It was a breezy Tuesday evening, one of those quiet, golden-hour kind of days when the light hits the kitchen just right and the house hums with calm. My grandkids had just left after a full weekend of playing board games and baking cookies, and the house felt both empty and peaceful.
I stood there, flipping through my old recipe binder—one I’ve filled over decades with hand-written cards, magazine clippings, and notes from friends—and I spotted a smudged index card labeled “Steak + Pasta: Fast Favorite.” That was all it said, written in my late husband’s quick scrawl. I smiled. He always believed pasta should be smothered in butter, and meat should be boldly seasoned.
That simple phrase inspired the dinner I made that night: a cozy, one-skillet garlic butter steak and ravioli dish that brought back memories and filled the house with warmth. The best part? It was done in under 30 minutes, and it tasted like something you’d order at a small, rustic bistro. I’ve made it several times since, tweaking here and there—adding extra garlic, finishing with fresh Parmesan—and it never disappoints.
If you’re a fan of rich, comforting flavors but don’t want a mountain of dishes to wash, this recipe is for you. It’s indulgent enough for a date night at home, but easy enough for a weekday dinner. And it has that magic combination of textures—tender beef, pillowy ravioli, and a silky garlic butter sauce that clings to everything.
Short Description
This one-skillet garlic butter steak and cheese ravioli dish blends tender seared sirloin with cheesy pasta and a rich garlic butter sauce. Quick to make and bursting with flavor, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special meal without the fuss.
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 non-stick or cast-iron skillet
- Medium saucepan (for boiling ravioli)
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Knife and cutting board
- Grater (for Parmesan)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Ravioli
Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Add the cheese ravioli and cook according to the package instructions—usually 4 to 5 minutes—until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season the Steak
While the ravioli cooks, season the thinly sliced sirloin steak with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Make sure the slices are dry for the best sear.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak slices in a single layer and sear for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked to your liking. Transfer the steak to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 3 tbsp butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to let it burn.
Step 5: Toss the Ravioli in Sauce
Add the drained ravioli to the skillet. Gently toss or stir to coat each piece in the garlic butter sauce, making sure the ravioli stays intact.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the steak to the pan and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Gently stir everything together, allowing the cheese to melt and the dish to heat through for another 1–2 minutes.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Serve straight from the skillet or plate it up. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired and maybe a little extra Parmesan for good measure.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-pan wonder: Easy cleanup
Fast and filling: On the table in 30 minutes
Restaurant-quality at home: Luxurious flavors with everyday ingredients
Versatile: Adjust seasoning, add veggies, or swap in another pasta
Comforting and hearty: Perfect for cozy evenings
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Overcrowding the pan while searing steak
This leads to steaming instead of browning. Solution: Sear in batches if needed to ensure a good crust.
2. Overcooking the ravioli
Mushy ravioli ruins the texture. Solution: Boil just until al dente and handle gently.
3. Burning the garlic
Garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter. Solution: Lower the heat and stir constantly when adding garlic to butter.
4. Not draining ravioli well
Extra water can dilute the sauce. Solution: Drain thoroughly and don’t rinse.
5. Using cold steak
Cold steak can cook unevenly. Solution: Let steak sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before searing.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This dish makes a stunning main course and pairs well with:
A side of roasted asparagus or green beans
A crisp Caesar or arugula salad
A glass of red wine like Merlot or a buttery Chardonnay
Warm garlic bread or focaccia
Serve family-style straight from the skillet or plated individually for a more elegant touch
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through.
Freezing: Not recommended due to the ravioli texture after thawing.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen ravioli instead of refrigerated?
Yes, just add 2–3 minutes to the cooking time and make sure to drain well.
2. What’s the best steak cut to use?
Sirloin works beautifully, but you can also use ribeye or flank steak for a different flavor.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the steak and garlic butter sauce ahead, but for best texture, cook the ravioli fresh.
4. Is there a dairy-free version?
Swap out cheese ravioli for dairy-free filled pasta, and use plant-based butter and vegan Parmesan.
5. How do I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a kick.
Tips & Tricks
For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine after searing the steak.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture—it melts more evenly.
Let the steak rest briefly before combining it back with the pasta to retain its juices.
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to boost the nutrition and color.
Warm your serving bowls before plating to keep the dish hot longer.
Recipe Variations
Mushroom Lovers’ Version
Add 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet after removing the steak. Sauté until browned, then proceed with the garlic butter. Adds umami depth.
Creamy Garlic Steak Ravioli
After the garlic butter step, stir in 1/3 cup heavy cream and a pinch of nutmeg. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes before adding ravioli.
Spicy Cajun Twist
Season the steak with Cajun seasoning instead of Italian. Add a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for heat.
Vegetable Boost
Stir in a handful of baby spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes in Step 6 for extra color and nutrients.
Final Thoughts
Some recipes earn a permanent place in your kitchen not just because they taste great, but because they feel like home every time you make them. This one-skillet garlic butter steak and cheese ravioli is one of those meals. It’s simple but indulgent, fast but comforting. And maybe that’s what I love most about it—it gives you all the satisfaction of a Sunday dinner without the time or fuss.
Sharing food has always been my way of staying connected to those I love. Even in retirement, I find joy in discovering new spins on old favorites. I hope this recipe brings the same comfort and warmth to your table that it brought to mine. And don’t be surprised if it becomes one of those go-to meals you turn to again and again—those are the best kind.
Let the aroma fill your kitchen and the flavors bring smiles to the faces at your table. Happy cooking, dear friends.
One-Skillet Garlic Butter Steak And Cheese Ravioli
Print ThisIngredients
- 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
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Ravioli
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the cheese ravioli for 4–5 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season the Steak
Season steak slices with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pat dry for a better sear.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear steak for 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
Step 4: Make Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet, then sauté garlic for 1 minute until golden and fragrant.
Step 5: Toss Ravioli in Sauce
Add ravioli to the skillet. Toss gently to coat without breaking them.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return steak to the pan. Add Parmesan and stir gently. Let it warm through for 1–2 minutes.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Serve hot, sprinkled with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
