Easy Garlic Butter Steak & Ravioli Skillet

Introduction easy weeknight dinners · healthy comfort food · quick family meals

I made this One-Skillet Garlic Butter Steak & Cheese Ravioli on a Tuesday that felt like three Tuesdays stacked on top of each other. The dog wouldn’t stop barking at a leaf, the dishwasher was full of clean dishes that no one claimed, and my brain kept whispering “order takeout.” But then I remembered this skillet—fast, cozy, and deeply satisfying—and decided to be the hero of my own dinner. It’s the kind of meal that fits right into easy weeknight dinners and still feels just a little fancy, like you stumbled onto restaurant magic in your own kitchen.

I first cooked a version of this at a friend’s cabin where the stove was moody and the lighting made everything look extra romantic—even the pile of dishes. I sliced steak a little too thick, seared it while talking with my hands (dangerous), and accidentally dropped a ravioli on the floor. The dog called dibs. Oops. Somehow, the lemony sizzle of garlic butter and the cheesy pillows of pasta still turned into a total win. I didn’t expect that. Since then, I’ve learned a few tricks: slice the steak thin, keep the heat confident, and let the butter do the heavy lifting.

This skillet is pure healthy comfort food in that “feeds your soul” way, but it also adapts like a champ. Add a handful of baby spinach and it leans toward low calorie high nutrition meals. Go generous with steak and cheese and you’ve landed in high protein meals territory. Either way, it’s budget-cute compared to a steakhouse, checks the box for budget-friendly recipes, and comes together fast enough to make your future self applaud. Plus, you only wash one pan. That’s the love language of best dinner prep meals everywhere.

To be real, the smells do half the work: garlicky butter blooming in the pan, beefy sear notes that sound like applause, and those soft little ravioli sighing as they get glossy. Serve it right out of the skillet and everyone will float to the table like cartoon characters sniffing a pie on a windowsill. It’s a keep-this-forever recipe for best meal prep plans, prepared meals for two, or that night you want something indulgent without a mountain of dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ready made protein meals

It’s deeply comforting without being fussy. Think steakhouse flavor meets weeknight ease, made to satisfy quick family meals.

It’s one skillet. Truly. Steak, garlic butter, and ravioli all mingle in the same pan, which means cleanup is gloriously minimal—perfect for good meal prep plans.

It’s flexible. Use sirloin, ribeye, or flank; swap in spinach or mushroom ravioli; add veggies if you’re chasing best meal prep healthy goals.

It’s fast. Under 30 minutes from “I’m hungry” to “We’re eating,” which makes it ideal for healthy meal plans for two or a table of four.

It reheats well. Portion leftovers for meal prep microwave lunches or pack two servings like meals for 2 delivered—only you delivered them to yourself.

It’s crowd-pleasing. Kids love the cheesy pasta; grown-ups get the steak. If you’re plotting a protein meal plan or looking for high macro meals, this checks boxes with style.

What Makes This Recipe Special? high protein ready made meals

The trick is balance. Searing the steak first lays down those savory browned bits, and a splash of broth lifts them right back into the sauce. Garlic cooks just long enough to smell incredible without turning bitter. Butter does the heavy lifting, coating every ravioli so it tastes luxurious without feeling heavy. That combination—high-heat sear, buttery gloss, and herby finish—delivers restaurant flavor on a Tuesday.

Also, this dish loves improvisation. Use spinach ravioli and toss a handful of baby greens into the skillet. Add mushrooms if you want earthy depth. Stir in a spoonful of cream for date-night richness or keep it lighter for hello fresh low calorie menu vibes. However you land, the bones of the recipe stay strong, which is why it’s on repeat in my house and why it’s become a stealth favorite in my protein eating plan rotation.

Ingredients

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Steak, thinly sliced
Sirloin is my weeknight workhorse—tender, affordable, and quick to cook. Ribeye is a treat and brings marbling magic. Flank works if you slice it very thin against the grain for tenderness.

Cheese ravioli, fresh or refrigerated
Pillowy and convenient. Fresh cooks in minutes and holds sauce like a champ. If you’re feeding athletes or planning high protein pre made meals, look for cheese-and-spinach or higher-protein brands.

Butter and olive oil
Olive oil handles the sear; butter brings flavor and silk. I use unsalted so I can control the seasoning.

Garlic
Four cloves, minced, because we’re here for it. The smell alone could sell a house.

Beef broth
A half cup loosens the fond and builds a quick pan sauce. Low-sodium gives you more control.

