Homemade Ravioli with Meat Sauce
Ingredients:
For the ravioli:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon olive oil
Pinch of salt
Water (as needed)
For the meat sauce:
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions:
Make the ravioli dough:
On a clean surface or in a large bowl, create a mound of flour. Make a well in the center and crack the eggs into it.
Add the olive oil and a pinch of salt to the well. Slowly mix the eggs into the flour, gradually incorporating more flour until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it's too dry, add a little water; if it's too sticky, add more flour.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the meat sauce:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Roll out the ravioli dough:
After the dough has rested, divide it into two pieces. Roll out one piece on a lightly floured surface into a thin sheet (about 1/8-inch thick).
Place small spoonfuls of your filling (meat, cheese, or a combination) on the dough, spaced about 1 inch apart. Moisten the edges with water, then cover with the second sheet of dough. Press the edges together and cut out individual ravioli using a knife or a ravioli cutter.
Cook the ravioli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the ravioli in batches into the water and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they float to the top.
Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Combine the ravioli with the meat sauce:
In a slightly scratched black skillet, toss the cooked ravioli gently in the meat sauce, ensuring the ravioli are coated in the rich tomato-based sauce.
Serve in the skillet or transfer to a plate for serving.
Garnish and serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
To complete the "lived-in" look, add a crumpled dish towel and an open can of crushed tomatoes nearby. A jar of Parmesan with a spoon resting beside it adds an authentic touch to the cozy kitchen setting.
Enjoy:
Dig into this hearty and comforting dish of homemade ravioli with meat sauce for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any cozy kitchen gathering!
The rich, flavorful meat sauce and tender ravioli in this recipe will give you the comforting, messy home-cooked feel you're envisioning!