Learn how to make your own delectable beef and ricotta ravioli from scratch with this easy and foolproof recipe. The combination of tender beef, creamy ricotta cheese, and flavorful herbs and spices will explode in your mouth with every bite. Impress your family and friends by serving this mouthwatering dish as a main course or appetizer. It's a true taste of Italy that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 package of round dumpling wrappers
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, for dusting
- 1/4 cup olive oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and egg. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Lay out the dumpling wrappers on a clean surface. Spoon a small amount of the beef and ricotta mixture onto the center of each wrapper, about 1 teaspoon per wrapper. Be careful not to overfill the wrappers.
- Using a pastry brush or your finger, brush a small amount of water around the edges of each wrapper. This will act as a glue to seal the ravioli.
- Fold the wrapper in half, pressing down firmly to seal the edges and remove any air pockets. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Place the prepared ravioli on a baking sheet dusted with flour to prevent sticking. Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Carefully drop in the ravioli, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the ravioli float to the surface.
- While the ravioli are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, transfer the cooked ravioli to the skillet using a slotted spoon. Fry the ravioli for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the beef and ricotta ravioli hot with marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor.
- Enjoy this homemade delicacy with your loved ones!
Interesting Facts
Ravioli is believed to have originated in Italy in the 14th century and quickly gained popularity due to its versatility and delicious taste.
The word 'ravioli' is derived from the Italian word 'riavvolgere,' meaning 'to wrap.' It refers to the way the filling is wrapped in pasta dough.
Traditionally, ravioli was made by hand, but nowadays, you can find pre-made ravioli in most grocery stores. However, making your own from scratch is a rewarding and flavorful experience.
Beef and ricotta is a classic filling combination for ravioli, but you can experiment with different fillings, such as spinach and feta or butternut squash and sage.
Ravioli can be served in various ways, including with a simple butter and sage sauce, a creamy Alfredo sauce, or even in a soup. The options are endless!