Ravioli with Meat Sauce from Buca di Beppo features tender pasta pockets filled with savory seasoned meat, smothered in a rich, hearty tomato sauce infused with Italian herbs, creating a comforting and flavorful Italian classic.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Slotted spoon
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) Italian sausage
- 1 package (about 12 oz/340g) cheese ravioli
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 can (28 oz/796g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
Ground beef and Italian sausage form the flavorful base of the meat sauce, so choose fresh, high-quality meats for the best results. Cheese ravioli should be cooked al dente to maintain the perfect texture when combined with the rich tomato sauce made from crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Italian herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary are essential to replicating the authentic taste, but be mindful of the balance to avoid overpowering the dish. You can adjust the red pepper flakes for a subtle hint of heat according to your preference. This copycat recipe of Ravioli with Meat Sauce from Buca di Beppo delivers the same comforting and flavorful Italian classic experience enjoyed at the restaurant.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until softened.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and Italian sausage; cook until browned, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Season with dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the ravioli in the boiling water according to package instructions; drain using a colander.
- Add cooked ravioli to the sauce; gently toss to coat.
- Ladle ravioli and sauce into a serving dish.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Ravioli with Meat Sauce from Buca di Beppo copycat menu uses cheese ravioli filled with a blend of ricotta and mozzarella, but you can substitute with spinach ravioli or mushroom-filled pasta for a vegetarian option. Ground beef and Italian sausage provide depth to the meat sauce; if unavailable, ground turkey or plant-based meat crumbles are suitable alternatives. When cooking the sauce, maintain a low simmer to allow herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary to fully infuse the flavors. Use a slotted spoon to gently remove ravioli from boiling water to avoid breakage, ensuring the pasta remains intact for serving. Your Parmesan cheese can be swapped with Pecorino Romano for a sharper finish, enhancing the dish's authentic Italian taste.
Tips
Make sure to salt the boiling water well before adding ravioli, as this enhances the pasta's flavor. When browning the ground beef and Italian sausage, break up the meat thoroughly to ensure even cooking and avoid clumps. Drain off excess fat from the meat to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy. After draining the ravioli, gently toss them in the meat sauce to avoid breaking the delicate pasta pockets while ensuring each piece is fully coated with the flavorful sauce.
Nutritions
Ravioli with Meat Sauce delivers a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying meal option. The ground beef and Italian sausage provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins like B12 and iron, while the cheese ravioli contributes calcium and additional protein. Tomatoes in the sauce offer antioxidants such as lycopene and vitamin C, supporting immune health and reducing inflammation. You can enjoy a hearty dish that combines nutrient-dense ingredients to fuel your body and keep you feeling satisfied.
Storage
Store any leftover ravioli with meat sauce in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days; when reheating, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave to preserve the sauce's rich flavors and tender pasta texture. Your careful storage ensures the comforting taste of this Italian classic stays intact for your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef and Italian sausage to create a lighter version of the meat sauce. Incorporating fresh tomatoes along with canned crushed tomatoes enhances the sauce's freshness and texture without compromising the rich, hearty flavor. Using fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme instead of dried versions can elevate the sauce's aromatic profile. For a creamier twist, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese to the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering.
Allergies
Ravioli with Meat Sauce contains common allergens such as wheat in the pasta and dairy in the cheese ravioli and Parmesan cheese, which may trigger reactions in individuals with gluten or lactose intolerance. The dish also includes ground beef and Italian sausage, which could pose allergy risks for those sensitive to certain meats or spices found in the sausage blend. You should be cautious if you have known allergies to these ingredients or consult ingredient labels for specific allergens.
Why this recipe?
Ravioli with Meat Sauce from Buca di Beppo delivers a rich blend of tender pasta pockets filled with seasoned meat, paired with a robust tomato-based sauce that offers layers of savory flavor. Its authentic Italian taste captures traditional home-style cooking, making each bite a comforting and satisfying experience. You can recreate this dish at home to enjoy the fresh ingredients and customize seasonings to suit your preferences. Copycat recipes allow you to replicate Buca di Beppo's beloved offering while adding your unique twist to this classic comfort food.