If you’re looking for a dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious, then Italian Stuffed Flank Steak is the one to try. Picture this: a tender, juicy flank steak filled with a savory blend of Italian flavors—garlic, spinach, mozzarella, and herbs—all rolled up and cooked to perfection. It’s like taking a bite out of Italy itself! And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, this dish will make you feel like a gourmet chef, and your friends and family will definitely be asking for the recipe.
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This dish brings together the perfect balance of hearty, flavorful stuffing wrapped in a succulent steak, making it the ideal centerpiece for a dinner party or a cozy family meal. Once you make this, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
Why You’ll Love Italian Stuffed Flank Steak
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re looking to impress a crowd or treat yourself to a delicious homemade meal, this stuffed flank steak fits the bill. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Flavor Packed: With every slice, you get a mouthful of savory, cheesy goodness wrapped in perfectly cooked flank steak. It’s an explosion of flavors in every bite.
Impressive Yet Easy: Despite looking and tasting like a dish from a fine-dining restaurant, it’s simple to prepare. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to pull this one off!
Customizable: Want to swap the spinach for kale? Or add some sun-dried tomatoes for extra zing? You can easily tweak the filling to suit your taste.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a dinner party, holiday gathering, or date night, this dish looks as good as it tastes and will definitely wow your guests.
Hearty and Satisfying: The rich filling and tender steak make this dish filling and satisfying without being overly heavy. It’s the perfect comfort food with an elegant twist.
Ingredients
Let’s break down the magic that goes into making this mouthwatering dish:
Flank Steak: The star of the show. Flank steak is lean yet flavorful and serves as the perfect wrap for the delicious stuffing.
Spinach: Fresh spinach brings a vibrant green color and a mild flavor that complements the other filling ingredients.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey mozzarella adds a creamy texture and a mild, milky flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory herbs and spinach.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor and depth to the stuffing mixture.
Breadcrumbs: A little bit of breadcrumbs helps bind the filling together, making it easy to stuff and ensuring a nice texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan brings that nutty, salty flavor to the stuffing, giving it that extra kick.
Italian Herbs: A combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme gives the dish an authentic Italian taste.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil ensures the steak gets a nice sear and adds a touch of richness to the stuffing.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s walk through the steps to create this impressive dish:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the steak gets cooked evenly and allows for a beautiful golden finish.
Prepare the Steak: Lay your flank steak flat on a cutting board. If needed, trim any excess fat. Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly the steak by slicing horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. You should end up with one large, open piece of steak ready for stuffing.
Make the Stuffing: In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat, and stir in breadcrumbs, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to taste.
Stuff the Steak: Spoon the stuffing mixture evenly over the surface of the steak. Be generous, but make sure to leave a border around the edges so the stuffing doesn’t spill out during cooking.
Roll Up the Steak: Starting at one edge, carefully roll the steak up into a log, securing the stuffing inside. Use kitchen twine or toothpicks to tie the steak closed, ensuring the filling stays in place.
Sear the Steak: Heat a bit of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the rolled-up steak on all sides until it’s nicely browned (about 2-3 minutes per side).
Bake the Steak: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).
Rest the Steak: Once done, remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the steak juicy.
Slice and Serve: Carefully remove the twine or toothpicks and slice the steak into thick rounds. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
How to Serve Italian Stuffed Flank Steak
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to complement the rich, cheesy filling. Here are a few suggestions to enhance your meal:
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic are the perfect comfort food to serve with the steak.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or a mix of Mediterranean vegetables like bell peppers and eggplant add color and balance the richness of the steak.
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and tangy dressing makes for a refreshing contrast to the savory steak.
Rice Pilaf: A light, flavorful rice pilaf with herbs and lemon zest would pair beautifully with the stuffed steak, soaking up the delicious juices.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make your dish even more delicious:
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and stuff the steak just before cooking. This makes it easier to pull together on the day you want to serve it.
Make It Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes to the stuffing for an extra kick if you like your dishes with a little heat.
Perfect for Leftovers: This stuffed steak makes excellent leftovers. Slice it thin and serve it on a sandwich, or reheat it in a skillet with some extra cheese on top.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to avoid drying out the steak.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes! Feel free to swap the mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different flavor. Parmesan is essential for that savory bite, though!
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the stuffed steak and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking it. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before cooking.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to preserve the texture of the steak.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: You can freeze the stuffed steak before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake from frozen, adding additional time as needed.
Q5: How do I know when the steak is done?
A5: The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 135°F (57°C). Let it rest, and it will continue to cook slightly.
Q6: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A6: Yes, you can use other cuts like skirt steak or top round, but flank steak is ideal for rolling and stuffing because of its tenderness.
Q7: Can I make this recipe without breadcrumbs?
A7: Yes, you can skip the breadcrumbs for a low-carb version or substitute them with ground almonds or crushed pork rinds.
Q8: Can I add more veggies to the stuffing?
A8: Absolutely! You can add sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, or even artichoke hearts to the filling for extra flavor.
Q9: Can I make this dish on the grill?
A9: Yes! Grill the stuffed steak over medium heat, turning it every few minutes to avoid burning. Grill until the steak reaches the desired temperature.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Of course! Just make sure your oven or skillet has enough space, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Conclusion
Italian Stuffed Flank Steak is a showstopper of a dish that’s packed with flavor, texture, and all the deliciousness you could ask for. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself to a special dinner, this recipe will not disappoint. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked on the mouthwatering combination of juicy steak, melty cheese, and Italian herbs. Buon appetito!
Print
Italian Stuffed Flank Steak
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian American
Description
My Italian Stuffed Flank Steak is a succulent, flavorful dinner packed with vegetables. It’s an easy yet impressive family meal that combines the richness of flank steak with the freshness of vegetables and cheese. Perfect for any occasion—make sure you add this to your menu! #StuffedFlankSteak #ItalianSteak #FamilyDinner #FlankSteakRecipe #HealthyDinner #ItalianAmericanCuisine
Ingredients
For the Dry Rub:
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh cracked pepper
For the Pan:
- 1 (2 lb) flank steak, pounded to 1/3 – 1/2 inch thick
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, woody ends removed
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
For the Stuffing:
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- 1/2 diced red pepper
- 1/3 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tbsp plain breadcrumbs
- 4–6 oz fresh shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Prep the Flank Steak: Remove the steak from the fridge 30–60 minutes ahead. Pound to 1/3–½ inch thickness between parchment if needed.
- Dry Rub: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Mix rub spices in a bowl. Rub onto both sides of steak. Lay 3 pieces of twine under steak and set aside.
- Prepare the Stuffing: In a bowl, mix garlic, red pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, spinach, egg yolk, breadcrumbs, and mozzarella.
- Stuff the Flank Steak: Spread the stuffing across the center of steak, leaving space at edges. Roll tightly and secure with twine.
- Cook the Steak: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in cast iron pan. Sear the rolled steak. Drizzle with another tbsp olive oil. Transfer pan to oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- Prepare the Asparagus: Toss asparagus with remaining olive oil and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- Broil & Finish: After baking, remove steak. Add asparagus to pan and broil everything for 10 minutes.
- Check Doneness & Rest: Internal temp should reach 130°F (54°C) for medium. Cover steak with foil and rest for 10 minutes.
- Serve: Slice and serve with roasted asparagus and pan drippings.
Notes
- Letting the steak rest before slicing keeps it juicy.
- Customize the stuffing with mushrooms, provolone, or kale.
- For extra browning, sear steak before baking, then continue with the oven method.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1 steak roll)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg