Ravioli originated in Italy and is a well-loved dish the world over. Although people often eat ravioli with a traditional tomato sauce, there are many variations. Not only can you make ravioli with many additional sauces and ingredients, there are many different types of ravioli available. I
n a supermarket or a specialty pasta shop, you can find ravioli stuffed with dried cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, spinach, sweet potato and meat. If you have a pasta maker, you can also make your own ravioli as a basis for these recipes, although keep in mind the cooking time is shorter than it would be for frozen or refrigerated pre-made ravioli.
Experiment with different ways of preparing and serving ravioli. It is more filling than regular types of pasta and can be used in many of the same kinds of recipes, such as pasta salad and soup. Ravioli can even be a finger food or an appetizer at your next major function.
1. Ravioli Lasagna
Can’t decide whether to have ravioli or lasagna? You don’t have to decide, because you can have both with this simple dish. You can use prepared sauce in a can or make your own homemade variety. Serve this lasagna ravioli with garlic bread and a salad. It also goes well with a glass of red wine.
1 pound ground beef
1 large jar spaghetti sauce
1 package cheese or meat ravioli
1 cup mozzarella cheese
Dried basil and dried oregano to taste
Cook the beef in a skillet until brown and drain off the fat. In a skillet, spread a portion of the spaghetti sauce, half of the ravioli and the beef and a layer of cheese. Spread another layer of sauce and repeat with an additional layer of beef, ravioli and cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes. Sprinkle oregano and basil on top.