Ravioli with Meat Sauce and Cheese:
Ingredients:
For the ravioli:
1 pack of fresh or frozen ravioli (meat-filled or cheese-filled, depending on your preference)
For the sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 tablespoon tomato sauce or ketchup
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
2 slices of crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions:
Cook the ravioli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ravioli and cook according to the package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes for fresh ravioli, 6-8 minutes for frozen). Drain and set aside.
Make the meat sauce:
While the ravioli is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce (or ketchup), dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assemble the dish:
Spoon the meat sauce over the cooked ravioli in a large bowl.
Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, allowing the heat of the sauce to melt the cheese.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Serve:
Serve the ravioli with a slice of crusty bread on the side to mop up the sauce.
Enjoy this comforting, homemade pasta dish! It's rich, cheesy, and perfect for a cozy meal. Let me know if you need any adjustments or have questions!