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:
- Season the beef slices with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge the beef slices in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Cooking the Beef:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- 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:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown and have released their moisture, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 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.
- Add the beef stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. If using heavy cream, stir it in at this point.
- 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:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
- 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!