Savory Italian Meatballs & Herb Ravioli with Caramelized Pear Crisp
Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with our Savory Italian Meatballs & Herb Ravioli with Caramelized Pear Crisp. This dish combines perfectly cooked pork or beef Italian meatballs with fresh ravioli, vibrant zucchini, and roasted peppers, all enveloped in a rich garlic bruschetta sauce. Topped with crumbled feta and a sprinkle of fresh basil, this entrée is sure to impress your family and friends. And for dessert? Enjoy a warm, gooey caramel pear crisp, featuring juicy pears and a brown sugar granola topping baked to perfection. This dish is ideal for gatherings, special occasions, or simply a cozy family dinner.
N/A
Servings
244
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
1 medium (coarsely chopped)
Roasted red pepper
1/2 cup (coarsely chopped)
Fresh basil
1/2 cup (coarsely chopped)
Canola oil
1 tablespoon
Pork or beef Italian meatballs
1 lb (fresh)
Fresh cheese ravioli
2 (8 ounce) packages
Extra garlic bruschetta topping
1 (13 3/4 ounce) jar
Unsalted chicken stock
1/2 cup
Crumbled garlic or herb feta cheese
1/2 cup
Unsalted butter
6 tablespoons (divided)
Fresh ripe pears
6 (chopped)
Caramel squares
10 (cut in half)
Brown sugar
4 tablespoons
Crunchy apple granola cereal
4 (1 2/3 ounce) packets (or 1 1/3 cups)
Instructions
1
1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the ravioli. Meanwhile, prepare your vegetables by chopping the zucchini, roasted red peppers, and fresh basil.
2
2. In a large nonstick sauté pan, preheat over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Add the canola oil, followed by the fresh Italian meatballs. Sauté the meatballs for 3-4 minutes until they're nicely browned on all sides.
3
3. Introduce the chopped zucchini to the pan and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the zucchini becomes tender.
4
4. As the meatballs and zucchini cook, follow the package instructions to prepare the ravioli until al dente. Then, drain and set aside.
5
5. Reduce the heat under the meatballs to medium-low. Stir in the chopped roasted red peppers, jarred bruschetta topping, and chicken stock. Allow the mixture to simmer for 7-8 minutes until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
6
6. Gently fold the drained ravioli into the meatball mixture. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil. Finish by sprinkling the crumbled feta cheese on top for added flavor and creaminess. Serve immediately.
7
7. For the Caramelized Pear Crisp: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch square baking dish with 1 teaspoon of unsalted butter.
8
8. If desired, peel the pears before coring and chopping them into ½-inch chunks. Cut the caramel squares in half.
9
9. In the prepared baking dish, combine the chopped pears and caramel pieces. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 5 tablespoons of softened butter, brown sugar, and crunchy apple granola cereal using your fingertips until it forms a crumbly texture.
10
10. Evenly sprinkle the granola mixture over the pears in the baking dish.
11
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the pears are softened and the topping is golden brown. Serve warm for the best taste.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
31g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary main course in this recipe?
The main course consists of Savory Italian Meatballs and Herb Ravioli with zucchini and roasted red peppers in a garlic bruschetta sauce.
What kind of meatballs are recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of fresh pork or beef Italian meatballs.
How many packages of ravioli are needed?
You will need two 8-ounce packages of fresh cheese ravioli.
What vegetables are included in the savory meatball dish?
The dish includes one medium coarsely chopped zucchini and 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped roasted red peppers.
What type of sauce is used for the meatballs and ravioli?
The sauce is made using one 13 3/4 ounce jar of extra garlic bruschetta topping combined with 1/2 cup of unsalted chicken stock.
What is the garnish for the Italian Meatballs and Herb Ravioli?
The dish is finished with 1/2 cup of fresh coarsely chopped basil and 1/2 cup of crumbled garlic or herb feta cheese.
What is the target internal temperature for the meatballs?
The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long should the meatballs and zucchini simmer together?
The mixture should simmer for 7 to 8 minutes once the bruschetta topping and chicken stock are added.
What oil is used for sauteing the meatballs?
One tablespoon of canola oil is used for sauteing.
What is the dessert portion of this recipe?
The dessert is a Caramelized Pear Crisp featuring fresh pears and a granola topping.
How many pears are required for the crisp?
The recipe requires 6 fresh ripe pears, chopped into 1/2-inch chunks.
Should I peel the pears for the Caramelized Pear Crisp?
Peeling the pears is optional and can be done if desired before coring and chopping.
What type of caramel is used in the dessert?
The recipe uses 10 caramel squares that have been cut in half.
What makes the topping for the pear crisp crunchy?
The topping is made from 4 packets (or 1 1/3 cups) of crunchy apple granola cereal.
How much butter is used in total for the recipe?
A total of 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter is used, divided between greasing the dish and mixing the topping.
What is the oven temperature for baking the pear crisp?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does the pear crisp need to bake?
It should bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the pears are softened and the topping is golden brown.
What size baking dish is used for the pear crisp?
A 9-inch square baking dish is recommended.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 244 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 11 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 31 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 8 grams of protein per serving.
How is the granola topping prepared?
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and apple granola cereal using your fingertips until a crumbly texture forms.
When should the ravioli be added to the meatball mixture?
Gently fold the drained, al dente ravioli into the meatball mixture after the meatballs have reached 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long should the zucchini be cooked?
Sauté the zucchini with the meatballs for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender.
What is the first step in the entire recipe?
The first step is to bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the ravioli and chop the vegetables.
How much brown sugar is used in the pear crisp?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of brown sugar.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients listed for this meal and dessert.
Is the chicken stock salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifically requests unsalted chicken stock.
What is the best way to serve the pear crisp?
The pear crisp is best served warm for the best taste.