How to Improve Chef Boyardee Ravioli? [Simple Ideas]
When it comes to Chef Boyardee, there are two kinds of people in the world: those who love it and those who hate it. While I am definitely in the former camp, I know that not everyone feels the same way. If you’re in the latter camp, or if you just want to find ways to make your Chef Boyardee ravioli taste even better, read on.
Adding a bit of sauce or spices or baking ravioli instead of cooking it on the stove will really make a difference. Plus, you can always add some cheese or toppings like diced tomatoes, olives, or even bacon. Lastly, you should let the meal sit for a few minutes before serving, and you will see why in a minute.
In the following paragraphs, you will find some ideas on taking your ravioli game to the next level and enjoying them even more just by adding some minor changes. At the end of the article, you will find the recipe with all details you need.
Add Sauces
There are a few ways to make these ravioli more flavorful. First, try adding more sauce because there’s just never enough sauce when it comes to pasta. The amount that comes with the ravioli is definitely not enough to add enough flavor. So I would recommend adding some tomato sauce to it or even making your own. This will add some thickness and sweetness to the sauce.
However, this could be anything from tomato sauce to Alfredo sauce to barbecue and, of course, some cheesy sauce. Just experiment until you find the one that works best for you.
Add Herbs and Spices
While Chef Boyardee ravioli is a pantry staple for me, let’s be honest: the accompanying sauce is pretty bland. That’s why I like to add extra herbs and spices to my ravioli. This could be anything from salt and pepper to Italian seasoning to cayenne pepper. Again, experiment until you find something that you love.
Besides, adding some fresh herbs like oregano and basil can make it taste delicious. If you’re feeling adventurous, add things like roasted peppers or garlic for added complexity. You can transform this simple dish into something extraordinary by adding anything you like.
Add Cheese and Fresh Basil Leaves
One of my favorite ways to make Chef Boyardee Ravioli taste better is by adding freshly grated cheese and fresh basil leaves. The cheese adds a layer of flavor and texture that can transform this humble dish into something special. Grate some Pecorino, Parmesan, or your favorite cheese and sprinkle it generously on top of the ravioli before heating them up.
Add some fresh basil leaves, too, for an extra burst of flavor that complements the cheese perfectly. Before serving, just snip a few leaves from the bunch and add them to the ravioli. If you don’t have fresh basil handy, then dried oregano works just as well, but I highly recommend trying it with the fresh herb for an unforgettable flavor experience.
Add Your Own Toppings
The ideas for delicious toppings are endless. My favorites are diced tomatoes, black olives, and crumbled bacon, but you can get creative here! You can also add grilled vegetables, shredded cheese, or even pesto sauce.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to making Chef Boyardee ravioli taste even better. So get creative and have fun with it! Another way to enhance the flavor is to add a can of black beans. Adding this will thicken and add protein to the sauce.
Let It Sit for a Few Minutes Before Serving
If you have the time, let your Chef Boyardee ravioli sit for a few minutes before serving. If you can, let it sit on the stove over low heat while gathering the rest of your ingredients. This way, you can be sure that every bite of your ravioli is packed with flavor! This will allow the flavors to really sink into the pasta and give it an even richer flavor.
The warm sauciness of the tomato sauce and beef-filled pasta will be enough to satisfy any Italian food lover’s cravings. You may even be tempted to go back for seconds! By adding a few extra minutes of sitting time for your ravioli, you’ll be able to tap into some authentic Italian flavors.
Pair Chef Boyardee Ravioli with Other Dishes
Have you ever thought about pairing Chef Boyardee ravioli with dishes other than the classic tomato sauce? Believe it or not, this simple dish can be an excellent base for some creative and delicious meals.
For instance, why not combine your ravioli with a salad? Throw together some greens and your favorite vegetables, and top the salad with a light citrus vinaigrette. The bitterness of the dressing not only balances out the creamy ravioli, but also provides an extra dose of vitamin C. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also add toasted nuts or dried fruit.
You can also make a spicy stir-fry dish to go with it. Saute garlic and onions in olive oil before adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and squash. Then stir in the ravioli and some chili flakes or hot sauce to give it an extra kick! The sweet and savory elements combined with the chewiness of the pasta make for a delicious meal.
Improved Chef Boyardee Ravioli
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic
- ½ cup Tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Sugar
- ½ tsp Dry Oregano
- 1 can Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli In Pasta Sauce (15 oz can)
- 2 tbsp Grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over low to medium heat.
- Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the heated oil. Allow the garlic to cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about one minute or until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Pour ½ cup of tomato sauce into the skillet. Stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar and ½ teaspoon of dry oregano, mixing well with the garlic and oil.
- Open a 15-ounce can of Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli in Pasta Sauce and add it to the skillet. Stir gently to combine the ravioli with the sauce.
- Allow the mixture to come to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes until the ravioli is heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan over the ravioli. Turn off the heat and gently stir to mix the Parmesan into the sauce.
- Let the ravioli rest in the skillet for a few minutes to cool down slightly and allow the flavors to meld. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Before diving into the nutritional details, please review our Nutritional Disclaimer page for important context and clarifications.
