Easy Italian Pepper Steak Recipe with a Bold, Savory Twist

If you’ve never experienced the joy of Italian Pepper Steak Recipe sizzling away on your stovetop while the air fills with the aroma of garlic, peppers, and rich tomato sauce… you’re in for a treat. I remember the first time I had it, it was at my friend Luca’s apartment in Brooklyn, a tiny walk-up where his Nonna cooked like it was her full-time job. The kitchen smelled like Sunday. One bite of that tender beef, coated in garlicky tomato sauce and tangled with sweet bell peppers, and I was hooked.

This dish is Italian-American comfort food at its best. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and comes together in under an hour, perfect for weeknights when you want something satisfying but not fussy. The flavor? Think deeply savory with a touch of heat from black pepper, richness from the tomato sauce, and just a whisper of sweetness from the peppers. Serve it over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes and you’ve got a complete meal that hits all the right notes.

Here’s Why This Pepper Steak Recipe is So Darn Good

So what makes this version of Italian Pepper Steak a winner? It’s all about balance, texture, and a little cooking finesse:

• Tender Steak Strips: We use flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced across the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Aromatic Trifecta: Garlic, onions, and bell peppers build a deeply flavorful base.
• Tomato Magic: Crushed tomatoes simmer with Italian herbs to create a rich, slightly tangy sauce.
• Pan Searing: Quickly searing the steak ensures it’s juicy and golden on the outside, but not overcooked.
• Customizable Heat: You control the spice. Add crushed red pepper flakes or freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Want to make it your own?

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce (some versions contain gluten) and double-check your crushed tomatoes.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the rice and serve it over sautéed zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.
• Vegan Swap: Sub in seared portobello mushrooms or tofu for the steak, and add a splash of soy sauce for umami.
• Slow Cooker Friendly: Sear your steak, then toss everything in the slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours. Dinner, done.

Recipe Card

Italian Pepper Steak Recipe

Recipe by Souhail

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Lunch, DinnerCuisine: Italian, AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

A savory, comforting Italian-American dish made with tender steak, bell peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner.

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Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced across the grain

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large yellow onion, sliced

• 3 bell peppers (I like using a mix of red, green, and yellow), sliced into strips

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

• Prep the Steak (5 minutes): Pat the steak dry with paper towels and slice it thinly across the grain. Season with salt and pepper.
• Sear the Steak (6–8 minutes): In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak in batches and sear until browned on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Set aside.
• Sauté the Veggies (6 minutes): In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the onions and peppers, season with a pinch of salt, and sauté until softened and starting to brown.
• Add the Garlic (1 minute): Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant.
• Make the Sauce (10–12 minutes): Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and let it simmer until slightly thickened.
• Combine Everything (5–10 minutes): Return the steak (and its juices) to the pan. Stir to coat the beef with the sauce and simmer for another 5–10 minutes, until the steak is tender and everything is warmed through.
• Serve and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give the steak room to caramelize.
• For extra heat, add crushed red pepper or chili paste.
• Don’t overcook steak once it’s added back in, just enough to heat through.

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Pro Tips for Nailing This Pepper Steak

Want it to turn out perfect? Keep these in mind:

• Slice thinly and across the grain: This keeps the steak tender, not chewy.
• Don’t skip the sear: That golden crust adds flavor you can’t replicate any other way.
• Let the sauce simmer: Give it time to develop those rich, herby flavors.
• Double the batch: This recipe is great for meal prep. It actually tastes better the next day!

Variants of the Recipe

• Creamy Italian Pepper Steak: Add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of mascarpone to the tomato sauce right before serving for a rich, velvety twist.
• Spicy Calabrian Style: Add Calabrian chili paste or chopped hot cherry peppers to the sauce for bold heat and a Southern Italian vibe.
• Peperonata-Style Vegetarian: Swap steak for hearty eggplant or mushrooms and build a pepper-loaded vegetarian stew that’s still bursting with Italian flavor.
• Rustic Sheet Pan Version: Toss everything, steak, peppers, onions, and sauce, on a sheet pan and roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes. Less mess, same flavor.

FAQs About the Recipe

Wrapping It Up: Let’s Make Italian Nights a Thing

So there you have it, your new weeknight hero, the Italian Pepper Steak recipe that brings all the cozy, saucy, and savory vibes right to your table. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug, whether you’re serving it over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or with a hunk of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that tomato-rich sauce.

If you loved this, don’t stop here! Dive into more comforting and flavor-packed recipes that’ll keep your kitchen buzzing:

• Check out the classic Pepper Steak Recipe if you’re curious how this Italian version stacks up to a more traditional take.
• Bake up a perfect side with this Crusty Italian Bread Recipe, ideal for sauce mopping.
• Go for a cozy favorite with this Gluten-Free Meatloaf Recipe that’s both hearty and allergy-friendly.
• Try a tomato-kissed steak dish with the Steak Pizzaiola Recipe for another Italian-American gem.
• And if you’re in a meat-and-potatoes kind of mood, the Salisbury Steak with Onion Soup Mix totally hits the spot.

If you give this Italian Pepper Steak a try, we’d love to hear about it! Snap a pic, tag us on socials, or drop a comment below, your kitchen wins seriously make our day.

Mangia and enjoy every bite!