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 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

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

( 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

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

over garlic bread
side of pasta
boiled white rice
over baked potatoes
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!