Introduction
Transform humble steak tips and rigatoni into a restaurant-worthy meal that’ll have your family begging for seconds! This recipe is all about big, bold flavors achieved with simple ingredients and easy techniques. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. Let’s get cooking!
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s a delicious balance of savory and cheesy goodness. The tender steak tips, infused with fragrant garlic butter, pair perfectly with the creamy, cheesy rigatoni. It’s a complete meal in one pan (almost!), minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. Plus, it’s adaptable to different tastes and skill levels – perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Key Ingredients
🥩 1.5 lbs beef sirloin steak tips
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🧈 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
🌿 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
🧀 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
🍝 1 pound rigatoni pasta
🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Pasta: Cook rigatoni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2️⃣ Sear the Steak: Season steak tips generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak tips in batches until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove steak tips from skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Garlic Butter Magic: Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic!).
4️⃣ Combine and Simmer: Return the steak tips to the skillet. Add the cooked rigatoni and toss to coat with the garlic butter. Stir in ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
5️⃣ Cheesy Goodness: Reduce heat to low, and stir in the mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Stir in the fresh parsley.
6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy: Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!
Handy Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak tips are cooked to your desired doneness. Medium-rare is generally 130-140°F.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the steak tips. Work in batches to ensure a good sear.
- If your sauce is too thick, add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is crucial for searing the steak tips to achieve a beautiful brown crust and lock in the juices. Lowering the heat to low after adding the pasta and cheese prevents burning and allows the cheese to melt smoothly.
Crunch Factor
While this dish is primarily creamy and tender, you can add a bit of crunch by topping it with some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts before serving.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak tips in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the skillet along with the garlic for a richer sauce.
- Use different cheeses! A blend of mozzarella and Parmesan would be amazing.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish makes a fantastic meal to share! Package it in a beautiful casserole dish, tied with a ribbon, for a thoughtful gift.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy twist.
🌟 Italian Herbs: Use a mixture of Italian herbs instead of just parsley.
🌟 Mushroom Medley: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor boost.
🌟 Creamy Pesto: Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto for a vibrant green pasta dish
Troubleshooting
- Dry Pasta: If your pasta is too dry, add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Burnt Garlic: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the garlic, and watch it carefully to prevent burning.
- Tough Steak Tips: If your steak tips are tough, make sure you don’t overcook them. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach your desired doneness.
FAQ
Q: Can I use different types of pasta? A: Yes! Penne, rotini, or even farfalle would work well.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: You can prep the steak tips and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta and combine everything just before serving to ensure the cheese is melted and the pasta is perfectly cooked.
Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: Freezing this dish is not recommended as the texture of the pasta might change upon thawing.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and share your amazing creations with us on RateMyRecipes.com! We can’t wait to see your photos and hear your feedback!
Steak Tip & Cheesy Rigatoni Dream Team
A delicious combination of tender steak tips and creamy, cheesy rigatoni pasta that makes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak tips
- 2 cups rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak tips with salt and pepper, then sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sautu00e9 until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Cook rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and add to the cheese sauce along with the seared steak tips. Mix well to combine, adding Italian seasoning and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with additional cheese if desired, and bake at 180u00b0C for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak tips in your favorite marinade for a few hours before cooking.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the rigatoni for added nutrition and flavor.