Beef Ravioli Recipe

Introduction

Beef Ravioli is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish that takes the classic Italian ravioli to the next level with a rich beef filling. Made with tender, homemade pasta dough and filled with seasoned ground beef, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for something savory and filling. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or want a comforting meal for your family, Beef Ravioli is the perfect dish.

Ravioli are an iconic Italian dish, and making them from scratch allows you to customize the flavors and fillings to your liking. In this article, we will walk you through the entire process of making Beef Ravioli from scratch—from preparing the pasta dough to crafting the flavorful beef filling and assembling the ravioli. Get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade meal that will remind you of your favorite Italian restaurant!

Why You’ll Love Beef Ravioli

• Homemade Goodness: Making your own ravioli allows you to enjoy fresh, made-from-scratch pasta with a delicious filling that you can customize to your taste.
• Hearty and Satisfying: With the combination of tender pasta and a savory beef filling, this dish is incredibly satisfying and perfect for a filling dinner.
• Impressive Yet Easy: Despite looking like a gourmet meal, Beef Ravioli is easy to make and doesn’t require any special skills. Plus, it’s a great dish to impress your guests with!
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a family dinner, holiday meal, or celebration, Beef Ravioli makes a wonderful centerpiece for any special occasion.
• Versatile: You can serve Beef Ravioli with a variety of sauces, from a simple marinara to a creamy Alfredo or rich brown butter sage sauce.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the size and specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 2g

Ingredients

For the Pasta Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Water, as needed

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg (optional, for binding the filling)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

The Sauce (Optional):

• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (for a creamier sauce, optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Special Equipment

While you can make Beef Ravioli with just basic kitchen tools, a few special pieces of equipment will help make the process easier and more efficient:

1. Stand Mixer or Food Processor: Using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or a food processor can speed up the process of making the pasta dough. However, you can also make the dough by hand if preferred.
2. Rolling Pin or Pasta Machine: A rolling pin works fine, but a pasta machine is ideal for rolling out the dough thinly and evenly, which is key to making ravioli.
3. Ravioli Cutter or Fork: A ravioli cutter or a fork will help seal the edges of the ravioli and ensure they hold together during cooking.
4. Large Pot for Boiling: A large pot with plenty of water is needed to cook the ravioli, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly.
5. Large Skillet (optional): If you’re making a sauce or want to sauté the ravioli with butter, a large skillet is useful for finishing the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta Dough

Start by making the pasta dough. On a clean work surface, make a mound with the 2 cups of flour and create a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and add the olive oil and salt. Using a fork, whisk the eggs gently, slowly incorporating the flour from the edges of the well until a dough starts to form.

Once the dough begins to come together, use your hands to knead it. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour; if it’s too dry, add water, a tablespoon at a time. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment on low speed until the dough is smooth.

Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Resting allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out later.

2. Prepare the Beef Filling

While the dough is resting, prepare the beef filling. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent.

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook the beef until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.

Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a bowl. Let it cool for a few minutes, then stir in the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. If the mixture seems too dry, add an egg to help bind the filling together. Mix everything until it’s well combined.

3. Roll Out the Pasta Dough

Once the dough has rested, divide it into 4 equal pieces. Work with one piece at a time, keeping the others wrapped to prevent them from drying out.

If you’re using a pasta machine, set it to the widest setting and feed the dough through, folding it over itself after each pass. Gradually reduce the thickness setting and continue rolling until the dough is thin enough to see your hand through it (about 1/16-inch thickness).

If you’re using a rolling pin, roll out the dough as thin as possible on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a thin, even sheet of dough.

4. Shape the Ravioli

Once the dough is rolled out, lay one sheet of pasta on a clean surface. Using a teaspoon or small spoon, drop small spoonfuls of the beef filling (about 1 teaspoon each) onto the dough, spacing them about 1.5-2 inches apart.

Next, place another sheet of pasta on top of the filled dough. Gently press around each mound of filling to seal the pasta, ensuring there are no air pockets. Use a ravioli cutter or a sharp knife to cut between each mound of filling, creating individual ravioli.

Use a fork to press the edges of each ravioli to ensure they are sealed tightly. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.

5. Cook the Ravioli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the ravioli into the boiling water, cooking them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook the ravioli for about 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface and the pasta is tender.

Once the ravioli are cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water. Set them aside on a plate while you prepare the sauce.

6. Prepare the Sauce (Optional)

While the ravioli is cooking, you can prepare a simple sauce to serve with them. In a small saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. If you’d like a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Alternatively, you can sauté the cooked ravioli in a large skillet with some melted butter and fresh herbs like sage or basil for a simple yet flavorful sauce. If you prefer, you can also serve the ravioli with a tomato-based sauce or a rich brown butter sauce.

7. Serve and Enjoy

To serve, plate the cooked Beef Ravioli and top them with your sauce of choice. Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or additional grated Parmesan cheese. You can also drizzle some extra olive oil or add a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.

Beef Ravioli pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. This dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its homemade flavors and rich, satisfying filling.

Tips for Perfect Beef Ravioli

• Don’t Overfill: When adding the filling to the dough, be sure not to overfill the ravioli. Too much filling can cause the dough to tear or the ravioli to burst during cooking.
• Seal the Edges Well: Be sure to press the edges of the ravioli firmly to seal them tightly. This will prevent any filling from escaping during cooking.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality beef and cheese will significantly enhance the flavor of your ravioli.
• Work Quickly with the Dough: Once the dough is rolled out, work quickly to assemble the ravioli. This will prevent the dough from drying out.
• Store Leftovers: Leftover ravioli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze uncooked ravioli for later use. Simply arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag.

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Conclusion

Beef Ravioli is a fantastic dish that combines the comfort of homemade pasta with the savory goodness of a beef filling. Making this dish from scratch may take a little time and effort, but the results are well worth it. The tender pasta, flavorful beef filling, and rich sauce create a meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just for a cozy family dinner, Beef Ravioli is a delicious and impressive dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Try making it at home today and enjoy the unbeatable taste of fresh, homemade ravioli!