Steak Pizzaiola Recipe

If you crave classic Italian comfort with a splash of rustic charm, Steak Pizzaiola is about to become your new favorite. This vibrant dish transforms humble steak and everyday pantry staples into a saucy, aromatic skillet masterpiece. Think juicy beef, bubbling tomato sauce, a snappy dose of garlic, and fresh herbs—an invitation to gather around the table, mop up every last drop with crusty bread, and feel like you’ve been transported straight to a bustling Neapolitan kitchen. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight meal or craving something cozy and soul-satisfying, Steak Pizzaiola promises flavor in every forkful.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s wonderful how just a handful of simple ingredients can conjure so much deliciousness in Steak Pizzaiola. Each one is essential—playing a specific role in taste, texture, or color, and together, they strike a harmonious Italian chord that no one can resist.

• Steak (sirloin or flank): Choose a tender cut for best results—sirloin brings rich flavor, while flank is melt-in-your-mouth when simmered in sauce.
• Olive oil: This helps develop a golden, flavorful crust on the steak, plus builds the base for the sauce.
• Onion: Thin slices caramelize slightly and add natural sweetness to balance the tomatoes.
• Garlic: Sliced, not minced—this way the garlic infuses the sauce but doesn’t overpower it.
• Crushed tomatoes: Use a high-quality canned variety for the freshest, sun-ripened flavor.
• Dried oregano: Essential for that herby, quintessential pizzaiola aroma.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Add as much or as little as you like for just the right kick.
• Salt: A generous pinch enhances the steak and brings the sauce together.
• Black pepper: Freshly cracked if possible, for a gentle backbone of earthiness.
• Dry white wine (optional): Just a splash gives depth and sophistication to the tomato sauce.
• Fresh basil or parsley: Chopped and scattered at the end for a burst of color and garden-fresh pop.

How to Make Steak Pizzaiola

Step 1: Season the Steak

Start by patting your steak portions dry and giving them a generous, loving sprinkle of salt and black pepper on both sides. This unlocks the flavor in the meat and helps develop that crave-worthy seared crust you’re after.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat up the olive oil in a big, heavy skillet over medium-high. Sear each steak portion for about 2 minutes per side, enough to brown and caramelize but not fully cook through. Remove steaks and keep them handy—you’ll return them to the pan soon for their saucy simmer.

Step 3: Cook Onion and Garlic

Without even cleaning the skillet (more flavor!), lower the heat to medium. Toss in those sliced onions and garlic. Stir often, letting them soften, sweeten, and soak up the beefy drippings—about 4 to 5 minutes is perfect.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, along with that splash of white wine if you’re using it. Stir in the dried oregano and red pepper flakes. The aroma will make your kitchen smell like an Italian trattoria. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes so the sauce thickens and the flavors mingle.

Step 5: Simmer Steak in the Sauce

It’s time to reunite the steak with its sauce! Nestle the seared pieces back into the skillet, cover, and let them bubble away in the sauce for 10–15 minutes. The meat soaks up all those flavors and reaches your perfect doneness. Finish by scattering fresh basil or parsley right before serving—it’s like sunshine in a sprinkle.

How to Serve Steak Pizzaiola

Garnishes

Sprinkle a flourish of freshly chopped basil or parsley over the steaks just before serving. Not only does this brighten the whole dish visually, but it adds a final punch of fresh, herbaceous aroma that makes Steak Pizzaiola irresistible.

Side Dishes

This richly sauced steak begs for something to help scoop up every morsel. Classic pairings include crusty Italian bread, creamy polenta, or buttered pasta. Roasted vegetables like zucchini, peppers, or potatoes add color and texture while soaking up the sauce too.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, try slicing the steak before saucing and layering on toasted ciabatta as a hearty open-faced sandwich. Or serve Steak Pizzaiola family-style on a big platter nestled atop garlicky mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. Individual skillets or mini cast-iron nests also turn this classic into a showstopping dinner party centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining Steak Pizzaiola in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to three days—the sauce actually deepens in flavor, and the steak stays juicy nestled in its tomato bath.

Freezing

If you want to freeze Steak Pizzaiola, let it cool completely first. Portion into freezer-safe containers, making sure the steak is submerged in sauce to prevent drying. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Warm Steak Pizzaiola gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, loosely covered, stirring once to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While sirloin and flank are classic, ribeye or even thinly sliced round steaks work beautifully in Steak Pizzaiola—just adjust the simmer time depending on thickness so your steak stays tender.

Is this recipe spicy?

Only if you want it to be! The red pepper flakes are entirely optional, so add a pinch for gentle warmth, or skip them for a milder, family-friendly sauce. You control the heat in your pizzaiola.

Can I make Steak Pizzaiola without wine?

Yes, you can! The wine adds a subtle depth, but feel free to replace it with beef broth or even a generous splash of water. You’ll still get a wonderfully rich and savory sauce.

What’s the best way to keep the steak juicy?

The key is to avoid overcooking. Sear the steak quickly, then let it finish in the sauce just until it’s perfectly done to your liking. Resting the steak in the sauce before serving also helps keep it tender and moist.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just use a larger skillet or Dutch oven, and increase the ingredients proportionally. Steak Pizzaiola is a great dish for feeding a hungry group, and guests always love the Italian flair.

Final Thoughts

If you’re yearning for a soul-warming meal that brings people together, you can’t go wrong with Steak Pizzaiola. It’s simple, bold, and full of Italian heart—exactly the kind of dish everyone should try at least once. I hope you’ll give it a spot on your dinner table soon and discover just how comforting and unforgettable it can be!

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