Beef and Smoked Mozzarella Stuffed Focaccia with Pesto

Recipe courtesy of The Beef Checkoff.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 pound beef top sirloin, top round steak or flank steak, cut 3/4 to 1-inch thick
1/4 cup prepared basil pesto sauce - divided use
1 (8 to 10-ounce) loaf focaccia bread, cut horizontally in half
4 ounces smoked mozzarella or provolone cheese, sliced 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick
1 medium plum tomato, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices

Cooking Directions:

1. Cut beef steak lengthwise in half, then crosswise into 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick strips. Combine 2 tablespoons pesto and beef in medium bowl. Cover and marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes to 2 hours
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Remove some bread from center of cut sides of loaf if very thick, creating a pocket. Spread remaining 2 tablespoons pesto evenly over cut sides of bread; top each half evenly with cheese. Place on metal baking sheet.
4. Bake in 350°F (175°C) oven 8 to 10 minutes or until heated through and cheese melts.
5. Meanwhile heat large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1/2 of beef; stir-fry 1 to 3 minutes or until outside surface of beef is no longer pink. (Do not overcook.) Remove from skillet. Repeat with remaining beef.
6. Using slotted spoon, place beef over bottom half of bread; top with tomatoes. Close sandwich, pressing together slightly. Cut into 4 wedges.
   

Makes 4 servings.

Tips:

• Other crusty bread loaves of similar weight, such as Italian or French bread, may be substituted for focaccia. Cut loaf horizontally in half and proceed as directed above.
• Regular mozzarella or provolone may be substituted for smoked cheese.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/4 of recipe using beef top sirloin steak): Calories: 468; Total Fat: 20g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Cholesterol: 68mg; Total Carbs: 32g; Fiber: 1g; Protein: 39g; Sodium: 506mg.

Recipe and photograph courtesy of The Beef Checkoff.