Bringing Real Taste Home

Proudly Canadian

Bringing Real Taste Home

Proudly Canadian

Français

Beef Pizzaiola

Beef Pizzaiola

The Neapolitan classic: thin beef slices browned in garlic oil, then simmered in chopped tomatoes and oregano until the sauce reduces.

Yield Serves 6
Total Time 40 minutes
Main Ingredients Whole Tomatoes
Category Meat

Prep: 10 minutes  ·  Cook: 30 minutes

View Products Used Explore More Meat
Beef Pizzaiola — prepared dish

What Is Beef Pizzaiola?

Carne alla pizzaiola at its most essential: thin beef slices browned in garlic-infused olive oil, then simmered in chopped tomatoes and oregano until the sauce clings.

Why Make Beef Pizzaiola?

Unico Products Used in This Recipe

Beef Pizzaiola — Shopping List (6 servings)

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic (peeled)
  • 6 slices beef (thin, about 5 oz each)
  • 1 can whole tomatoes (drained and coarsely chopped)
  • salt and pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano (chopped)
Adjust servings 6

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil with the garlic in a cast iron skillet over high heat.
  2. Add the meat and brown on both sides.
  3. Add the tomatoes, season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
  4. Turn down the heat and sprinkle the oregano over the meat and tomatoes.
  5. Partially cover and cook 20 minutes more to reduce the sauce, then serve.

Cooking Tips

  • Use a cast iron skillet for the best browning
  • Let the garlic perfume the oil, then work fast
  • Brown the beef hard and brief — it finishes in the sauce
  • Partially cover so the sauce reduces, not steams
  • Save extra sauce for tomorrow's spaghetti

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Pizzaiola

  1. 1. What cut of beef should I use?

    Thin slices of sirloin, round or rib — anything tender enough to cook quickly.

  2. 2. Why is it called pizzaiola?

    It uses the pizza-maker's pantry — tomatoes, oregano, garlic and olive oil.

  3. 3. Can I add cheese?

    A few torn pieces of mozzarella in the last minutes is a common variation.

  4. 4. The sauce is too thin — what now?

    Remove the meat and boil the sauce hard for a few minutes to reduce.

  5. 5. What do I serve it with?

    Crusty bread, mashed potatoes or pasta dressed with the extra sauce.

Beef Pizzaiola Made Simple

Beef Pizzaiola is Naples' answer to the question of thin beef and a can of tomatoes. Unico whole tomatoes are the only sauce it needs.