Imagine biting into a tender, homemade ravioli bursting with savory beef and creamy ricotta, all enveloped in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. This delightful dish, "Homemade Beef Ravioli with Tomato Sauce," is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings the heart of Italian cuisine right to your kitchen. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner for two, this recipe is a culinary adventure that you won’t want to miss. Get ready to impress your loved ones with your cooking skills and indulge in the comforting flavors of Italy!
Prep Time: 1 hrs
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup ground beef
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta dough by creating a flour well on a clean work surface. Crack 2 eggs into the center of the flour well, and gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs using a fork until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the pasta dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow gluten to relax.
- While the dough rests, prepare the beef filling. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper. Once cooked, drain excess fat and let the meat cool slightly.
- Mix the cooled ground beef with ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the remaining egg. Season the filling with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Roll out the pasta dough using a pasta machine or rolling pin into thin sheets, approximately 1/16 inch thick. Ensure the surface is lightly floured to prevent sticking.
- Place small spoonfuls of the beef filling about 1 inch apart on one pasta sheet. Cover with another pasta sheet and press around the filling to seal, removing air pockets.
- Cut the ravioli using a ravioli cutter or knife, creating square or circular shapes. Ensure edges are well-sealed to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the ravioli and cook for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface.
- Meanwhile, warm the marinara sauce in a separate saucepan over medium heat.
- Drain the ravioli using a slotted spoon and transfer to serving plates. Top with warm marinara sauce and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh eggs and high-quality ground beef. Fresh ricotta also makes a significant difference in the filling's creaminess.
- Rest the Dough: Allowing the pasta dough to rest is crucial. It helps relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out and shape.
- Seal the Ravioli Well: When sealing the ravioli, press firmly around the filling to eliminate air pockets. This prevents them from bursting during cooking.
- Cook in Batches: To avoid overcrowding the pot, cook the ravioli in batches. This ensures they cook evenly and float to the surface properly.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add herbs or spices to the beef filling for extra flavor. Fresh basil or oregano can elevate the taste!
- Serve with Fresh Herbs: Garnish your finished dish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the ravioli in advance and freeze them. Just cook them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cooking time.With these tips in mind, you're all set to create a delicious homemade beef ravioli that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 150mg
