Classic Steak Pizzaiola Recipe

Craving a Flavor-Packed Italian Dinner? Discover Classic Steak Pizzaiola!

Are you tired of the same old weeknight dinners and looking for a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and relatively simple to prepare? Millions of home cooks are searching for “easy Italian dinners” and “steak recipes” daily. Steak Pizzaiola, a rustic Italian dish, answers the call perfectly. It transforms a humble cut of steak into a culinary masterpiece, braised in a vibrant tomato sauce with fragrant herbs and garlic. This recipe isn’t just about a delicious meal; it’s about bringing a taste of traditional Italian home cooking to your table with minimal fuss. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this truly classic creation.

Ingredients for Your Classic Steak Pizzaiola

The beauty of Steak Pizzaiola lies in its fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together to create a harmonious dish. We’ve listed the core components below, along with some suggestions for substitutions and sensory notes to guide your shopping and cooking experience.

• 2 (about 6-8 ounce each) Ribeye or Sirloin Steaks: Look for steaks with good marbling for tenderness and flavor. A thickness of 1 to 1.5 inches is ideal for searing and then finishing in the sauce. (Substitution: Flank steak or even chicken breasts can work, though cooking times will vary.)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil will lend the best fruity aroma and flavor.
• 1 large Onion, thinly sliced: A yellow or sweet onion provides a lovely sweetness when caramelized.
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for that pungent, aromatic foundation.
• 1 (28 ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes: Good quality crushed tomatoes form the soul of our sauce; San Marzano tomatoes are a classic choice for their sweetness and low acidity.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: This herb brings an earthy, slightly peppery note characteristic of Italian cooking.
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil: Sweet and aromatic, basil complements the tomato and herbs beautifully.
• Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle warmth that awakens the palate.
• Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
• Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish: Adds a pop of fresh green color and a bright, herbaceous finish.
• Optional toppings: Sliced bell peppers (any color), sliced mushrooms, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Timing Your Delicious Steak Pizzaiola

Compared to the average 90-minute cook time for many braised dishes, Steak Pizzaiola is a relatively quick weeknight-friendly option. The active prep is minimal, allowing the sauce to simmer and the steak to tenderize efficiently.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Steak

Pat your steaks completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for achieving a beautiful, deep sear. Season them generously on all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works wonderfully) over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the steaks in the hot skillet and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, until a gorgeous golden-brown crust forms. Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary. Once seared, remove the steaks from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. They won’t be fully cooked yet!

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Reduce the heat in the same skillet to medium. If the pan looks dry, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until it begins to soften and turn translucent. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. The aroma should be absolutely intoxicating at this point!

3. Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir in the dried oregano and dried basil. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – that’s where a lot of flavor is hiding! Season the sauce with a little salt and pepper. If you’re adding any optional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, you can add them now.

4. Combine and Finish

Nestle the seared steaks back into the skillet, spooning some of the tomato sauce over them. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 15-25 minutes, or until the steaks are cooked to your desired doneness (use a meat thermometer for accuracy) and are tender. The sauce should thicken slightly. If it gets too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C).

Once the steaks are cooked and tender, remove them from the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Spoon the rich, flavorful sauce over the steaks, and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese just before serving.

Nutritional Information (Estimated Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 (varies based on steak cut and oil used)
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 25-35g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15g
• Fiber: 3-5g

Please note: This is an approximate nutritional value and can vary significantly based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Healthier Alternatives & Flavor Boosts

• Leaner Protein: Opt for leaner cuts of steak like top sirloin or even a thick-cut chicken breast. You can also use firm tofu or large portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian take.
• Reduced Sodium: Use no-salt-added crushed tomatoes and adjust seasoning with herbs and spices rather than relying solely on salt.
• Extra Veggies: Bulk up the sauce with additional non-starchy vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or spinach for added fiber and nutrients. Sauté them along with the onions.
• Less Oil: Lightly spray the pan with cooking oil spray or use a good non-stick skillet to reduce the amount of oil needed for searing and sautéing.

Serving Suggestions

Steak Pizzaiola is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with:

• Crusty Italian Bread: Essential for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce.
• Pasta: Wide noodles like pappardelle or linguine are perfect for catching the chunky tomato sauce.
• Creamy Polenta: The smooth texture of polenta is a wonderful contrast to the robust flavors of the steak and sauce.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make for a healthy and colorful side dish.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skillet Not Hot Enough for Searing: This leads to steak that steams rather than sears, resulting in a gray, unappealing surface and less flavor.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Searing steak in a crowded pan lowers the temperature, preventing a good crust and creating more steam.
• Not Patting Steak Dry: Moisture on the surface of the steak will steam it, hindering that crucial seared exterior.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns very quickly. Add it towards the end of sautéing the onions and cook just until fragrant.
• Undercooked Sauce: Ensure the tomato sauce simmers long enough to meld flavors and thicken slightly.

Storing Tips

Leftover Steak Pizzaiola can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious, if not more so. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

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