| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30-40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 20g | 5g | 8g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 2g | 30g | 0.7g |
Why I Love Italian Carne Pizzaiola
The Comfort of Carne Pizzaiola
Comfort food has a special place in our hearts, and one recipe that has always been a favorite of mine is Carne Pizzaiola. There is something incredibly heartwarming about the rich, savory flavors combined with the simplicity of the ingredients. I grew up in California, where fresh produce and health-conscious meals were a staple, but there’s always room for a dish like this that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
When I first came across this recipe, it was by chance. I was flipping through one of Marcella Hazan’s classic cookbooks, and I stumbled upon a similar dish. Though my version has its own twists and turns, her work definitely laid the groundwork. If you’re curious, you can find more about her [here](https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/30/dining/marcella-hazan-dies-at-89-taught-americans-to-cook-italian.html).
A Fusion of Simplicity and Flavor
Carne Pizzaiola epitomizes the beauty of Italian cooking—fresh, simple, and packed with flavor. The thinly sliced beef sirloin or round steak, cooked to tender perfection, combined with the tantalizing mixture of garlic, onions, and crushed tomatoes, never fails to impress. Each bite offers the perfect balance of acidity from the tomatoes, warmth from the dried herbs, and a touch of heat from the red pepper flakes. And if you’re like me, a splash of dry white wine adds just the right level of depth to this already enticing dish.
If you’re a fan of dishes like Chicken Cacciatore or Bistecca alla Fiorentina, you’ll find Carne Pizzaiola to be a delightful addition to your recipe repertoire. Its robust flavors pair wonderfully with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad topped with a light vinaigrette. It’s also an excellent match with a hearty loaf of rustic Italian bread perfect for soaking up every last bit of that savory sauce.
This recipe has become a beloved dinner option for my family. It’s hearty enough to satisfy the biggest appetites and sophisticated enough to serve at a dinner party. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable. You can easily tweak it to suit your family’s tastes or what you have on hand.
Cooking for my three children, who come from different backgrounds but share a love for good food, has taught me the importance of versatility. Carne Pizzaiola is one of those recipes that transcends cultures and preferences, making it a universal favorite in our household.
So next time you’re in the mood for some hearty, soul-satisfying comfort food, give Carne Pizzaiola a try. You won’t be disappointed.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs beef sirloin or round steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Method
Step One: Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients: 2 lbs beef sirloin or round steak (thinly sliced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 large onion (thinly sliced), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes, 1 cup tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), salt and pepper to taste, 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional), and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
Step Two: Heat the Olive Oil
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced beef sirloin or round steak and sear until browned on both sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Step Three: Cook the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Step Four: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Step Five: Deglaze with Wine
If using, pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes.
Step Six: Simmer the Beef
Return the browned beef slices to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the beef is tender and fully cooked through.
Step Seven: Garnish and Serve
Once the beef is tender, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the dish. Serve the Carne Pizzaiola hot, accompanied by your favorite sides like pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
