and Seasoning
- 2 sirloin or ribeye steaks (about 8 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Season the Steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the meat’s natural flavor.
- Sear the Steaks: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steaks and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until nicely browned to seal in the juices. Remove the steaks from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Tomato Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and capers if using. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Simmer the Steaks in Sauce: Return the steaks to the skillet, spooning the tomato sauce over them. Let simmer gently for 5 to 8 minutes or until the steaks reach your preferred doneness and absorb the sauce flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top before serving. Serve hot, ideally with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to enjoy the rich sauce fully.
Notes
- Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Choose thinner steaks for optimal tenderness and even cooking in this recipe.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on desired spice level.
- Capers add a tangy briny flavor but are optional if not preferred.