Parsley
Fresh, chopped, and generous. It wakes up the richness and makes the skillet look restaurant-pretty.

Parmesan cheese
Grated for salty, nutty finish. It melts into tiny ribbons and makes the ravioli feel dressed up.

Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes
Seasoning basics. Red pepper flakes are optional but welcome if you like a little tingle.

Tiny warnings I learned the hard way: don’t add garlic to a scorching pan or it will go from fragrant to too-toasty fast. Don’t over-crowd the steak or it steams and sulks instead of searing. And don’t walk away while the ravioli is tossing—those delicate pillows are sturdy but they appreciate a gentle spatula more than a vigorous stir.

How to Make It Step-by-Step best meals to prep

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Salt it like the sea—your ravioli will thank you. Drop in the ravioli and cook according to package directions until just tender. Fresh ravioli usually need only a few minutes. Drain and set aside, but keep them close so they don’t get lonely and clump.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat. You want it shimmering but not smoking. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper while the oil warms. The moment the meat hits the pan, it should sing. That sizzle is the dinner soundtrack.

Sear the steak in a single layer. Work in two quick batches if needed; this is crucial for browning. Let it sit for a minute to develop color, then flip. You’re aiming for 1–2 minutes per side—enough to get a deep sear without cooking it into leather. Remove to a plate and breathe in that steakhouse aroma. It’s working.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Watch it melt into a golden pool. Stir in the minced garlic and let it bloom for about 30–60 seconds. Your kitchen will smell like date night. Don’t let the garlic brown—if it edges toward tan, lower the heat. Add the beef broth to deglaze, scraping up the browned bits (the fond) with a wooden spoon. The pan will hiss in that satisfying way that makes you feel like a cooking show host.

Slide the cooked ravioli into the skillet and gently toss in the garlic butter sauce. The sauce should coat each piece without drowning it. If the skillet looks dry, splash in a tablespoon more broth. If it looks thin, let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly. The goal is glossy, not soupy.

Return the seared steak and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes, just until warmed through. Taste a ravioli. Add a pinch of salt if needed and a few cracks of black pepper. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a snowfall of Parmesan. If you like heat, flick in red pepper flakes. Turn off the heat and serve right from the skillet because hello, ready meals for 2 and also fewer dishes.

A few real-life lessons: I once sliced the steak thick and cooked it to the far side of done; it wasn’t tragic, but it lacked that steakhouse wow. Thin slices are your friend. Another time, I got chatty and the garlic browned too much—tiny bitter notes appeared. Keep an eye on it and keep things moving. And the big oops: I forgot to drain the ravioli well, watered down the butter, and had to reduce the sauce longer. Still delicious, just less immediate. You live, you learn.

Tips for Best Results best meal prep healthy

Slice the steak thin, against the grain. Fast sear, tender bite. This also stretches a smaller amount of meat so the dish stays friendly for cheap meal plans for 2.

Pat the steak dry. Moisture blocks browning. A quick paper towel pat makes a real difference.

Use a big skillet. Crowding leads to steaming; space gives you color and flavor.

Mind the garlic. Keep it pale and fragrant, not dark and bitter.

Finish with fresh herbs and lemon. A squeeze of lemon over the finished dish brightens everything, especially if you went generous on butter.

Serve immediately. Ravioli are happiest right out of the pan. If you must hold it, a tiny splash of warm broth keeps things silky.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations high protein keto meal plan

Protein swaps
Grilled chicken, turkey tenderloin, or shrimp are great alternatives and can fit a low fat meal delivery vibe at home. For a pescatarian twist, try seared scallops—wildly good.

Ravioli options
Spinach-ricotta, mushroom, or even butternut ravioli change the personality. For gluten-free, choose certified GF ravioli. If you’re leaning into no prep keto meals, swap ravioli for sautéed zucchini ribbons and keep the garlic-butter-steak situation.

Sauce upgrades
Add 2–3 tablespoons of cream or a dollop of cream cheese for plushness. Stir in a spoonful of sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions for depth. Blue cheese crumbles melt into a bold, steakhouse finish.

Veggie boosters
Spinach wilts in beautifully. Mushrooms bring umami. Roasted cherry tomatoes add sweetness. A handful of arugula tossed in off-heat gives peppery lift and nudges things toward low calorie high nutrition meals.

Herbs and spices
Swap parsley for thyme or rosemary. Add a whisper of smoked paprika or a dash of steak seasoning on the meat before searing.

