When it comes to impressing your dinner guests or treating your family to a special meal, few dishes can match the allure of Stuffed Flank Steak. This savory, juicy steak roll is bursting with flavor thanks to a delightful combination of cheesy spinach, fragrant garlic, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its rich taste but also in its simplicity; with the right ingredients and a few straightforward steps, you can create a gourmet experience without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion or simply delight in a hearty meal, this Stuffed Flank Steak is sure to become a favorite.
The heart of this dish is the flank steak, known for its robust flavor and tenderness when cooked just right. When butterflied and filled with a rich filling of ricotta and mozzarella cheese blended with fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, every bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. And don’t worry if you’ve never stuffed a steak before—the process is easier than you might think! With just a little patience and a few key techniques, you’ll be serving up a restaurant-quality dish right from your home kitchen.
So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress with this Stuffed Flank Steak recipe. The best part? It can be paired with a variety of sides, making it a versatile choice for any dinner party or intimate gathering. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this delicious dish!
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Flank Steak
- Flavor Explosion: Each bite reveals a savory medley of cheeses, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, elevating the simple flank steak to something truly extraordinary.
- Easy to Prepare: This dish is surprisingly simple to make, combining classic techniques with straightforward ingredients to deliver impressive results.
- Healthier Choice: Packed with nutritious spinach and lean protein, this dish is a lovely way to enjoy a hearty meal without unnecessary calories.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a family gathering, this meal can accommodate any audience while still feeling special.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you embark on this flavorful journey, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and workspace to ensure everything runs smoothly. Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients: flank steak, spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Having all your ingredients pre-measured will make the cooking process more efficient.
Your tools will include a sharp knife, a cutting board, mixing bowls, a skillet (preferably oven-safe), kitchen twine, and a meat thermometer to ensure a perfectly cooked steak. To butterfly the flank steak, ensure your knife is sharp enough to make clean cuts without tearing the meat. For easy cleanup, lay out some parchment paper or a clean kitchen cloth to manage your space effectively. Also, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) as the first step; this way, it’s ready for baking once you’re done searing the steak.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank steak
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Kitchen twine
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first: you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s perfectly hot when the steak is ready for baking. This temperature strikes an ideal balance, allowing the flank steak to cook through while retaining juiciness.
Step 2: Butterfly the Steak
To butterfly the flank steak, lay it flat on your cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice horizontally along the length of the steak without cutting all the way through. Carefully open the meat like a book to create a larger surface area for stuffing.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The creamy ricotta complements the mozzarella while the spinach adds both flavor and nutrients.
Step 4: Stuff & Roll the Steak
Spread the filling evenly over the inside of the butterflied steak, ensuring coverage to maximize flavor. Once spread, carefully roll the steak from one end to the other, creating a log shape. Use kitchen twine to tie the roll securely at 3–4 intervals, ensuring all the filling stays inside during cooking.
Step 5: Sear the Steak
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the stuffed steak in the skillet. Sear the steak for about 4–5 minutes on each side until beautifully browned. This process enhances the flavors and creates a delicious crust.
Step 6: Bake
After searing, transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven. Bake the stuffed steak for about 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare. If you prefer your steak cooked more, leave it in for a few additional minutes, checking the temperature regularly.
Step 7: Rest & Slice
When done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the steak rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender bite. After resting, carefully cut off the kitchen twine, slice the steak into 1-inch rounds, and serve warm.
Variations
- Protein: For a twist, try using chicken breast or pork tenderloin instead of flank steak for a different flavor and texture.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor. You can also use frozen spinach—just ensure it’s well-drained!
- Spices: Consider adding some red pepper flakes for a hint of spice or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fragrant touch.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to let the stuffed flank steak rest after cooking; this step is crucial for a juicy steak.
- Don’t rush the slicing process. A sharp knife will make the job easier and help maintain the shape of the rolls.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your stuffed flank steak with roasted vegetables and a side of creamy mashed potatoes to round out the meal.
- A fresh arugula salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette makes for a refreshing complement to the rich flavors of the steak.
Tips
- Experiment with different types of cheese based on your preference; feta can add a delightful tang!
- If you love garlic, don’t hesitate to add more minced garlic to the filling; just remember to balance it out with other flavors.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 500mg
FAQs
Can I prepare Stuffed Flank Steak in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed steak and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can enhance the flavors.
What should the internal temperature be for medium-rare flank steak?
The ideal internal temperature for medium-rare flank steak is 130°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Can I use other cuts of steak?
Certainly! Although flank steak is the preferred cut, you can also use sirloin or skirt steak with similar results.
What sides pair well with Stuffed Flank Steak?
Stuffed flank steak pairs well with sides like garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a fresh garden salad.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Stuffed Flank Steak is a remarkable dish that combines the richness of flavors with a straightforward cooking process. Your guests will be impressed by the presentation and the burst of flavor with every bite. With the ability to customize the filling and serve alongside delicious sides, this recipe guarantees success for any occasion. We hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful experience it brings to your table. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below or experiment with your own variations!
Print
Stuffed Flank Steak
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Stuffed Flank Steak is a flavorful dish that combines cheesy spinach and sun-dried tomatoes into a tender flank steak roll.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank steak
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Kitchen twine
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly the flank steak by slicing horizontally along the length without cutting all the way through.
- In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the filling over the opened steak and roll it up, securing with kitchen twine.
- Sear the steak in a hot skillet with olive oil for 4–5 minutes on each side.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 130°F.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing into 1-inch rounds.
Notes
Allow the stuffed steak to rest after cooking for more juiciness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Protein: 30 g