Ingredients

  • 2 (15-ounce) containers whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 72 small square wonton wrappers
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3/4 cup dry red wine
  • 3 1/2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade; see page 224)
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, for serving
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Method

  • To make the ravioli: Combine the ricotta, basil, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, pepper, and egg in a large mixing bowl.
  • Stir to combine.
  • Place 8 to 10 wonton squares on a dry work surface.
  • Spoon 1 tablespoon of the ricotta mixture into the middle of each square.
  • Dip a pastry brush in a bit of water and wet the square around the ricotta mixture.
  • Place another square over the filling.
  • Carefully smooth out all the air bubbles and press firmly around the ricotta mixture to create a seal.
  • Use a 2 3/4-inch square cookie cutter or a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out a ravioli.
  • Place the ravioli on a dry baking sheet and continue with another batch of ravioli.
  • The mixture should make about 36 ravioli.
  • To make the beef ragu: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the ground beef and cook until it is starting to brown, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the carrot, onion, and garlic.
  • Continue cooking to brown the onion and carrot, about 4 minutes.
  • Add the salt, pepper, tomato paste, and red wine.
  • Use a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan and dissolve the tomato paste.
  • Continue cooking until the wine is almost completely evaporated.
  • Add the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
  • Cover and cook for 10 minutes over low heat.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
  • Add the ravioli in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, until the ravioli float, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Remove the ravioli using a slotted spoon and place on individual plates, or a large serving platter, that have been drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil.
  • Spoon the beef ragu over the ravioli.
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  • Serve immediately.