Name: Bistecca Pizzaiola
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian, American
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

If you're a fan of The Sopranos, you probably remember hearing about Bistecca Pizzaiola, often affectionately called Steak Pizzaiol' in Italian-American households.

While the series became famous for showcasing unforgettable family meals, generous Sunday dinners, and authentic Italian comfort food, this rustic steak recipe stands out as one of the memorable dishes mentioned throughout the show.

The name Pizzaiola translates to "pizza style," referring to the rich tomato sauce seasoned with garlic, oregano, olive oil, and herbs—the same bold flavors found on a traditional Neapolitan pizza.

Instead of topping dough, these ingredients simmer around tender steaks, creating a hearty meal that has been passed down through generations of Italian families.

Whether you're binge-watching your favorite episodes or simply craving an old-world Italian dinner, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple pantry ingredients.br />

this is steak in a pan with tomato sauce

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

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Inspired by classic Italian-American cooking made famous by The Sopranos.
One-pan meal that's easy enough for weeknights yet impressive for guests.
Tender, juicy steak simmered in a robust tomato and herb sauce.
Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Perfect served with crusty Italian bread, pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta.
Even better the next day, making leftovers something to look forward to.
Authentic old-fashioned comfort food that never goes out of style.

Meat Substitions That Go Great in This Recipe

Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Boneless chicken cooks quickly and absorbs the rich tomato sauce beautifully.
Pork Chops – Bone-in or boneless pork chops make an affordable and delicious alternative.
Veal Cutlets – A classic Italian option that becomes exceptionally tender in the pizzaiola sauce.
Italian Sausage – Sweet or hot sausage adds bold flavor and creates a heartier meal.
Meatballs – Homemade or frozen meatballs transform this into an easy family-style dinner.
Beef Chuck Roast – Slow-simmered until fork-tender, this cut is perfect for a comforting Sunday meal.
Flank or Skirt Steak – Slice thinly across the grain after cooking for a flavorful variation.

Tips for Bistecca Pizzaiola Soprano Inspiration

Choose the Right Cut: Sirloin, strip steak, ribeye, top round, or even chuck steak all work well. Tougher cuts benefit from a longer simmer.
Sear First: Brown both sides of the steak before adding the sauce. This develops incredible flavor.
Use Good Tomatoes: Quality crushed tomatoes or whole San Marzano tomatoes make a noticeable difference in the finished sauce.
Don't Skip the Garlic: Fresh garlic is one of the signature flavors of authentic pizzaiola.
Simmer Gently: Low and slow cooking allows the meat to absorb all the rich tomato flavors.
Fresh Herbs Finish the Dish: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil just before serving brightens every bite.
Serve with Bread: A loaf of crusty Italian bread is almost mandatory for soaking up every last spoonful of sauce.

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

over garlic bread
side of pasta
boiled white rice
over baked potatoes
on top of polenta

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Soprano Fans

It's no surprise that Steak Pizzaiol' became associated with The Sopranos.

The series celebrated the importance of gathering around the table, where comforting, home-cooked Italian meals brought family and friends together.

Bistecca Pizzaiola perfectly captures that same spirit with its rich tomato sauce, fragrant herbs, and tender steak.

Whether you're recreating an Italian-American favorite from television or honoring recipes passed down through generations, this classic dish is hearty, comforting, and packed with timeless flavor.

One bite, and you'll understand why this rustic steak has remained a beloved staple in Italian kitchens for decades.