Italian Sliced Beef Pizzaiola

Name: Italian Sliced Beef Pizzaiola
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 slices Sirloin steak, gently pound a few times. (You can also use strip loin, beef tenderloin, flank steak or round steak slices).; 1 can marzano tomatoes (peeled nothing added) ((400 grams)); 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided); ¼-½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1-1½ teaspoons oregano; 1 teaspoon basil; 1-2 cloves garlic (minced); 1-2 dashes hot pepper flakes or black pepper (optional); ½ cup water ((120 grams)); 4-5 fresh basil leaves (or parsley); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 medium peppers (green or red or a combination sliced into strips); 1 teaspoon oregano; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1-2 cloves garlic (minced)

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Sliced Beef Pizzaiola, a fast and easy Italian dish. Slices of Beef in a deliciously spiced Tomato Sauce. Perfect on its own or make the ultimate Pizzaiola Sandwich.

Beef pizzaiola in a pan with 4 slices of bread.

Pizzaiola is a typical Italian dish that you will find from the North to the South of Italy. The ingredients are all the same, just the cooking of the beef might change, from browning the beef first to cooking it slowly in the sauce.

What does Pizzaiola mean?

Pizzaiola is made with the same ingredients as a Pizza Marinara, except sliced beef is added. So this is where the name comes from, apparently it originated in Naples.

Recipe Ingredients

Beef – Thinly sliced Sirloin steak, gently pounded using a mallet until flattened. You can also use strip loin, beef tenderloin, flank steak or round steak slices.
Tomatoes – I like to use san marzano peeled tomatoes, nothing added, you can chop them with a fork, or even use your food processor.
Olive Oil
Salt
Oregano
Basil
Garlic – 1 or 2 cloves minced or more if you prefer
Pepper or Hot Pepper Flakes – you can leave it hot if you wish
Water
Basil Leaves – fresh basil leaves or even chopped parsley

How to make Beef Pizzaiola

In a large frying pan add olive oil, tomatoes, salt, oregano, garlic, hot pepper flakes (if desired) and basil, stir to combine, then add the fresh basil and the water, add the slices of beef, stir gently to cover with sauce then drizzle with the remaining olive oil and remaining half of the spices.

Cook on low heat with the lid 1/4 uncovered for approximately 25 minutes (turning after 15 minutes), then uncover and raise heat and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes until thickened (but not too thick). Top with fresh basil.

Serve as is, with a side of pasta or even in a sandwhich!

But never forget to do as the Italians “fare la scarpetta“.

How to make Fried Peppers

In a medium frying pan add 2 tablespoons olive oil, sliced pepper strips (2 medium peppers sliced), 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 clove garlic chopped. Cook on medium until peppers are soft and browned. Stirring occasionally.

Tips for making the best Pizzaiola

Be sure to use a thinly sliced beef, cheaper cuts of steak work well in this recipe, because it cooks quite quickly you don’t want a tough cut. Pounding the meat a little before will also help.
Make sure you don’t use stewing beef.
If you prefer you can use slices of chicken or even pork, just make sure to cook it all the way through.
You can add green or black olives or even capers towards the end of the cooking time.

FAQs

How to serve it

This can be served on it’s own as a main dish with a side salad or your favorite vegetable, it also makes the best sandwich or even served with your favorite pasta. You decide.

How to store leftovers

Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. It will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge.

How to freeze it

Freeze the pizzaiola in a freezer safe container, it will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Fry up some Peppers, Mushrooms or Onions, get a big Italian bread roll and you can have yourself one of the best Italian sandwiches you may ever eat! Buon Appetito!