FOODIE FRIDAY RECIPE - CROCK POT STEAK PIZZAIOLA

Steak Pizzaiola is a family favorite here at the Lanni household.  When you order it in an Italian restaurant it is usually made with a shell, strip or sirloin steak as these are firm, tender cuts.  At home, we have always made it with bone-in chuck steaks.  The chuck steak is an inexpensive but very flavorful choice but it can be tough.  I decided to experiment and adapt the recipe for crock pot cooking and the result is an amazingly tender dish with really big flavor.  

Ingredients:

1 large [2-3#] bone in chuck steak, 1" thick

1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced

1 large clove garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

one 8 oz. jar marinated artichoke hearts, rinsed

1 large can crushed tomatoes

1/2 cup red wine

1 tablespoon dry oregano

1/2 tablespoon dry basil

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes [optional]

Method:

In the bottom of the crock pot combine all ingredients and stir.  Cut the steak into 3 or 4 pieces to fit your crock and submerge them in the sauce mixture.  Cook on medium for 6-7 hours until fork tender.  Remove the meat to a serving platter and serve the sauce over white rice or pasta and top with grated romano cheese.