Oven-baked beef steak

Oven-roasted beef steak is a classic, savory dish that can become the star of any meal. It is a simple recipe but with a unique taste, perfect for special occasions or a Sunday family lunch. In this recipe, I will detail the necessary steps to achieve a juicy and flavorful steak, sharing some useful tricks for a perfect result.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg beef (the thigh or shoulder are ideal)
- 4-5 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2-3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow, according to preference)
- 4-5 ripe tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 garlic cloves (optional)
- A bunch of fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step 1: Preparing the meat
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Choose a piece of high-quality beef, as this will greatly influence the final taste. Wash the meat well and dry it with a paper towel. Grease a baking dish with olive oil using a cooking brush or a napkin.

Step 2: Seasoning
Season the meat with salt and pepper on all sides. These spices will help enhance the flavors. If you wish, you can also add crushed garlic for an extra flavor boost. Place the meat in the prepared dish.

Step 3: Layering the vegetables
Cut the peppers and tomatoes into slices or cubes, depending on your preference. Place a generous layer of peppers over the meat, followed by a layer of tomatoes. Between each layer, sprinkle a little salt to enhance the flavor of the vegetables and help release their juices.

Step 4: Baking
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture inside. Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 1 hour. After this time, remove the foil and let the steak brown for 30 minutes to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

Step 5: Finalizing
Check if the meat is well-cooked using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 70°C to be considered perfectly cooked. Once the steak is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This step is essential to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring that each slice will be juicy.

Serving suggestion:
Serve the beef steak with a side of mashed potatoes or sautéed vegetables. You can also add a fresh green salad for a pleasant contrast of textures. Don’t forget to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a colorful and aromatic presentation.

Possible variations:
Instead of peppers, you can use zucchini or eggplant, and instead of tomatoes, a great alternative would be tomato sauce or even soy sauce for a more exotic taste. You can also experiment with spices, adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, which go wonderfully with beef.

This oven-roasted beef steak will surely become a favorite in your family, offering a delicious and comforting meal perfect for sharing with loved ones. Bon appétit!