Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Italian Stuffed Flank Steak is perfect for special dinners or when you want to wow guests with minimal fuss. The flavorful dry rub and savory stuffing give the beef bold, balanced flavors while the roasting method keeps the meat juicy and tender. The addition of roasted asparagus makes for a healthy, vibrant side, and the whole dish is simple to prepare yet restaurant-quality in taste and presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 flank steak
- Dry rub mix (Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, etc.)
- Cooking twine (3 pieces)
- Stuffing mix (Italian cheeses, breadcrumbs, herbs, garlic, and optional vegetables)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- Asparagus
- Salt
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Prepare the Steak: Remove the flank steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking to come to room temperature. Pound the steak between parchment paper if needed to even out thickness.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Apply Dry Rub: Combine the dry rub ingredients and rub evenly on both sides of the steak. Place three pieces of cooking twine under the steak for tying later. Set aside.
- Prepare Stuffing: Mix all stuffing ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Stuff and Roll Steak: Spread the stuffing evenly down the middle of the flank steak, leaving about an inch from the edges. Roll the steak tightly like a taco along the grain. Bring the ends together and secure the roll with the twine.
- Sear and Roast: Brush a cast iron pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place the rolled steak in the pan and drizzle another tablespoon of olive oil on top. Roast in the oven for 25 minutes.
- Prepare Asparagus: Toss asparagus with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add Asparagus and Broil: Remove the steak from the oven and add the asparagus to the pan. Sprinkle asparagus with salt. Turn oven to broil and cook for 10 more minutes.
- Rest Steak: Remove pan from the oven and check steak doneness with a meat thermometer. Cover the steak loosely with foil and rest for 10 minutes. The internal temperature will rise from about 130°F (medium) to 137-140°F after resting.
- Serve: Slice the steak, serve with roasted asparagus, and drizzle with pan drippings.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
Variations
- Stuffing Options: Add sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach to the stuffing for extra flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Use mozzarella, provolone, or fontina cheese for different tastes.
- Herbs: Experiment with fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil in the rub and stuffing.
- Vegetable Sides: Substitute asparagus with roasted bell peppers or green beans.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover sliced steak in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven, covered with foil to retain moisture.
- Freezing: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be frozen in slices for up to 1 month.
FAQs
How do I slice flank steak for this recipe?
Slice against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices after resting.
Can I prepare the stuffed steak ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate the stuffed steak for a few hours before cooking.
What temperature should the steak reach?
Medium doneness is about 130°F before resting; it rises to 137-140°F after resting.
Can I use other cuts of beef?
Flank steak is preferred for rolling; skirt steak is a possible substitute.
Is it necessary to use cooking twine?
Yes, twine secures the roll and ensures even cooking.
How long should the steak rest?
Rest for 10 minutes covered with foil before slicing.
Can I cook this without a cast iron pan?
Yes, any oven-safe roasting pan will work.
How do I prevent the stuffing from spilling?
Roll tightly and secure ends with twine.
What should I serve with Italian stuffed flank steak?
Roasted or sautéed vegetables, potatoes, or a fresh salad complement it well.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, slice and freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Conclusion
Italian Stuffed Flank Steak is an elegant yet approachable dish that delivers rich flavors and impressive presentation. With a flavorful dry rub, hearty stuffing, and perfectly roasted asparagus, it’s a meal that’s sure to please at any dinner table. Simple to prepare yet stunning to serve, this recipe is perfect for both special occasions and cozy family dinners.
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Italian Stuffed Flank Steak
Italian Stuffed Flank Steak features tender flank steak rolled around a savory stuffing of Italian cheeses, herbs, and breadcrumbs, roasted to juicy perfection. Paired with roasted asparagus, this elegant yet simple dish is perfect for special dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Ingredients
1 flank steak
Dry rub mix (Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, etc.)
Cooking twine (3 pieces)
Stuffing mix (Italian cheeses, breadcrumbs, herbs, garlic, optional vegetables)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
Asparagus
Salt
Instructions
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Remove flank steak from fridge 30–60 minutes before cooking; pound to even thickness if needed.
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Rub steak evenly with dry rub; place 3 pieces of twine underneath for tying.
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Mix stuffing ingredients thoroughly.
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Spread stuffing evenly down center of steak, leaving about 1 inch at edges. Roll tightly along the grain, secure with twine.
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Brush a cast iron pan with 1 tbsp olive oil; place steak in pan, drizzle with another tbsp oil. Roast 25 minutes.
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Toss asparagus with remaining olive oil.
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Remove steak, add asparagus to pan, sprinkle with salt, broil 10 minutes.
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Rest steak loosely covered with foil for 10 minutes; temperature will rise to medium doneness (137–140°F).
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Slice against the grain; serve with roasted asparagus and pan drippings.
Notes
Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach to stuffing for extra flavor.
Substitute cheeses: mozzarella, provolone, or fontina.
Try fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil in rub and stuffing.
Swap asparagus for roasted bell peppers or green beans.
Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat gently. Freeze slices up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 20–30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Beef, Italian
- Method: Roasting, Searing, Stuffing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free