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