Bistecca Pizzaiola

Sunday, January 22, 2023
If you're a big fan of the Sopranos series then you heard about Bistecca Pizzaiola (Steak Pizzaiol'), which was talked about in one of the popular episodes.

Although a favorite dish of Tony's and Aj's throughout the series, this meal was one I associated with from my own childhood my mom made often.

This recipe is adapted from the Neopolitan style written in the book and my mom's version from her Region in Bari, Italy style.

Carmela Soprano, (who was played by Edie Falco in this series 2007 The Second Coming) introduced this dish in that episode as it is Tony's (who played her husband James Gandolfini, and AJ, Robert Iler who played her son) favorite meal.

Mom's vintage recipe from the 1960s is similar she used a few more spices and a mix of some other Italian fresh herbs ingredients in her dish.

This Steak Pizzaiola Recipe is a guaranteed family favorite when I make it and I've even substituted chicken medallions from time to time we enjoy.

This recipe consists of seasoned boneless steak in a delicious tomato pizzaiola sauce making this dish an irresistible dinner everyone at the table will love even with any leftovers in a sandwich.

It's the perfect weeknight meal because it cooks up quickly and is even perfect for hosting a dinner party.

The Soprano cookbook and recipes created by Michele Scicolone are a great addition to my recipe cookbook collection a hobby from childhood as I like reading and comparing different styles of cooking.

Being a huge fan of the Soprano series I would be remiss not to mention the story that warmed my heart.

Scroll down to our printable recipe card to give mom's delicious pizzaiola a try.


this is steak in a pan with tomato sauce





this is a collage of the cookbook for pizzaiola from the Soprano series


Step By Step Easy Pizzaiola

  1. select the boneless meat you prefer and saute it on both sides  in olive oil
  2. set the meat aside
  3. in the same pan add the garlic and saute until golden
  4. stir in the chopped tomatoes, paste, and wine then simmer
  5. add the meat back into the pan with the remaining spices and herbs
  6. serving suggestions in the recipe card


round steak sauteed


( Measurements are in the recipe card below)

Ingredients to make Steak Pizzaiola

  • boneless steak, boneless chicken, venison, or pork sirloin steaks
  • tomato paste
  • fresh whole plum tomatoes or San Marzano canned whole chopped tomatoes
  • minced garlic
  • granulated garlic powder
  • salt pepper to taste 
  • white wine, beef bouillon, or water
  • olive oil 
  • fresh basil


  • meat charge on how to cook it


    The Soprano Inspiration



    There is nothing easier than this one pan meal.


    No matter how busy your day is this dish is quick and mom made it often and often and sometimes with the additions of other vegetables like peppers and mushrooms (just like some of the ingredients you would put on your pizza).


    I almost forgot about this dish until I saw that series and then I had to make it immediately and thinking back to when mom made this as a child, great memories.


    Hope you some of our suggestions below and adapt this recipe to how you like it in taste and flavor.


    pizzaiola steak with additional peppers and mushrooms


    Other Substitutions and Additions

    • sliced peppers
    • sliced onions
    • sliced zucchini
    • sliced yellow squash
    • thinly sliced carrots
    • peas
    • sliced mushrooms
    • drained canned artichoke hearts
    • Pecorino Romano cheese for garnish
    • Whole milk shredded mozzarella cheese
    • meat: any boneless chicken, pork, venison or lamb


    meats in the package for making pizzaiola all bonless steak, chicken and pork


    Serving Suggestions

    1. over garlic bread
    2. side of pasta
    3. boiled white rice
    4. over baked potatoes
    5. on top of polenta


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    Soprano Fans



    Even if you're not a fan of this series, the meal is fantastic and easy and all the ingredients will be easily available to put together a delicious meal any day of the week.


    The add-ins are your choice, the meats are your choice and how it's cooked is also your preference, just follow the basic recipes and get a taste of Steak Pizzaiola our style!


    Bistecca Pizzaiola

    Bistecca Pizzaiola
    Yield: 4
    Author: Claudia Lamascolo
    Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 35 MinTotal time: 45 Min
    This is steak pizzaiola and a quick inexpensive Italian meal mom made often with lesser cuts of beef. This recipe can be made with pork, or chicken also.

