Steak Pizzaiola is a delicious Italian-American dish that has become a beloved comfort food in many households. Known for its rich flavors and budget-friendly ingredients, this dish is the perfect balance of simplicity and taste. The beauty of Steak Pizzaiola lies in its versatility: it can be made with economical cuts of beef, though you can always opt for pricier cuts for a more indulgent experience. Whether you’re feeding a family on a budget or preparing a meal for a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
In this recipe, we’ll take you through every step needed to create a perfect Steak Pizzaiola recipe, from choosing the right cut of meat to ensuring the sauce is the ideal consistency. This recipe uses a combination of braising and simmering to create tender, flavorful steaks in a savory tomato-based sauce with aromatic herbs and a kick of heat. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Table of Contents
Recipe Ingredients for Steak Pizzaiola Recipe
When making Steak Pizzaiola, the ingredients are simple, but the flavors are bold. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need:
Steak
The star of the dish is, of course, the steak. While you can use more expensive cuts like ribeye or sirloin, this dish shines with economical cuts that benefit from slow cooking. Here are some excellent options:
- Chuck Steaks: These are perfect for braising, offering great flavor and tenderness when cooked low and slow.
- Top or Bottom Round: Both cuts work well if you’re looking for a leaner option, though they require careful braising to ensure tenderness.
- Blade Steaks: Another affordable choice that works well with braising techniques.
- Bone-in Chuck Steaks: These offer even more flavor due to the bone, which adds richness to the sauce.
Tomatoes
The base of the sauce is all about the tomatoes. For the best texture and flavor:
- Hand-Crushed Tomatoes: These provide a chunkier, rustic texture that’s ideal for Steak Pizzaiola. If you’re looking for a smoother sauce, pre-crushed tomatoes work just fine.
- Crushed Hot Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but highly recommended if you like a little heat in your dish.
Other Ingredients
- Bell Peppers: Typically, you’ll use red and green bell peppers for a balance of sweetness and slight bitterness.
- Mushrooms: These add a lovely earthy flavor that complements the richness of the steak.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for infusing the sauce with aromatic depth.
- Oregano: Dried oregano enhances the Italian flair of this dish.
- Olive Oil: To sauté and sear the steaks, ensuring a beautiful brown crust.
How to Make Steak Pizzaiola Recipe
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s walk through the step-by-step process for creating this mouthwatering dish. Follow each step carefully to achieve the perfect balance of tender meat and flavorful sauce.
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by preparing your vegetables. Crush the tomatoes by hand if you prefer a chunkier sauce, or use canned crushed tomatoes for convenience. Slice the bell peppers and mushrooms, and chop the garlic finely for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 2: Pound and Season the Steaks
To ensure your steaks cook evenly, it’s important to pound them to an even thickness. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently flatten them to about 1/2-inch thickness. Season generously with salt, pepper, and oregano on both sides.
Step 3: Sear the Steaks
Heat olive oil in a large, sturdy skillet over medium-high heat.When the oil is hot, carefully place the steaks in the pan. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown. The goal is to develop a rich, caramelized crust that will lock in the flavors.
Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms and Peppers
Remove the steaks from the pan and set them aside. In the same pan, add the mushrooms and bell peppers, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until they are softened and browned. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t burn.
Step 5: Cook the Garlic and Add Hot Red Pepper Flakes
Add the garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. If you want to add a bit of heat, sprinkle in hot red pepper flakes at this point. Stir to combine with the garlic and vegetables.
Step 6: Deglaze the Pan
Now, it’s time to deglaze the pan. Add a splash of water to loosen up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce.
Step 7: Add the Crushed Tomatoes and Oregano
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, adding the oregano and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 8: Braise the Steaks
Return the steaks to the pan, making sure they are partially submerged in the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and braise the steaks over low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened. You may need to add a little water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick during the cooking process.
Step 9: Remove Excess Fat
Once the steaks are tender, carefully skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce. You can use a bulb baster or a ladle with an ice cube to help solidify and remove the fat.
Step 10: Plate and Garnish
Once the sauce is rich and flavorful, remove the steaks from the pan and plate them. Spoon the sauce generously over the top and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Top Tips for Success with Steak Pizzaiola Recipe
To ensure your Steak Pizzaiola turns out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips:
- Skimming Fat: If you prefer a leaner sauce, you can remove excess fat using a bulb baster or by dropping ice cubes into the sauce. The ice will solidify the fat, making it easier to remove.
