When I was a little girl, there was nothing I loved more than a plate of mushroom ravioli.
It’s still my favorite food, and I know it’s yours, too!
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Whether you like to make your own or buy it frozen from the store (no shame!), whether you like it with marinara sauce or alfredo sauce or even butter and cheese (yum!), there’s one thing we can all agree on:
When you get the chance to eat mushroom ravioli, you take it.
But sometimes, you want something with a little more ‘oomph.’
Something that will really complement your delicious pasta dish and make it come alive.
That’s where meat comes in.
If you have a piece of meat with your mushroom ravioli, it adds protein to your meal, makes you feel fuller faster, and just plain tastes good!
But what kind of meat should you add?
There are so many choices out there!
Well, fear not—I’ve done the research for you.
In this article, I will outline the best kinds of meat to pair with mushroom ravioli.
Let’s get started!
What Meat to Serve with Mushroom Ravioli?
If you’re looking for meat to pair with mushroom ravioli, you’re looking for something that’s rich, flavorful, and has a slight bite to it. Chicken, beef, or lamb are all good choices.
We know it can be tough to figure out what kind of meat goes best with mushroom ravioli.
After all, you want something that complements the delicate earthiness of mushroom, but is also flavorful enough to stand on its own.
Here are our top 7 picks:
1. Chicken
If you want to add a protein to your mushroom ravioli dish with minimal effort, chicken is an excellent option.
Chicken pairs well with this dish because it adds a lightness that complements the rich sauce.
Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for those busy weeknight dinners where you just want something that tastes great without taking too long to make.
The key to preparing chicken for this dish is ensuring that your bird has been cooked through before serving it alongside your pasta.
You can check on this by slicing into one of the larger pieces and making sure there is no pink inside before removing from heat and letting rest at room temperature for five minutes before serving (this will help keep juices inside).
2. Ham
If you’re looking for the perfect meat pairing for mushroom ravioli, look no further than ham.
Ham is a good choice to pair with mushroom ravioli because it has a smoky flavor that complements the earthy, woodsy taste of mushrooms.
It also offers a nice texture contrast with the soft noodles and creamy sauce.
To make sure your ham pairs perfectly with your mushroom ravioli, try cooking it in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes.
This will give it crispy edges and a warm, juicy center. Slice it thin and serve it alongside your favorite mushroom ravioli dish!
3. Beef
Beef is a great meat to pair with mushroom ravioli.
The deep, rich, earthy flavors of the beef balance out the bold, earthy flavors of the mushrooms in the ravioli.
If you’re looking for a specific cut of beef to try with this dish, we recommend a braised chuck roast.
To make braised chuck roast:
- Place your beef in a slow cooker and cover it entirely with beef stock. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook on low heat for 10-12 hours, or until the beef falls apart when you pick it up with a fork.
- Serve over mushroom ravioli and enjoy!
4. Venison
Venison is a meat that’s hard to find in most stores, but it can be identified by its dark red color and its tangy flavor, which is similar to beef, but much richer.
You’ll want to cook the venison for about 10 minutes per pound at 400 degrees, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Then let it rest for about five minutes before you serve it with your mushroom ravioli.
5. Ground turkey
Ground turkey is a great meat to serve with mushroom ravioli because it is mild in flavor, allowing your mushroom ravioli to take center-stage.
Plus, it’s loaded with nutrients that are essential for your body and delicious!
To make this dish, buy a pound of ground turkey at the store and cook it according to the directions on the package.
Once it’s done cooking, add a little bit of salt and pepper to taste. Serve alongside your mushroom ravioli and enjoy!
6. Bacon
Bacon is also really easy to make—you can just buy a pack of it at the grocery store and fry it up in a pan for about ten minutes.
You can sprinkle on some seasonings or sauces if you want, but my personal favorite is just plain old bacon with some salt and pepper—maybe even throw on some basil if you’re feeling fancy.
So do yourself a favor and ditch the boring side salad this time around.
Instead, enjoy some bacon with your mushroom ravioli!
7. Pork
It’s hard to go wrong with pork when it comes to choosing a meat for mushroom ravioli. Pork pairs well with both savory and sweet flavors, so you’ll be able to find a recipe that suits your tastes.
Here are some options:
- Pork chops with roasted mushrooms: add flavor with garlic and rosemary, or pair the savory chops with sweet caramelized onions.
- Pork belly with a wild mushroom sauce: sauté the mushrooms and mix them into a sauce made from wine, butter, and flour.
- Try pork tenderloin instead of pork chops if you’re serving 3-4 people—it’ll make enough for everyone in a smaller group.
When serving any meat alongside ravioli, make sure to cook it first before cooking the pasta itself.
This will help ensure that everything is done at the same time!
Benefits of Serving Meat with Mushroom Ravioli
There are lots of great benefits to serving meat with Mushroom Ravioli.
Here are just a few of them:
You’ll impress your guests
The simple facts are that mushrooms and meat are delicious, so it only stands to reason that they go well together.
But besides just being delicious, when you serve this kind of meal, your guests will be impressed by how much thought and effort you put into the meal.
You’ll have an instant conversation starter when you mention the dish’s ingredients and how you used them to make something truly special.
You’ll save time
Think about it—you can get meat and vegetables all in one bite!
Just slice up some mushrooms and throw them in a pot with some water, then brown your meat and add it to the mix.
Then add a bit of seasoning, toss in some ravioli noodles, and there you have it–your dinner is ready!
You don’t even have to make a separate sauce for dinner, because the mushrooms will provide their own delicious gravy.
You’ll be able to experiment with new flavors
The mushrooms and herbs in our Mushroom Ravioli give it a rich, earthy taste that pairs perfectly with our homemade tomato sauce.
You’ll be able to try out different sauces and see which one you like best—and you can even try making your own!
What Meat to Serve with Mushroom Ravioli: 7 Options
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Ham
- Beef
- Venison
- Ground turkey
- Bacon
- Pork
Instructions
- Pick a piece of meat from this list that you like.
- Prepare the rest of your meal.
- Enjoy your dish in no time!
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.