Beef Marsala

Beef Marsala

Ingredients:

For the Beef:

  • 1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin or tenderloin, sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Marsala Sauce:

  • 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
  • 3/4 cup Marsala wine
  • 3/4 cup beef stock
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a richer sauce)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Preparing the Beef:

  1. Season the beef slices with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge the beef slices in the flour, shaking off any excess.

Cooking the Beef:

  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the beef slices in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set aside.

Making the Marsala Sauce:

  1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
  2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown and have released their moisture, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the Marsala wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add the beef stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. If using heavy cream, stir it in at this point.
  6. Return the beef slices to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Simmer everything together for a few minutes until the beef is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Serving:

  1. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley.
  3. Serve the Beef Marsala hot, with the sauce spooned over the top.

Suggested Sides:

  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Buttered egg noodles
  • Steamed or roasted vegetables
  • A crisp green salad

Enjoy your Beef Marsala with a glass of the same Marsala wine used in the recipe for a delightful pairing. Buon appetito!