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Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


Sicilian-style beef pizzaiola simmered in tomato and oregano sauce

Sicilian-Style Pizzaiola Beef: A Rustic Classic

Tender beef simmered in a fragrant tomato and oregano sauce — a simple, homely Sicilian dish bursting with honest flavour.

⏱️
Prep Time
about 10 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
about 20 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Easy
💰 Moderate
🗓️ All year round
4.9/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 4 thin slices of beef
  • 500 ml tomato passata
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • Oregano
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
350–400 kcal
Protein
25–30 g
Fat
15–20 g
Carbohydrates
20–25 g
Fiber
5–7 g
Sugars
8–10 g
Sodium
800–1000 mg

Few dishes capture the spirit of everyday Sicilian cooking quite like carne alla pizzaiola. It’s a celebration of simplicity — tender slices of beef cloaked in a rich tomato sauce scented with garlic and oregano. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated, just the kind of honest food you’d find bubbling away in a family kitchen on a busy weeknight.

Picture the aroma: ripe tomatoes gently simmering, garlic softening into sweetness, and oregano releasing that unmistakable Mediterranean perfume. It’s a dish that feels familiar even the first time you make it — comforting, quick and irresistibly flavourful.

Perfect for a relaxed family lunch or an easy supper with friends, this Sicilian-style pizzaiola takes high-quality ingredients and turns them into something far greater than the sum of their parts. A real taste of the island’s warmth and tradition.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the tomato sauce following your preferred Sicilian-style recipe.

  2. 2

    Once ready, pour the sauce into a large non-stick pan with a drizzle of olive oil.

  3. 3

    Add the garlic cloves, sliced thinly.

  4. 4

    Lay the beef slices in the pan and season with salt, pepper and a generous sprinkle of oregano.

  5. 5

    Cook for about 10 minutes, turning the meat halfway through and adding more oregano if you like it fragrant.

  6. 6

    Turn off the heat and plate the beef, spooning plenty of sauce over the top.

  7. 7

    Finish with a final drizzle of olive oil and serve.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a lighter version, you can swap the beef for chicken or pork slices. A little fresh chilli is a lovely addition if you enjoy some heat.

📦 Storage

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
  • Freeze in freezer bags for up to 2–3 months.
  • Reheat gently in the microwave or in a pan over medium–low heat.

🍷 Pairing

Pair with a Sicilian wine such as Cerasuolo di Vittoria — its lively acidity and soft fruit notes beautifully complement the tomato and oregano.

Thank you for exploring Sicilian cooking with us. I hope this pizzaiola recipe becomes one of your go-to dishes when you crave something comforting, quick and full of sunshine. Enjoy every bite!

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