- Pounding Steaks: Pounding the steaks ensures even cooking. If your butcher can cut the steaks to 1/2-inch thickness, this step may not be necessary.
- Adjusting Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick during the braising process, simply add a bit of water or broth to thin it out and keep the meat moist.
Frequently Asked Questions about Steak Pizzaiola Recipe
What to Serve with Steak Pizzaiola?
While Steak Pizzaiola recipe is hearty on its own, consider serving it with side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Some great options include garlic bread, pasta, or for a low-carb choice, broccoli rabe or roasted vegetables.
What Does “Pizzaiola” Mean?
The term “Pizzaiola” refers to a style of cooking with tomato sauce and garlic, reminiscent of pizza toppings. It’s commonly associated with Italian-American dishes that use tomatoes, garlic, and herbs to flavor meat.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers?
You can store this dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently in a skillet or microwave. If you’re freezing it, add a little bit of water when reheating to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Can I Use Crushed Tomatoes Instead of Hand-Crushed Plum Tomatoes?
Absolutely! Canned crushed tomatoes are a great substitute if you’re in a rush. Just be mindful that they may result in a smoother sauce, whereas hand-crushed tomatoes give a chunkier texture.
What type of steak is best for Steak Pizzaiola?
The best cuts for Steak Pizzaiola are chuck steaks, top round, or bottom round. These affordable cuts become tender when braised. Blade steaks and bone-in chuck steaks also work well for extra flavor.
What does “Pizzaiola” mean?
“Pizzaiola” refers to a style of cooking where meat is braised in a tomato sauce, typically seasoned with garlic, oregano, and sometimes a dash of red pepper flakes, inspired by pizza toppings.
Why is it called Pizzaiola?
The name “Pizzaiola” comes from the word pizza, as the dish is made with a sauce that resembles the toppings typically found on pizza—tomatoes, garlic, and oregano. It’s a nod to the flavors of pizza, but served with meat instead of dough.
Can I make Steak Pizzaiola Recipe in a slow cooker or crockpot?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a crockpot. Simply sear the steaks and then add them with the sauce ingredients into the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the steak is fork-tender.
Can I use other vegetables in the sauce?
Yes! You can add onions, zucchini, or even eggplant for a different twist. Just be sure to sauté them until they are soft before adding the tomatoes.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
If you enjoy spicy dishes, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a fresh chili to the sauce for extra heat. Adjust the amount based on your personal spice tolerance.
Is it necessary to pound the steaks?
Pounding the steaks is a great technique for ensuring even cooking, especially if you’re using tougher cuts. However, if your butcher can cut the steaks to about 1/2 inch thick, this step may not be necessary.
How can I adjust this recipe for pasta?
If you’d like to serve Steak Pizzaiola with pasta, simply cook your favorite pasta and toss it with some of the sauce before serving. You can also serve the steak on top of the pasta for a heartier meal.
Recipe Ingredients for Steak Pizzaiola Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 chuck steaks (or top/bottom round, blade steaks)
- 2 cups hand-crushed tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (optional)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Pound and season the steaks.
- Sear steaks in a hot skillet.
- Sauté the mushrooms and peppers until browned.
- Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and deglaze the pan.
- Add tomatoes, oregano, and braise steaks.
- Skim excess fat and garnish with basil.
Notes:
- Serve with pasta or roasted vegetables.
- For crockpot braising, cook on low for 6-8 hours.
More Delicious Hearty Dishes to Try
If you love the bold flavors and comforting nature of Steak Pizzaiola, you’ll want to explore more hearty dishes that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings! Here are some other delicious and satisfying meals that are perfect for any occasion:
Steak Pizzaiola recipe is the perfect Italian-American dish that combines simple ingredients with rich, bold flavors. By following these steps, you’ll create a meal that’s not only comforting but also flexible, whether you’re cooking for a large family or making a weeknight dinner. Experiment with different cuts of meat, adjust the seasoning to your preference, and enjoy this classic Italian dish in your own kitchen.
1 thought on “Steak Pizzaiola Recipe: A Simple and Delicious Italian Classic”
Comments are closed.