Homemade Ground Beef Cheese Ravioli Recipe

As in most food in Italy, stuffed pasta is unique in each region. They come in varying sizes and shapes. Stuffed pasta also comes in different stuffing – vegetables, cheeses such as ricotta and meats.

With the Italians love and adoration for dry pasta, stuffed pasta represents a special celebration. They are typically especially handmade. Here’s how stuffed pasta came to be a handmade pasta gem.

~ * Ingredients:
.

~ *For the Filling:

1 egg

1/2 cup homemade ricotta

1/2 teapoon chopped parsley

1/2 cup grated mozzarella

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Pinch dried oregano, kosher salt and black Pepper

Cooked, seasoned and drained ground beef (1/2 pound)

Finely chopped Spinach (1 cup)

~ * For the Dough:

2 eggs

1/2 cup warm water

Pinch baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon Olive Oil

3 1/3 cups All-purpose Flour

~ * Procedure:

1. Make a few sets of homemade pasta dough. Roll each finished dough into sheets measuring about 13” x 6”.

2. Layer a piece of dough. Make a divet in the pasta dough for the filling.

3. Place fillings inside the divet. About 1 and ½ to two teaspoons should be enough.

4. Layer another piece of dough.

5. Flatten the next layer of the dough using your hand. Slice through both layers using a rolling pin.

6. Transfer raviolis into a clean baking dish.

7. Boil water in a pot.

8. Cook raviolis over the boiling water for two to three minutes. Cooking time may also depend on the pasta size and the dough’s thickness. Note that normally, fresh pasta only requires minimal cooking time. Since raviolis belong to the delicate type of pasta, use minimal dressing of minced cheese and butter or a plain tomato sauce.