On a quiet Saturday afternoon, my daughter had invited a few of her friends over for a little hangout, and my son was playing video games in the living room, his laughter filling the house. The sun was starting to set, casting a golden glow through the kitchen window, and as I stood there, I realized I hadn’t planned dinner yet. It was one of those moments where I wanted to make something comforting, but not too complicated—something that would impress the kids without requiring hours in the kitchen.
That’s when I remembered a recipe my mom had shared with me years ago: a one-skillet dinner that combined rich garlic butter, steak, and ravioli. It was one of those dishes that felt luxurious but was actually easy enough for any night of the week.
The aroma of garlic butter sizzling in the pan was all it took to pull everyone into the kitchen. My son immediately asked, “What’s for dinner?” with an eager grin, and my daughter, always the enthusiastic little helper, offered to toss in the ravioli. There was something so satisfying about how quickly everything came together in one skillet—just the right balance of flavors, and enough to feed everyone without fuss.
The laughter and chatter in the kitchen felt like the perfect backdrop to the meal I had made, reminding me of how food brings us together, even on the simplest of days.
Short Description
This One-Skillet Garlic Butter Steak & Cheese Ravioli combines the richness of tender sirloin steak with creamy, cheesy ravioli, all tossed in a decadent garlic butter sauce. It’s an indulgent yet simple dish perfect for any night of the week.
Key Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese ravioli
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling ravioli
- Knife for slicing steak
- Cutting board
- Tongs or spatula for turning steak
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ravioli
Start by boiling the ravioli according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Make sure not to overcook it, as you want it to hold its shape once tossed in the garlic butter. Drain the ravioli and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Season the Steak
While the pasta is cooking, season your thinly sliced sirloin steak with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Be generous with the seasoning, as it will enhance the steak’s natural flavors.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak slices in a single layer. Sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked to your preference. Once done, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. As it melts, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 5: Toss the Ravioli
Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet with the garlic butter. Gently toss it to coat each ravioli in the savory sauce. This step adds all the rich flavors to the pasta, making every bite irresistible.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Return the seared steak to the skillet. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and gently stir everything together. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, and make sure everything is heated through.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If desired, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot straight from the skillet for a deliciously comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One-Skillet Garlic Butter Steak & Cheese Ravioli is a game-changer. It’s quick, full of flavor, and provides the perfect balance of rich steak and cheesy ravioli.
The garlic butter sauce ties everything together, creating a comforting and indulgent meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a family or preparing dinner for one, it’s an all-in-one dish that will leave everyone satisfied.
Plus, there’s minimal cleanup with just one skillet involved, which makes it even more appealing.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Overcooking the Steak
Problem: Steak can become tough if overcooked.
Solution: Make sure to sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, depending on thickness, and remove it from the pan as soon as it’s done to your liking.
2. Burning the Garlic
Problem: Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter if cooked at too high a temperature.
Solution: Always sauté garlic over medium heat and keep a close eye on it. It should be golden, not brown.
3. Mushy Ravioli
Problem: Overcooking the ravioli will make it mushy.
Solution: Boil the ravioli just until it’s al dente, usually a minute or two less than the package instructions suggest.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this dish with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
Pair with a glass of red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, to complement the richness of the steak and butter sauce.
For a side, roasted vegetables or garlic bread would be a perfect match to complete the meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the dish in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of steak?
Yes! You can swap the sirloin for flank steak, ribeye, or any cut of your choice. Just make sure to slice it thin for quick cooking.
2. Can I use frozen ravioli instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Frozen ravioli works just as well. Just make sure to cook it longer until fully tender.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the steak and ravioli ahead of time and combine them just before serving.
4. How can I make this dish lighter?
You can substitute the butter with olive oil and use a lighter cheese for the ravioli. Opt for a leaner cut of steak, like flank or tenderloin.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
Tips & Tricks
Use high-quality steak for the best flavor. Grass-fed sirloin will offer a richer, beefier taste.
If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme will work as a substitute.
If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
Recipe Variations
Steak & Mushroom Ravioli: Swap out the cheese ravioli for mushroom ravioli to pair perfectly with the steak’s rich flavor.
Spicy Garlic Butter Steak & Ravioli: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
Veggie-Heavy Option: Toss in spinach or zucchini for extra vegetables. The fresh greens will add a burst of color and texture while complementing the richness of the steak.
Final Thoughts
As the last forkful of ravioli was scooped up, I couldn’t help but smile. It wasn’t just the meal that made the evening memorable—it was the togetherness, the easy comfort, and the way a simple dish could create such warmth in our home.
This one-skillet garlic butter steak and cheese ravioli is a reminder that cooking doesn’t have to be elaborate to be special. Sometimes, the best moments come from the most unexpected of meals, shared with the people we love most.
One-Skillet Garlic Butter Steak And Cheese Ravioli Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak thinly sliced
- 1 package 20 oz refrigerated cheese ravioli
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the ravioli according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season thinly sliced sirloin steak with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak slices for 2-3 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cooked ravioli to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in garlic butter.
- Return steak to the skillet, sprinkle with Parmesan, and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
