Italian Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe

If you are looking to impress your family or guests with a dish that combines bold Italian flavors and a show-stopping presentation, this Italian Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender flank steak is rolled and packed with a vibrant filling of fresh mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and fragrant herbs, delivering a mouthwatering combination of textures and tastes in every bite. It’s a recipe that feels fancy but comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it a perfect centerpiece for any special meal or cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to nailing the incredible flavor and texture of this Italian Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe. Each element has its role, from the tenderizing herbs to the rich cheese, bright vegetables, and the binding egg yolk that keeps everything together just right.

  • Flank steak (1.5–2 pounds): The lean cut that forms the perfect rolled canvas for stuffing, with robust beefy flavor.
  • Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds a classic Italian aroma and a slight earthiness to the seasoning mix.
  • Coarse sea salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the flavors in the steak and filling.
  • Freshly ground black pepper (1 teaspoon): Provides subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.
  • Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Brings a sweet, herbal note that complements the fresh basil in the filling.
  • Dried rosemary (1 teaspoon): Adds piney fragrance and helps tenderize the meat slightly.
  • Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Contributes a warm, slightly minty complexity.
  • Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a mellow garlic flavor evenly through the steak.
  • Garlic salt (1 teaspoon): Boosts savory notes enhancing both meat and filling.
  • Fresh mozzarella, shredded (1 cup): Melts into gooey pockets inside the steak, providing creaminess.
  • Red bell pepper, finely chopped (1): Adds a refreshing crunch and bright color contrast.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (½ cup): Bring concentrated sweetness and umami depth.
  • Fresh spinach, chopped (1 cup): Offers a pop of green and a mild earthiness to balance richer ingredients.
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (¼ cup): Lifts the filling with vibrant herbal freshness.
  • Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Delivers a punch of aroma and savory warmth.
  • Egg yolk (1): The crucial binder that holds the filling together.
  • Breadcrumbs (¼ cup): Adds structure and texture, preventing the filling from being too wet.

How to Make Italian Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Start by bringing your flank steak up to room temperature; this helps it cook more evenly. Pat it dry to ensure a good sear later on. To make the meat tender and easier to roll, place it between parchment paper and pound it to about half an inch thickness. If your steak is uneven, gently butterfly it and trim edges to form a neat rectangle — this helps the filling stay inside during rolling and cooking.

Step 2: Season the Steak

Whisk together all the dried herbs and seasonings in a small bowl for a fragrant, balanced rub. Rubbing the steak on both sides with this mix infuses it with layers of classic Italian flavor. Before adding your filling, lay three pieces of cooking twine evenly spaced underneath — these will be your lifelines to keep the rolled steak tight.

Step 3: Make and Spread the Filling

In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, red bell pepper, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, basil, minced garlic, egg yolk, and breadcrumbs. Mixing these thoroughly ensures every bite will have that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh ingredients. Spread the mixture evenly over the steak, leaving at least a one-inch border so the filling doesn’t spill out when rolled.

Step 4: Roll and Secure the Steak

Roll the steak tightly in the direction of the grain, like a jelly roll, making sure to tuck any loose filling back inside. Tie the cooking twine around the roll to secure it firmly for cooking; this step is essential to maintaining shape and evenly cooking the flavorful bundle.

Step 5: Sear and Roast

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, and sear your rolled steak on all sides for about 2 to 3 minutes each until beautifully browned. Then transfer the skillet to the oven to roast for 25 minutes, allowing the filling to melt and the steak to cook through gently. Finally, switch the oven to broil for 10 minutes to get a gorgeous crust; the internal temperature should hit 135°F (57°C) for a perfect medium-rare.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

After roasting, let the steak rest for 10 minutes. Resting is crucial as it lets the juices redistribute so every slice is tender and juicy. Cut the rolled steak into one-inch slices and serve immediately while warm and oozy with that melty mozzarella.

How to Serve Italian Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe

Italian Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To complement the rich and savory flavors, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top before serving. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a little balsamic glaze adds a lovely touch of luxury and brightness.