Serving Suggestions

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Serve straight from the skillet with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and black pepper. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette keeps the plate lively. Toasted garlic bread is classic and perfect for chasing the buttery sauce. For healthy eating for two, spoon the steak and ravioli over a bed of garlicky sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli. This and a rom-com? Perfection. If you’re channeling best high protein ready meals, add a side of white beans in olive oil and herbs to nudge up protein without extra fuss.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.) meals for 2 delivered

Drinks
Citrusy sparkling water, iced tea with lemon, or a zero-proof spritz with orange peel. A simple ginger-lemon mocktail echoes the buttery richness with a bright edge.

Sides
Roasted asparagus with lemon zest, a chopped Caesar-ish salad, or blistered green beans with crushed red pepper. A bowl of marinated tomatoes adds juicy freshness in summer.

Little extras
A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the finished skillet brings a sweet-tart pop. Warm olives on the side make it feel like a tiny bistro meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers best high protein frozen meals (homemade, short-term)

Cool leftovers, then store in an airtight container up to 3 days. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to a nonstick skillet over medium heat and warm gently, tossing until glossy. Microwave works for one bowl: 60–90 seconds, stir, then another 30 seconds if needed. The ravioli will soften a bit but stay lovely. Freezing isn’t ideal (ravioli texture can break), but if you must stash a portion, undercook the ravioli slightly before freezing and reheat gently. These make surprisingly good premade lunch meals when you’re chasing comfort between meetings.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips best meals to prep

Prep the steak by slicing and seasoning in the morning; refrigerate covered. Mince the garlic and chop parsley ahead. Cook and oil the ravioli lightly, then chill if you’re assembling later the same day. When dinner calls, your skillet will come together in about ten minutes. For longer make-ahead, cook the steak rare and stop; store separately from cooked ravioli and sauce components, then finish the dish in the skillet to rewarm. I don’t recommend long-term freezing here, but the make-ahead steps are perfect for prepared meals for two you assemble at dinnertime.

Common Mistakes to Avoid best dinner prep meals

Crowding the steak. It will steam instead of sear. Work in batches for color and flavor.

Overcooking the garlic. Bitter garlic will boss the dish. Keep it pale and fragrant.

Forgetting to deglaze. Those browned bits are free flavor—use broth to pick them up.

Boiling the ravioli to mush. Follow the package and pull them as soon as they float and feel tender.

Skipping the rest off-heat. After tossing everything together, give the skillet a minute to settle so the sauce clings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) best meal prep plans

What steak cut is best?
Sirloin for reliable tenderness and value. Ribeye for luxury. Flank works if sliced thinly against the grain.

Can I use frozen ravioli?
Yes. Cook from frozen according to the package before adding to the skillet.

How do I keep the steak tender?
High heat, quick sear, and thin slices. Don’t crowd the pan, and let the meat rest a minute before returning it to the skillet.

Is it spicy?
Only if you add red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and adjust.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or roasted cherry tomatoes are great. They make the dish feel like best meal prep healthy without extra effort.

How can I make it creamier?
Add a splash of heavy cream, a spoon of cream cheese, or even a swirl of mascarpone after deglazing.

Will this fit a protein meal plan?
Yes. Balance steak and cheese with additional veggies, or serve with a side of white beans to push protein higher for high protein microwave meals.

Does it work with other pasta?
It does, but ravioli brings that cheesy center. If you swap, keep the sauce amounts and add a touch more broth as needed.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet (12-inch works beautifully)
Tongs for searing steak
Slotted spoon or spider for ravioli
Wooden spoon for stirring and deglazing
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Colander for draining pasta
Microplane or grater for Parmesan

Final Thoughts healthy boxed meals · meals for 2 delivered

This One-Skillet Garlic Butter Steak & Cheese Ravioli is the dinner I make when I want life to feel easier and a little bit special at the same time. It’s weeknight-simple but dressed-up delicious, like sweatpants with great shoes. Sear a little steak, swirl in butter and garlic, fold everything together with soft, cheesy pasta, and boom—comfort arrives. It plays nicely with best high protein ready meals goals when you portion for later, and it slides into healthy eating for two when you pile on greens. Mostly, it’s a generous, cozy skillet that never fails to get happy noises from the table.

Make it once as written. Next time, riff—swap herbs, add mushrooms, try spinach ravioli, finish with lemon, or lean into cream. The recipe will follow you wherever your mood goes. And if an oops happens (a ravioli jumps ship, garlic gets a touch too toasty), don’t panic. Stir, taste, adjust. Dinner still loves you back.

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