There’s something incredibly satisfying about a big plate of beef ravioli smothered in a rich bolognese sauce—it’s the kind of comfort food that makes even a weeknight dinner feel a little special. This dish brings together a deep, meaty tomato sauce with tender ravioli for a simple yet elevated meal. If you're on the hunt for ravioli recipes dinners that taste like they took hours (but didn’t), this one’s got your name all over it. Whether you're using store-bought pasta or looking for a ravioli recipe homemade, this combo hits that perfect balance between hearty and cozy.
Bolognese Sauce with Beef Ravioli
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Large sauté pan or Dutch oven Essential for building that rich, slow-cooked bolognese base.
Medium pot For boiling the ravioli.
Wooden spoon Helps stir the sauce without damaging the pot surface.
Fine grater Great for fresh Parmesan on top.
For the bolognese sauce
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 works great for flavor
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium carrot peeled and finely diced
- 1 celery stalk finely diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dry red wine or beef broth as a substitute
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional for a little heat
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the ravioli
- 1 lb beef ravioli store-bought or homemade ravioli
- Salt for pasta water
Toppings (optional but highly recommended)
- Fresh basil or parsley chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Sauté your aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Brown the beef
Add ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8 minutes.
Deglaze and simmer
Pour in the red wine (or beef broth), scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Let it reduce by half, about 5 minutes. Then add crushed tomatoes, milk, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer slow and low
Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This lets the flavors meld into a rich, velvety sauce for ravioli easy enough for weeknights but rich enough for guests.
Cook the ravioli
In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the beef ravioli according to package directions (usually about 4–5 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Assemble
Spoon bolognese sauce over the ravioli and gently toss or layer in bowls. Top with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan.
Pairings in Detail
This dish is hearty and meaty, so pair it with something that balances the richness. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the sauce beautifully. A glass of Chianti or a dry Cabernet Sauvignon plays well with the beef and tomato base. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with lemon or even a splash of cranberry juice adds contrast.
FAQs
1. What kind of ravioli works best for this recipe?
Beef ravioli is the star here, but if you're exploring ravioli filling ideas, cheese ravioli can work too—just expect a creamier bite. This bolognese sauce is also surprisingly good with lobster ravioli if you're into surf-and-turf vibes.
2. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
You could, though chicken breast recipes tend to be leaner. For a similar richness, try ground dark meat chicken or even ground pork as a variation.
3. Is this a good sauce for cheese ravioli or lobster ravioli?
Absolutely. While bolognese traditionally pairs with meat, it makes a deliciously bold sauce for ravioli whether you’re using cheese, lobster, or even spinach varieties. For a creamy ravioli sauce twist, try stirring in a spoonful of mascarpone or heavy cream toward the end.
4. Any tips for an easy ravioli recipe?
Buy high-quality store-bought ravioli and focus your effort on making the sauce shine. That’s how you turn a 10-minute prep into a cozy easy weeknight dinner that tastes like you slaved over it.
5. Can I freeze this?
Yes! The bolognese sauce freezes well. Make a double batch and freeze half for another night—talk about quick ravioli sauce magic.