    Ingredients

    • 4 or 5 boneless steaks (we use sirloin, ribeye, or round steaks) or boneless sirloin pork steaks, boneless chicken breast thinly sliced
    • Note: if using round steaks these will need to be slowly simmered longer to tenderize for around 45 minutes.
    • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon or 2 large cloves of finely minced garlic
    • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder or roasted garlic powder
    • 2 pounds of peeled very ripe plum tomatoes chopped or use San Marzano (28-ounce can be drained and chopped)
    • 4 fresh basil leaves chopped
    • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
    • 1/4 cup pinot grigio white wine (one that you would drink) this is optional you can use water or beef bouillon as a substitute)
    • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes(we use (Avico Utica Grind)
    • Optional Garnishes: chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, (dried oregano can be sprinkled on top or added to the sauce), freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Reggiano cheese, and/or whole milk shredded mozzarella
    • Serving suggestions: over hard-crusted bread, side of spaghetti or your favorite pasta, over rice or freshly made egg noodles, and on top of baked potatoes
    • See note for optional additions to this pizzaiola recipe below

    Instructions

    1. In a deep large skillet (I usually spray with a little cooking oil) add the oil over medium-high heat and sear the meat for around 2 minutes on both sides.
    2. Note: for chicken and pork around 4 minutes on each side.
    3. Remove the meat and add to a dish setting it aside.
    4. In the same pan, add the garlic and stir fry until golden, not brown on medium heat. (This takes around 2 minutes).
    5. Stir in the paste and fresh chopped tomatoes, wine, broth or water, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and granulated garlic powder.
    6. Note: taste the sauce and add more or fewer spices to taste (our family likes spicy so I do add around 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and more pepper than most folks)
    7. Simmer on low heat for around 10 minutes then add the meat and basil.
    8. Refer to the beef meat chart for internal temperature and use an instant-read thermometer.
    9. Again depending on the kind of meat your using and the cuts the times will vary for the completion of cooking. If the fork goes through the meat easily it's done.
    10. If using ribeye and sirloin depending on how you prefer your meat cooked this should take around 10-15 more minutes just to warm it through for medium.
    11. For round steak, chicken and pork simmer around 25 to 35 more minutes or until it's nice and tender. Add more liquid if it begins to get too thick or dry out.

    Notes

    Other Additions

    • sliced peppers
    • sliced onions
    • sliced zucchini
    • sliced yellow squash
    • thinly sliced carrots
    • peas
    • sliced mushrooms
    • drained canned artichoke hearts
    • and of course any boneless meats


    Nutrition Facts

    Calories

    535.12

    Fat (grams)

    20.25

    Sat. Fat (grams)

    3.94

    Carbs (grams)

    20.86

    Fiber (grams)

    3.5

    Net carbs

    17.34

    Sugar (grams)

    6.76

    Protein (grams)

    65.44

    Sodium (milligrams)

    400.68

    Cholesterol (grams)

    192.19
    steak pizza style,soprano series steak pizzaiola, Bistecca Pizzaiola Steak Pizzaiol,
    steak recipes, sauce and meat recipes, budget-friendly recipes, celebrity recipes, Soprano copycat
    Italian, American


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    More Recipes to Try



    Slow Cooker Guinness Corned Beef

    Tuscan Grilled Steaks

    Salisbury Steak Marsala

    Grilled Steak in Chianti Butter

    Cabbage Steak Skillet

    Disclosure: This recipe was originally shared in 2012. It was edited and re-published in 2023.

    15 comments

    1. What a rich and flavorful dish. Great :) Bye, have a good day

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    2. Looks like a great way to have a delicious meal ready at days end - we don't make enough use of our crockpot

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    3. Great meal. I have been thinking about doing more crockpot meals. This recipe I going to have to be added to me list.

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    4. It looks delicious. I love the aroma that wafts out at me when I walk in after a long day outside and dinner's been cooking all day! I wonder if boneless thighs would work here. I like them a bit more.

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    5. Wow, it looks amazing. I could dig in to that any time!
      <3 Dana @ This Silly Girl's Life

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    6. What an excellent meal for those busy days! I'd love to come home to the aroma of this simmering away in my kitchen...mmmmm.

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    7. I was just thinking I needed to do more "crocking"....it saves so much time! This looks great

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    8. I love using my crock pot…and this dish sounds like a perfect choice! A wonderful dish to come home to!

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    9. Hi, this look really good. After a hard day work, nice to have comfort meal at home.

      Have a great weekend.

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    10. mouthwatering and look so delicious ,worth trying

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    11. This looks so comforting and delicious! I can't wait to make it. That sauce looks incredible I can almost taste it!

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    12. This dish is full of robust flavors that are truly satisfying. Thank you for an amazing recipe.

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    13. This pizza was the bomb. I love the Sopranos and so happy you made a copycat.

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    14. I still remember the show, but can't remember the steak which looks so GOOD here.

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