Image by Mike Dierken

Carne Pizzaiola

Carne Pizzaiola is an Italian classic—a succulent and savory dish that is as comforting as it is simple. Simmered in a simple tomato sauce, this dish of pieces of beef, usually cut from the top round or sirloin, develops an irresistibly robust flavor that will tantalize even the most discerning palate.

Carne Pizzaiola


The star of this recipe, of course, is the meat, which should be seared quickly to bring out its natural sweetness. Choose a cut that is tender and has plenty of marbling, for juicy results. For the tomato sauce, start with good-quality canned, whole tomatoes, or use freshly picked (or homegrown!) tomatoes, for ultimate freshness.

The secret to a great Carne Pizzaiola really lies in the aromatics used to flavor it. Garlic, onions, herbs, and lightly browned, sliced mushrooms will all contribute pleasing alacrity to the dish, while a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar at the end can add a touch of malleable acidity. As for spices, a pinch of oregano and one-half teaspoon of chili flakes will provide pungent flair.

Although often served as a main course, Carne Pizzaiola can also make a memorable appetizer. To serve it as such, simply cut the beef into smaller, bite-sized pieces, omit the mushrooms and chili flakes, and ladle it over crostini brushed with garlic and olive oil. Or, serve it over a bed of creamy polenta for a hearty, comforting supper. However you choose to serve it, Carne Pizzaiola is sure to be a hit!

The origin of Carne Pizzaiola

Carne Pizzaiola is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed in Italy for centuries. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, and its preparation may vary depending on who you ask. Many assume the dish originated in Naples, but the truth is a bit more complicated.

In its earliest form, Carne Pizzaiola consisted of a hearty cut of beef (usually round eye steak) which was slow cooked in a tomato-based sauce that contained garlic, oregano and olive oil. The beef was then often served on focaccia or other types of Italian bread.

The origins of this classic Italian dish are believed to stem from the south of Italy, most likely near the city of Naples. It was an ideal dish for peasant families who were short on resources as it provided a nutritious and delicious meal with minimal ingredients.

It wasn’t until the late 19th century that Carne Pizzaiola began to take on its modern-day shape. Most likely, the dish was adopted by restaurants in Naples as the tomato sauce variant of the classic Italian meat dishes. The rest, as they say, is history.

Carne Pizzaiola today is enjoyed by people all over the world and continues to be a staple of Italian cuisine. Whether it’s being served as a main course or as a pizza topping, Carne Pizzaiola is still a dish that satisfies both old and young alike.

FAQs about Carne Pizzaiola

What does pizzaiola mean in Italian?

Pizzaiola is an Italian word that refers to a style of cooking, usually associated with pizza and pasta. It typically involves using tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, herbs, and other ingredients to create a savory sauce.


What is cotoletta alla pizzaiola?

Cotoletta alla pizzaiola is an Italian dish that consists of a veal cutlet (cotoletta) that is pan-fried before being topped with tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and mozzarella cheese. The dish is then baked in the oven until the cheese melts and it's ready to be served.


What is steak pizzaiola made of?

Steak pizzaiola is a traditional Italian dish that consists of steak slices cooked in a tomato sauce with olive oil and garlic. It is often seasoned with oregano, basil and capers, and sometimes onions and other vegetables.


Why is it called steak pizzaiola?

Steak pizzaiola is an Italian-American dish that consists of steak cooked in a tomato sauce. The name comes from the Italian word for "little pizza," which is "pizzaiola." This dish originated in Naples, where many Italian-style pizzas are made with tomato sauce. The steak pizzaiola is an updated version of the pizza that includes steak instead of just the sauce, giving it a unique flavor and texture.


Types of Carne Pizzaiola

As one of the few dishes that truly bridges both Italian and American cuisines, Carne Pizzaiola is a delectable union of flavors that can be tailored to suit any palate. From the classic to the creative, this savory dish offers a variety of options that prove its versatility in the kitchen.

For starters, the classic Carne Pizzaiola is an ever-popular choice. This no-fuss version combines seared beef, onions, tomatoes, olive oil and garlic, with oregano, basil and parsley as seasoning. The result is a dish that is fragrant and subtly sweet, with a delicious blend of textures.

For those looking to add a bit of heat to their Carne Pizzaiola, the addition of chili peppers can provide an extra kick of flavor. After the beef is cooked and removed from the pan, fry sliced jalapenos, or dried chilli flakes, and mix together with the remaining sauce. Those seeking a smokier flavor could also throw in some smoked paprika for an added complexity.

If a vegetarian option is desired, replacing the beef with sliced mushrooms or eggplant creates a flavorful vegetable-based rendition of Carne Pizzaiola. While not strictly traditional, the same tomato-based sauce still brings the same delicious blend of Mediterranean flavors.

Of course, no dinner is complete without dessert. This is where Carne Pizzaiola gets creative. To create an unique sweet version of the dish, replace the beef with cubes of banana, then season with honey, cinnamon and brown sugar - perfect with a scoop of ice cream.

No matter which way it’s served, Carne Pizzaiola is sure to please. By blending the sweetness of Italian cuisine with the heartiness of American fare, this dish is sure to delight guests and leave them reminiscing on its lusciousness.