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Beef Ravioli Sauce Recipe


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  • Author: Maxine Dubois
  • Total Time: 1 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Beef Ravioli Sauce is made with onion, garlic, beef, tomatoes, basil and store bought ravioli. 


Ingredients

Scale

For the Bolognese Sauce:

  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1-2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the Cheese Ravioli:

  • 1 package of cheese ravioli (usually around 1 pound or 450g)
  • Salt for boiling water

Instructions

Prepare the Bolognese Sauce:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it's browned and no longer pink.
  • Stir in the tomato paste, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavors.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bay leaves and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook the Cheese Ravioli:

  • While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook the cheese ravioli according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 2-4 minutes for fresh ravioli, or as directed on the package for dried ravioli.
  • Drain the ravioli and set them aside.

Serve:

  • To serve, place a portion of cooked cheese ravioli on each plate.
  • Spoon the Bolognese sauce generously over the ravioli.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

  1. Use a Mix of Meats: For a flavorful and balanced sauce, consider using a combination of ground beef and ground pork. This mix of meats adds depth to the sauce.

  2. Sauté Aromatics Well: Take your time sautéing the onions and garlic. Cooking them until they are soft and translucent, without letting them brown, helps build a solid flavor base for the sauce.

  3. Simmer Slowly: Allow the Bolognese sauce to simmer on low heat for an extended period. Slow cooking helps meld the flavors and develop a rich, thick sauce. A minimum of 30 minutes is recommended, but longer simmering, even up to a few hours, can yield even better results.

  4. Use High-Quality Tomatoes: The quality of the crushed tomatoes significantly impacts the flavor of the sauce. Opt for high-quality canned crushed tomatoes or use fresh, ripe tomatoes when they're in season.

  5. Balance the Seasoning: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasonings as needed. Balance the flavors with salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your taste preferences.

  6. Freeze in Small Portions: When storing in the freezer, divide the sauce into smaller portions. This makes it easier to thaw and use only what you need without reheating the entire batch.

  7. Label and Date: Always label the containers with the date you prepared the sauce. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored.

  8. Avoid Overcooking Ravioli: Cook the cheese ravioli just until they are al dente. Overcooking can make them mushy. Follow the package instructions for the best results.

  9. Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different garnishes. Fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil can enhance the presentation and flavors of the dish.

  10. Consider Dietary Preferences: If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, be mindful of substitutions. For example, use plant-based meat substitutes for a vegetarian version, or gluten-free ravioli for a gluten-free meal.

  11. Reheat Gently: When reheating leftovers, do so gently and on low heat. Adding a splash of water or broth can help maintain the sauce's consistency.

  12. Don't Forget the Love: Like many Italian dishes, Bolognese sauce benefits from a little extra love and attention. Stirring occasionally, tasting, and adjusting the seasoning can make all the difference in achieving a delicious result.

  13.  

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 373
  • Sugar: 4.5g
  • Sodium: 1490mg
  • Fat: 15.55g
  • Saturated Fat: 5.12g
  • Carbohydrates: 35.73g
  • Fiber: 2.5g
  • Protein: 21.82g
  • Cholesterol: 168mg