Southwestern Stuffed Flank Steak

To save yourself time, ask your butcher to butterfly the flank steak for this southwestern-style stuffed beef steak roll.

Recipe Ingredients:

3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (1 1/2 to 2 pound) flank steak
1 (8-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red pepper in oil, drained and cut into thin strips
1 cup finely chopped onion
2 (4-ounce) cans diced mild green chiles, drained
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 cup (1-ounce) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Cooking Directions:

1. Combine first 6 ingredients in a large zipper-style plastic bag, mixing well. Seal and set aside.
2. To butterfly steak, use a sharp knife to cut the steak in half lengthwise, cutting almost to, but not completely through, the opposite side, to form a butterfly shape. Add the butterflied steak to the marinade in bag; seal bag securely, removing as much air as possible, and place in a large bowl. Marinate for 8 hours or overnight in refrigerator, turning occasionally.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove steak from marinade, discarding marinade. Spread spinach over steak to within 1/2-inch of edges; top with red peppers and onion.
5. Combine chiles, garlic, cumin, and chili powder; sprinkle chili mixture evenly over pepper and onion layer. Sprinkle evenly with cheese.
6. Roll steak, starting at short side. Secure with heavy string at 2-inch intervals. Place in a shallow roasting pan.
7. Bake for 45 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing to serve.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.