Brazilian recipe
Creamy Oven-Baked Beef with Melted Cheese (Bife de Forno)
A hearty and fuss-free Brazilian family favourite. Thick, pan-seared sirloin steaks finished in the oven with a rich tomato sauce and gooey melted mozzarella.
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Ingredients
6 thick-cut large sirloin steaks (300g each)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
1 carton tomato pulp (passata)
300g mozzarella, shredded
Dried oregano to taste
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
1 carton tomato pulp (passata)
300g mozzarella, shredded
Dried oregano to taste
Where to find ingredients
For the sirloin steaks, visit your local butcher or the meat counter at your preferred supermarket; ask for a thick-cut steak suitable for pan-searing. Tomato pulp, commonly referred to as passata, can be found in the tinned goods or pasta sauce section of any grocery store. Mozzarella is widely available in the dairy aisle; choose a block to grate yourself for the best melt, though pre-shredded bags are a convenient alternative. Dried oregano and vegetable oil are staple items found in the pantry essentials section of your local market.
Preparation method
- Season the steaks generously with salt and black pepper on both sides
- Heat enough vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat and sear the steaks quickly until well-browned on both sides
- Place the seared steaks side-by-side in a suitable baking tray
- Pour the tomato pulp evenly over the top of the steaks
- Generously cover the steaks with the shredded mozzarella
- Sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano over the cheese layer
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C until the cheese has melted completely and developed a slight golden colour
Observations
Bife de forno is a classic, comforting dish often served at family gatherings in Brazil. This recipe calls for thick-cut sirloin steaks, which are quickly seared to lock in all the natural juices before being topped with a savoury tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, then baked until perfectly bubbly and golden. It is a straightforward, satisfying meal that is always a hit at the dinner table.
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