Italian Stuffed Flank Steak

Introduction

Italian Stuffed Flank Steak is a mouthwatering, show-stopping dish that brings together the savory goodness of flank steak with a deliciously rich, Italian-inspired stuffing. This hearty, flavorful meal is perfect for special occasions, family dinners, or anytime you want to impress your guests with something extraordinary. The tender steak is rolled around a delectable mixture of spinach, mozzarella, garlic, and herbs, resulting in a balanced combination of juicy meat and cheesy filling in every bite.

The first time I made this dish, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to prepare such a flavorful masterpiece. Stuffing the flank steak and securing it with kitchen twine felt like a fun, hands-on project, and the moment it came out of the oven, the aroma of melted cheese and garlic filled the air. It quickly became a favorite, with everyone asking for the recipe.

What I love most about Italian Stuffed Flank Steak is its versatility and richness. You can customize the stuffing by adding ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or fresh basil for extra flavor. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad to complete the meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy dinner, this dish is guaranteed to make an impression and leave your guests asking for more.

Perfect for:

• Holiday dinners
• Special occasions
• Family meals
• Dinner parties
• Steak lovers

Why You’ll Love This Italian Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe

Here’s why Italian Stuffed Flank Steak will become your new favorite dinner:

• Tender and Flavorful: Flank steak is naturally lean but becomes tender and flavorful when stuffed and rolled with seasonings.
• Savory Stuffing: The combination of spinach, cheese, garlic, and herbs in the stuffing creates an irresistible flavor.
• Impressive Presentation: This dish looks as impressive as it tastes, making it perfect for dinner parties or holidays.
• Simple to Make: Despite its elegant appearance, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare and cook.
• Customizable Filling: You can easily adjust the stuffing ingredients to suit your tastes, adding sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or other Italian-inspired ingredients.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 50g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Italian Stuffed Flank Steak:

• 1 ½ lbs flank steak, trimmed of fat
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
• Kitchen twine (for tying)

Ingredient Highlights

• Flank Steak: This cut of beef is flavorful and lean, perfect for stuffing and rolling.
• Mozzarella and Parmesan: These cheeses melt beautifully, providing a creamy, savory filling.
• Spinach: Adds a fresh, earthy flavor that complements the cheese and steak.
• Garlic and Herbs: The combination of garlic, oregano, and basil adds an aromatic, Italian flair to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used to sear the steak, it adds richness and helps achieve a golden crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Flank Steak:

1. Tenderize the Steak: Place the flank steak between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the steak to an even thickness, about ½ inch thick.
2. Season the Steak: Season both sides of the steak generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.

Make the Stuffing:

3. Sauté the Spinach: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well mixed.

Stuff the Steak:

5. Spread the Stuffing: Lay the seasoned flank steak flat on a cutting board. Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the steak, leaving about 1 inch of space at the edges.
6. Roll the Steak: Carefully roll the steak from one end to the other, securing the stuffing inside.
7. Tie the Steak: Use kitchen twine to tie the rolled steak at 2-inch intervals to hold the shape during cooking.

Cook the Steak:

8. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Sear the Steak: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil and sear the rolled steak for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned.
10. Finish in the Oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness (use a meat thermometer for accuracy; 135°F for medium-rare).
11. Rest the Steak: Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before removing the twine and slicing.

Serve the Steak:

12. Slice and Serve: Slice the stuffed flank steak into 1-inch thick slices. Serve with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, if desired, for extra flavor.

How to Serve Italian Stuffed Flank Steak

• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the steak with roasted potatoes, carrots, and zucchini for a well-rounded meal.
• With a Salad: A fresh, light salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the steak.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up any extra juices from the steak.
• As a Main Course: Serve as the centerpiece of a holiday or special occasion dinner with sides like mashed potatoes or risotto.
• With Pasta: Pair with a simple pasta dish, such as spaghetti with marinara sauce or a creamy Alfredo, for a complete Italian meal.

Additional Tips for Italian Stuffed Flank Steak

• Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will help you slice the steak cleanly without tearing the rolled-up stuffing.
• Don’t Overstuff: Be careful not to overstuff the steak, as it could cause the filling to spill out during cooking.
• Let It Rest: Let the steak rest after baking to ensure the juices redistribute and the meat remains tender.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stuffing mixture and adjust the seasoning before stuffing the steak to make sure the flavor is perfect.
• Add a Sauce: For an extra touch, serve with a rich tomato sauce or a drizzle of olive oil and herbs.

Recipe Variations for Italian Stuffed Flank Steak

1. Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Flank Steak: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the stuffing for a tangy flavor.
2. Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Flank Steak: Add sautéed mushrooms to the stuffing for an earthy, umami flavor.
3. Prosciutto Stuffed Flank Steak: Layer slices of prosciutto over the stuffing for added saltiness and depth of flavor.
4. Olive Tapenade Stuffed Flank Steak: Incorporate an olive tapenade for a Mediterranean twist.
5. Cheddar and Jalapeño Stuffed Flank Steak: Add shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
6. Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Flank Steak: Swap mozzarella with ricotta for a creamier filling.
7. Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Flank Steak: Wrap the rolled steak in crispy bacon for extra flavor.
8. Pine Nut and Herb Stuffed Flank Steak: Add pine nuts and fresh herbs to the stuffing for a nutty, aromatic flavor.
9. Pesto-Stuffed Flank Steak: Spread pesto inside the steak for a fragrant and herby filling.
10. Feta and Spinach Stuffed Flank Steak: Use crumbled feta cheese in place of mozzarella for a tangy twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Freeze unstuffed flank steak after tenderizing it. Stuff it and cook once ready to serve.
• Storage: Store leftover cooked stuffed steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, but avoid overcooking.

Special Equipment for Italian Stuffed Flank Steak

• Meat Mallet
• Kitchen Twine
• Oven-Safe Skillet
• Meat Thermometer
• Sharp Knife

FAQ for Italian Stuffed Flank Steak

1. Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can use skirt steak or top round as alternatives to flank steak.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the stuffed steak and refrigerate it before cooking. Just sear and bake it when ready to serve.
3. Can I cook the steak on the grill? Yes, grill the rolled steak on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. Can I skip the spinach? Yes, feel free to omit the spinach and substitute with other vegetables or herbs, such as mushrooms or bell peppers.
5. What’s the best side dish for this steak? Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad pair wonderfully with this dish.

Print

Conclusion

Italian Stuffed Flank Steak is a stunning and delicious dish that will elevate any dinner table. With its savory, cheesy stuffing and tender, juicy steak, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to prepare yet looks incredibly impressive, making it the perfect choice for holidays, special celebrations, or a cozy family meal.

The rich combination of Italian flavors—such as garlic, herbs, and melted cheese—adds layers of savory goodness to each bite. Whether you choose to stuff it with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a mix of Italian meats, this dish offers plenty of opportunities for customization.

I can’t wait to see how you make your own Italian Stuffed Flank Steak! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you bring this dish to life. Don’t forget to share your variations in the comments. Happy cooking!