Tender Beef Tips with Cheese Ravioli in Velvety Garlic Butter Sauce – A Luxurious Comfort Meal

Few dishes capture the heart of comfort food quite like this Tender Beef Tips with Cheese Ravioli in Velvety Garlic Butter Sauce. It’s a hearty, elegant meal that combines rich, slow-simmered beef tips with soft, cheesy ravioli, all coated in a creamy, garlicky butter sauce. The result is a dish that’s both indulgent and surprisingly easy to prepare. The sauce brings everything together—silky, savory, and kissed with a hint of garlic and herbs.

I tried this recipe on a chilly evening, and it instantly became a family favorite. The beef tips turn out melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the garlic butter sauce adds a decadent finish that feels restaurant-worthy. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated, this is the perfect recipe to impress guests or elevate a cozy weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe blends the richness of slow-cooked beef with the creaminess of cheese-filled ravioli, all enveloped in a buttery garlic sauce that feels luxurious yet approachable. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for entertaining. The layers of flavor—from the caramelized beef to the buttery sauce—create a harmony that makes every bite unforgettable.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Beef tips – Choose high-quality sirloin or tenderloin tips for the best results. When seared properly, they become juicy and flavorful, creating the perfect meaty foundation for this dish.

Olive oil – Helps achieve a beautiful sear on the beef while adding a subtle fruitiness that complements the butter sauce.

Butter – The backbone of the velvety sauce. It creates a smooth, rich coating that clings perfectly to the ravioli and beef.

Garlic – Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter with aromatic depth and enhances the beef’s savory flavor.

Cheese ravioli – Choose fresh or frozen ravioli filled with ricotta, mozzarella, or Parmesan. Their creamy centers balance the boldness of the beef.

Heavy cream – Adds a luxurious silkiness to the sauce, giving it that restaurant-quality texture.

Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce, creating a nutty, umami-rich finish. Freshly grated Parmesan works best for flavor and consistency.

Beef broth – Enhances the savory notes and deepens the overall richness of the dish. It also helps loosen the sauce without diluting its flavor.

Fresh parsley – Brings color and a touch of freshness to balance the richness of the sauce.

Salt and black pepper – Simple but essential for seasoning both the beef and the sauce to perfection.

Crushed red pepper flakes – Optional, but they add a subtle warmth that elevates the buttery richness.

Directions

Start by seasoning the beef tips with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips in batches, searing them on all sides until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Reduce the heat to medium and add the seared beef back to the skillet. Simmer gently until the beef becomes tender and the liquid reduces slightly.

Meanwhile, cook the cheese ravioli according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Stir heavy cream and Parmesan into the skillet with the beef. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Add the cooked ravioli and toss everything together until well combined and coated in the velvety sauce.

Finish with chopped parsley and, if desired, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people as a main course.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the ravioli from becoming soggy. This dish does not freeze well due to the creamy sauce.

Variations and Customizations

Mushroom Lovers’ Edition – Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth that pairs beautifully with the garlic butter sauce.

Spinach Boost – Stir in a handful of baby spinach at the end for color, nutrients, and freshness.

Creamy White Wine Twist – Replace half of the beef broth with dry white wine for a more complex, refined sauce.

Cheese Upgrade – Try using a mix of Parmesan and Asiago for extra sharpness and creaminess.

Herb Infusion – Add thyme or rosemary while simmering the beef to give the sauce a fragrant herbal touch.

Spicy Version – Add extra crushed red pepper flakes for a bold kick.

Balsamic Glaze Finish – Drizzle with a touch of balsamic glaze before serving to add tangy sweetness.

Garlic Lover’s Dream – Double the garlic for an even more aromatic butter sauce.

Vegetable Addition – Add roasted cherry tomatoes or caramelized onions for bursts of sweetness.

Pasta Swap – Substitute cheese ravioli with tortellini or gnocchi for a fun twist.

FAQs

Can I use another cut of beef?

Yes, sirloin, tenderloin, or even stew beef can work well for this recipe.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef and sauce a day in advance, then reheat and add ravioli before serving.

What kind of cheese works best for the ravioli?

Ricotta and Parmesan-filled ravioli pair beautifully with the garlic butter sauce.

Can I make this without cream?

Yes, replace the cream with whole milk and add an extra tablespoon of butter for richness.

How do I make the beef extra tender?

Simmer it gently over low heat or use a slow cooker for maximum tenderness.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, diced chicken breast or thighs are great alternatives for a lighter version.

What wine pairs best with this dish?

A glass of Chardonnay or Merlot complements the buttery and savory flavors beautifully.

How can I thicken the sauce more?

Simmer a bit longer or add a touch more Parmesan to achieve a thicker consistency.

Can I use store-bought ravioli?

Absolutely—fresh or frozen store-bought ravioli works perfectly.

What can I serve alongside this dish?

A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables make excellent sides to balance the richness.

Conclusion

This Tender Beef Tips with Cheese Ravioli in Velvety Garlic Butter Sauce is a celebration of rich flavors and comforting textures. Each bite delivers buttery, garlicky perfection, balanced by the creamy ravioli and tender beef. It’s a meal that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare—ideal for special occasions, romantic dinners, or when you simply crave a touch of culinary luxury at home.

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