Italy Meats | Beef | Tomatoes | Braising

Braciole alla Pizzaiola

(Italian beef simmered in tomato sauce)

Yield: 4-6 servings


INGREDIENTS PREP AMOUNT
Beef, sirloin steaks cut about 1/2" thick 2 lbs
 
Olive oil 1/4 cup`
Garlic minced 3-4 cloves
Tomatoes peeled, seeded, chopped 2-3 cups
Oregano dried 2 tsp
Salt & pepper to taste

METHOD

Basic Steps:  Pound → Brown → Sauté → Simmer
  1. Cut excess fat off of steaks and place on a cutting board between 2 big pieces of plastic wrap. Pound out to about 1/4" thick with the flat part of a meat tenderizer or the bottom of a heavy saucepan. Cut steaks in half.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season meat with salt and pepper and brown in batches on both sides. Remove to a plate.
  3. Add more oil to skillet if necessary and sauté garlic over medium heat till just barely browning. Stir in tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper. Add beef, reduce heat to low, and simmer, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes. Serve with potatoes, polenta or crusty bread.

VARIATIONS

  • Try the same recipe using chicken breasts.
  • Add a sliced chile pepper with the garlic for a little spice.

NOTES

  • Pizzaiola is an Italian word that means "pizza style".