Steak and Spaghetti

Move over, meatballs! This steak and spaghetti recipe has all the cozy comfort of pasta night with the swagger of steakhouse dining. Juicy steak strips simmer in a savory tomato sauce, creating a perfect topping for spaghetti (or any pasta). A crown of melted mozzarella makes the whole dish feel like a secret Italian-American hybrid. Steak and spaghetti doesn’t require a lot of ingredients or cooking time, so it’s perfect for a weeknight meal when you want something just a bit more special than your typical go-tos.

Ingredients for Steak and Spaghetti

• Onion: Yellow is the best onion for this dish. It is mild but sweetens beautifully as it cooks. Dice it finely so it blends into the sauce rather than dominating each bite.
• Green pepper: Choose a firm, shiny green bell pepper with no soft spots. It adds brightness and crunch.
• Butter: Salted or unsalted both work, but I like salted for a little extra flavor boost.
• Beef top sirloin steak: Look for a top sirloin cut of beef that’s well-marbled for flavor but not overly fatty. Slice it against the grain into thin strips to stay tender after simmering. You can also use flank or skirt steak.
• Tomato sauce: A basic 8-ounce can of plain tomato sauce is perfect. Avoid pre-flavored versions since you’ll be adding your own herbs and seasonings. If you like a chunkier texture, you can use crushed tomatoes.
• Salt-free seasoning blend: Use a blend that includes garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and dried herbs. This gives you depth without the risk of oversalting once the cheese goes in.
• Dried thyme: Dried thyme adds an earthy, slightly minty flavor that rounds out the tomato base. If you have fresh thyme on hand, use about three sprigs.
• Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper from a pepper grinder brings out the steak’s natural savoriness. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add gentle heat if you like spice.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Buy pre-shredded mozzarella for convenience, or shred your own cheese for better melting.
• Spaghetti: To stand up to the hearty sauce, use a long, sturdy noodle like classic spaghetti or linguine. Cook it al dente (slightly firm to the bite) so it doesn’t get mushy when topped with the steak mixture.

Directions

Step 1: Saute the vegetables

In a nonstick skillet, saute the onion and green pepper in butter until tender. Remove and set aside.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t rush this part. The longer the onions cook, the sweeter and more flavorful your sauce will be.

Step 2: Brown the steak

In the same skillet, brown the beef over medium heat until no longer pink and then drain any fat.

Editor’s Tip: For the best browning, don’t overcrowd the pan—steak needs space to sizzle, not steam.

Step 3: Make the sauce

Add the tomato sauce, water, seasoning blend, thyme, pepper and vegetables. Cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes or until the meat is tender.

Step 4: Add the cheese and serve

Remove from the heat. Sprinkle with cheese; cover and let stand for five minutes or until cheese melts. Serve with cooked spaghetti.

Steak and Spaghetti Variations

• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone at the end for a velvety tomato sauce.
• Add some garlic: Add a few cloves of minced garlic to the veggies for an aromatic twist.
• Spice it up: Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or swap in Cajun seasoning for the seasoning blend.
• Choose more cheese: Mix shredded Parmesan or provolone into the sauce before serving for extra richness.

How to Store Steak and Spaghetti

Leftover steak and sauce should be stored separately from the spaghetti; the pasta will become very soft in the sauce. Each can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

How should you reheat steak strips and pasta?

Reheat the steak and sauce in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Add cooked spaghetti to the pan and heat until warm, or reheat the pasta separately and top with the meaty sauce. You can also microwave steak and spaghetti in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until heated.

Steak and Spaghetti Tips

How else can you serve the steak and sauce?

Skip the spaghetti and spoon the steak mixture onto toasted hoagie rolls for a cheesy steak sandwich. It’s also great over rice, mashed potatoes or even polenta for another comfort-food meal.

What can you serve with the steak and spaghetti recipe?

Garlic bread is the obvious and correct pairing for steak strips and pasta, but Parmesan roasted broccoli and a glass of red wine also make excellent accompaniments. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with classic cannoli or tiramisu for a big finish.