Steak Pizzaiola is the perfect fusion of simple ingredients and bold flavors. This dish features tender, pan-seared steaks simmered in a rich tomato sauce, infused with the briny depth of olives and capers. The onions and bell peppers add a natural sweetness, balancing the tanginess of the sauce.
Served with warm crusty bread, al dente pasta, or a light green salad, this dish brings the taste of Italy straight to your table. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to impress your guests, Steak Pizzaiola is a must-try recipe that will transport you to an Italian trattoria with every bite.
Full Recipe:
- 4 boneless sirloin steaks (1-inch thick)
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil), divided
- 2 small yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced (any color)
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup pitted green olives
- 2 tablespoons capers
Directions:
- Season the steaks with salt and pepper and let them rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for 2 minutes per side, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan, followed by the onions and bell peppers. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 15 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the wine to deglaze the pan, stirring to lift any browned bits. Let it cook until the wine evaporates, about 30 seconds.
- Add crushed tomatoes, olives, and capers. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Return the steaks to the pan, cooking for 3 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve hot with crusty bread, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 414 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Steak Pizzaiola: A Classic Italian Comfort Dish
Steak Pizzaiola, or Carne alla Pizzaiola, is a beloved Italian dish known for its tender steak simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, onions, bell peppers, olives, and capers. This recipe brings together simple, high-quality ingredients to create a deeply flavorful meal that is both comforting and easy to prepare.
Originating from the southern regions of Italy, particularly Naples, Steak Pizzaiola is a dish that reflects the tradition of making the most out of available ingredients. It’s a perfect example of Italian peasant cuisine, where affordable cuts of beef are transformed into a hearty and delicious meal with the help of a flavorful tomato sauce.
The Origins of Steak Pizzaiola
The term pizzaiola is derived from the word “pizza,” as the sauce used in this dish shares many similarities with classic pizza sauce. This includes the use of tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and aromatic herbs. Traditionally, this dish was prepared using tougher cuts of meat, which were slow-cooked in the sauce until they became melt-in-your-mouth tender.
In Naples, where this dish gained its popularity, families often cooked Steak Pizzaiola with whatever ingredients they had on hand. Some variations include capers, olives, and even anchovies for extra depth of flavor. Over time, the dish evolved to include different types of meat, including veal and chicken, but the beef version remains the most popular.
Why This Recipe Works
One of the key reasons Steak Pizzaiola has stood the test of time is its balance of flavors and ease of preparation. The combination of seared beef with a tomato sauce packed with umami-rich ingredients creates a dish that is satisfying without being overly heavy. The acidity of the tomatoes cuts through the richness of the steak, while the olives and capers add a pleasant brininess that enhances the overall taste.
Additionally, this dish is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a main course alongside crusty bread, pasta, or polenta, making it a great option for both casual family dinners and special occasions. With a cooking time of just 30 minutes, it is a quick yet impressive meal that showcases the essence of Italian home cooking.
Choosing the Right Cut of Steak
The type of steak you use for Steak Pizzaiola plays a crucial role in the final texture and flavor of the dish. Traditionally, this recipe was made using tougher cuts of meat, such as flank steak or chuck steak, which benefited from slow simmering in the sauce. However, modern versions often use more tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye, allowing for a quicker cooking process while maintaining a juicy texture.
If using a tougher cut, it’s important to allow extra simmering time so the meat can break down and absorb the flavors of the sauce. On the other hand, if using a tender cut, a shorter cooking time will help maintain the steak’s natural juiciness while still infusing it with the rich pizzaiola sauce.
The Role of the Tomato Sauce
The sauce is the heart of Steak Pizzaiola, and its depth of flavor is what makes this dish truly special. Made with canned crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and bell peppers, the sauce is simmered until all the ingredients meld together into a harmonious blend.
A splash of white wine is often used to deglaze the pan, lifting all the browned bits from the seared steak and adding a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes. Some variations also include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, making the sauce even more dynamic.
Enhancing the Flavor with Olives and Capers
One of the defining characteristics of Steak Pizzaiola is the inclusion of olives and capers. These ingredients contribute a briny, salty contrast to the tomato sauce, enhancing its complexity and making each bite more interesting.
Green olives are commonly used for their firm texture and slightly tangy taste, though black olives can also be substituted for a milder flavor. Capers, which are small flower buds pickled in brine, bring a zesty, lemon-like tang that brightens up the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Steak Pizzaiola is a highly adaptable dish that can be served in several delicious ways:
- With Pasta: The rich sauce makes an excellent pairing with al dente pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine. Toss the pasta with the sauce before serving or simply spoon it over the top.
- With Crusty Bread: A slice of rustic Italian bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
- With Polenta: Creamy polenta provides a hearty and traditional accompaniment that complements the textures and flavors of the dish.
- With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can add freshness and balance to the meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Steak Pizzaiola stores well, making it a great meal for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. Once cooled, place the steak and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary. You can also reheat it in the microwave, though the stovetop method helps maintain the steak’s texture better. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations of Steak Pizzaiola
While the classic version is made with steak, there are many variations of this dish that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences:
- Chicken Pizzaiola: Swap out the steak for boneless chicken breasts or thighs, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
- Veal Pizzaiola: A traditional Italian favorite, veal cutlets cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
- Vegetarian Pizzaiola: Use thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms instead of steak for a plant-based take on the dish.
- Spicy Pizzaiola: Add extra red pepper flakes or a few slices of spicy Italian sausage for a bolder flavor.
Conclusion
Steak Pizzaiola is a timeless Italian dish that showcases the magic of simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Its rich, savory tomato sauce, infused with the flavors of garlic, onions, bell peppers, olives, and capers, perfectly complements the seared steak, making it a dish that is both satisfying and elegant.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish to share with family and friends, Steak Pizzaiola is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile, making it a staple in Italian cuisine that deserves a place in every home cook’s repertoire.