Side Dishes

This Italian Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, vibrant sides. Think garlic roasted potatoes, sautéed green beans with lemon, or a crisp arugula salad with shaved Parmesan. They balance the richness without overpowering the steak’s bold filling.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, arrange the sliced roll in a circular pattern on a large serving platter. Accompany with colorful roasted vegetables or a grain salad for a vibrant feast. You could also serve the steak slices on toasted slices of rustic bread with a smear of basil pesto for a casual, crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Italian Stuffed Flank Steak tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining good flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover stuffed steak for longer storage. Slice it before freezing to help with portioning and thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Wrap tightly with foil or freezer-safe bags to protect against freezer burn.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) wrapped in foil to keep moisture locked in, or use a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the steak’s texture and avoid soggy filling.

FAQs

Can I substitute flank steak with another cut?

Flank steak is preferred because of its shape and lean texture, but you can use skirt steak or flank steak’s cousin, bavette, for similar results. Just make sure to pound it to an even thickness for rolling.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or even finely chopped olives can add a similar depth of flavor and a Mediterranean note to the filling.

Is it okay to prepare the filling in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just combine all filling ingredients and cover tightly with plastic wrap until you’re ready to assemble.

How do I ensure the steak stays rolled without the twine?

The cooking twine is the best way to keep the steak tightly rolled. If you don’t have twine, toothpicks can be used temporarily, but tie the steak as soon as possible for the best results during roasting.

Can I grill this Italian Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe instead of oven roasting?

Grilling is possible but requires indirect heat and careful turning to avoid burning the exterior before the inside is cooked through. Oven roasting offers more control, especially for this stuffed and tied preparation.

Final Thoughts

You are going to absolutely love making and sharing this Italian Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe. It’s a vibrant blend of bold flavors wrapped up in tender, juicy beef — perfect for turning an ordinary meal into a memorable occasion. Once you try this, you’ll find it’s a dish worth keeping in your dinner rotation and sharing with everyone you care about. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves and dive in to create a feast full of Italian-inspired comfort and elegance.

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Italian Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe

Italian Stuffed Flank Steak Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 229 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This Italian Stuffed Flank Steak recipe features a tender, flavorful flank steak rolled with a savory filling of fresh mozzarella, red bell pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and herbs. The steak is seasoned with classic Italian spices, seared to perfection, then oven-roasted and broiled to achieve a beautifully browned crust with a juicy, medium-rare interior. Perfect for a delightful dinner, this stuffed steak combines aromatic herbs and a rich cheese filling for a satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Steak and Seasoning

  • 1.5–2 pounds flank steak
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt

Filling

  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella, shredded
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg yolk (binds the filling)
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs (adds texture)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Steak: Remove the flank steak from the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat the steak dry on both sides to ensure good searing. Place the steak between two sheets of parchment paper and pound it to about ½-inch thickness using a meat tenderizer. If the steak is uneven, butterfly it to achieve even thickness and trim any uneven edges to create a rectangular shape.
  2. Season the Steak: In a small bowl, combine dried oregano, coarse sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried basil, dried rosemary, dried thyme, garlic powder, and garlic salt. Rub this seasoning blend evenly on both sides of the steak. Lay three pieces of cooking twine underneath the steak, spaced evenly, to prepare for rolling.
  3. Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella, finely chopped red bell pepper, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped fresh spinach, chopped fresh basil leaves, minced garlic, egg yolk, and breadcrumbs until well combined. Spread this filling evenly over the seasoned steak, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
  4. Roll and Tie the Steak: Carefully roll the steak tightly with the grain, enclosing the filling inside. Secure the roll using the cooking twine placed underneath, making sure to tuck any loose filling back inside to prevent spilling during cooking.
  5. Preheat and Sear: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the rolled steak on all sides for 2 to 3 minutes per side to develop a golden-brown crust.
  6. Roast and Broil: Transfer the skillet with the seared steak to the preheated oven and roast for 25 minutes. After roasting, switch the oven to broil and cook the steak for an additional 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for a perfect medium-rare doneness.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the steak rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Remove the cooking twine, slice the steak into 1-inch thick slices, and serve warm for a delicious meal.

Notes

  • Letting the steak come to room temperature ensures more even cooking.
  • Using cooking twine helps the steak maintain its shape and keeps the filling secure.
  • Adjust the internal temperature according to your preferred doneness: 130°F for rare, 140°F for medium.
  • Using an oven-safe skillet makes the transition from stovetop searing to oven roasting seamless.
  • The resting period after cooking is crucial for juicy, tender slices.

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