Steak Pizzaiola with Tomato is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring tender sirloin steaks simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce infused with garlic, basil, and oregano. This delightful recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, combining the richness of seared steak with the aromatic notes of fresh herbs and tomatoes. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up an authentic Italian-style meal right in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Steak Pizzaiola with Tomato
There are countless reasons to cherish this Steak Pizzaiola recipe. First, it’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner. The combination of juicy steak and a rich tomato-based sauce means you’ll experience a burst of flavors in every bite. Additionally, this dish is low carb, fitting perfectly into a variety of diets. The simplicity of the ingredients allows for an authentic taste of Italy, ensuring that you can serve up a traditional steak pizzaiola dish that feels gourmet.
Ingredients for Steak Pizzaiola with Tomato
Gather these items:
- 2 slices of sirloin steak, ½ inch thick, 7 ounces each
- 2 cloves crushed garlic
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Kosher salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 small finely chopped onion (¼ cup)
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried whole oregano
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped loosely packed
How to Make Steak Pizzaiola with Tomato Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Season the sirloin steaks generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil along with the crushed garlic cloves. Place one steak at a time in the hot skillet and sear for 30 seconds to 1 minute until slightly golden brown, then flip and sear the other side. For larger skillets, both steaks can be seared simultaneously.
- Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, tilt the pan, and spoon the melted butter over the steaks to enhance flavor and keep the meat moist. Repeat the basting for the second steak if cooking individually.
- Step 4: Remove the seared steaks from the skillet and place them on a plate to rest, allowing the juices to redistribute.
- Step 5: Remove half of the oil and butter mixture from the skillet. In the remaining fat, sauté the finely chopped onions until they become translucent, around 3 to 4 minutes.
- Step 6: Add the minced garlic to the onions and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Step 7: Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes. Sprinkle in the dried basil and dried oregano, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Step 8: Once the sauce has thickened, nestle the rested steaks back into the skillet. Simmer gently for 30 seconds, then turn the steaks and top with fresh chopped basil. Turn off the heat after 30 seconds or once the steaks are warmed through.
- Step 9: Serve the steak with tomato sauce hot, accompanied by crusty bread or your favorite pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Steak Pizzaiola with Tomato
Keep these in mind:
- Choose the best cuts of meat for pizzaiola, such as sirloin or flank steak, for optimal tenderness.
- For a richer flavor, consider marinating the steak in a blend of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
- Use a good quality canned tomato to ensure a robust sauce; San Marzano tomatoes are an excellent choice.
- Serve with fresh basil for a fragrant finish.

Best Ways to Serve Steak Pizzaiola with Tomato
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty Italian bread to soak up the sauce.
- Over a bed of pasta, allowing the sauce to cling to every strand.
- With a side salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
How to Store and Reheat Steak Pizzaiola with Tomato
To store leftovers, place the steak and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, place the steak in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, and warm until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steak Pizzaiola with Tomato
What’s the secret to perfect Steak Pizzaiola with Tomato?
The secret lies in the quality of the beef and allowing it to rest after cooking. This ensures a tender pizzaiola beef steak that’s full of flavor.
Can I make Steak Pizzaiola with Tomato ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors deepen when the dish is made ahead. Reheat gently and serve with fresh basil for best results.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Steak Pizzaiola with Tomato?
Ensure you do not overcook the steak, as this can lead to dryness. Searing at high heat for a short period locks in the juices and flavor.
Variations of Steak Pizzaiola with Tomato You Can Try
Feel free to customize your Italian-style steak with tomatoes by trying:
- Substituting beef for chicken or pork for a different protein experience.
- Adding bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for additional texture and flavor.
- Experimenting with different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for a unique twist.

Delicious Steak Pizzaiola with Tomato for Dinner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Steak Pizzaiola is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring tender sirloin steaks simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce infused with garlic, basil, and oregano.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of sirloin steak, ½ inch thick, 7 ounces each
- 2 cloves crushed garlic
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Kosher salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 small finely chopped onion (¼ cup)
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried whole oregano
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped loosely packed
Instructions
- Season the sirloin steaks generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil along with the crushed garlic cloves. Place one steak at a time in the hot skillet and sear for 30 seconds to 1 minute until slightly golden brown, then flip and sear the other side. For larger skillets, both steaks can be seared simultaneously.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, tilt the pan, and spoon the melted butter over the steaks to enhance flavor and keep the meat moist. Repeat the basting for the second steak if cooking individually.
- Remove the seared steaks from the skillet and place them on a plate to rest, allowing the juices to redistribute.
- Remove half of the oil and butter mixture from the skillet. In the remaining fat, sauté the finely chopped onions until they become translucent, around 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the onions and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes. Sprinkle in the dried basil and dried oregano, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Once the sauce has thickened, nestle the rested steaks back into the skillet. Simmer gently for 30 seconds, then turn the steaks and top with fresh chopped basil. Turn off the heat after 30 seconds or once the steaks are warmed through.
- Serve the steak pizzaiola hot, accompanied by crusty bread or your favorite pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Steak Pizzaiola, Tomato Sauce, Italian Steak Recipe