Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni

Looking for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that’s both hearty and indulgent? This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe hits all the right notes. Juicy, seared steak tips tossed in garlic butter pair perfectly with creamy, cheesy rigatoni for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now for more easy comfort food recipes that bring the steakhouse experience to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich & Savory – Tender beef coated in garlic butter and paired with cheesy pasta.
Weeknight-Friendly – Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
One Skillet + One Pot – Easy cleanup and full of flavor.
Perfectly Balanced – Meaty, cheesy, garlicky, and oh-so-comforting.
Customizable – Swap cheeses or add your favorite veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Garlic Butter Steak Tips:

• 1½ lbs sirloin steak tips (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Cheesy Rigatoni:

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of paprika (optional, for color and flavor)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Large pot for pasta
• Whisk and saucepan (for cheese sauce)
• Cutting board and knife
• Tongs or spatula
• Colander

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips
4. Pat the steak tips dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add steak tips in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
7. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
8. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp butter.
9. Stir in minced garlic and thyme, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
10. Add Worcestershire sauce and return the steak tips to the pan, tossing to coat in the garlic butter.
11. Remove from heat and set aside, covered.

Step 4: Make the Cheesy Sauce
12. In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
13. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, forming a roux.
14. Slowly whisk in the milk, and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens—about 3–4 minutes.
15. Reduce heat to low, then stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
16. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika (optional).

Step 5: Combine with Rigatoni
17. Add cooked rigatoni to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat.
18. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Serve Everything Together
19. Spoon cheesy rigatoni onto plates and top with garlic butter steak tips.
20. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni
Use Quality Steak – Sirloin or ribeye tips work best for flavor and tenderness.
Sear in Batches – Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good sear on the meat.
Let the Meat Rest – A couple minutes off the heat keeps it juicy.
Don’t Burn the Garlic – Lower the heat when adding garlic to avoid bitterness.
Cheese Variety – Mix in Gruyère or Fontina for extra cheesy depth.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Soak up that cheesy sauce and garlic butter.
Simple Green Salad – A crisp side with vinaigrette balances the richness.
Roasted Veggies – Try broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
Chili Flakes – Sprinkle on top for a spicy kick.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Skillet: Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk to the pasta to loosen the cheese sauce.
• Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between rounds until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another cut of beef?
   Yes, ribeye, NY strip, or even tenderloin can be used—just adjust cooking time based on thickness.
2. Can I make this dish spicy?
   Absolutely—add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or a splash of hot sauce.
3. Can I make the cheese sauce ahead?
   Yes, but it’s best fresh. If reheating, do so gently and stir frequently to maintain smoothness.
4. Can I use pre-cooked steak or leftover beef?
   Definitely! Just warm it in the garlic butter before serving.
5. What other pasta can I use?
   Penne, ziti, or shells are great alternatives to rigatoni.

Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni is comfort food done right—rich, hearty, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re serving it up for a special dinner or just treating yourself to a cozy meal, this recipe delivers every time.

Try it tonight and let your taste buds do the talking. Don’t forget to share your delicious results—I’d love to see your take on this classic combo!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 610 | Protein: 38g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Fat: 33g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 480mg

Print