Deep-Fried Bacon Cheeseburger Ravioli

This indulgent deep-fried bacon cheeseburger ravioli transforms your favorite burger flavors into a crispy, handheld treat. The combination of seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and melty cheese all wrapped in pasta and fried to golden perfection creates an irresistible appetizer that disappears from plates within minutes.

I first created these during a rainy football Sunday when we couldn't grill outdoors. What started as a desperate experiment quickly became our most requested special occasion treat. My teenage son now asks for these instead of cake on his birthday!

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Forms the savory base; choose 80/20 for the best flavor and juiciness
• Bacon: Adds that smoky crunch; look for thick-cut varieties for more pronounced flavor
• Cheddar cheese: Creates that classic gooey cheeseburger experience; use sharp for more flavor
• Worcestershire sauce: Provides depth and umami; essential for authentic burger taste
• Fresh or frozen ravioli: Serves as the wrapper; choose larger ones for easier stuffing
• Seasoned breadcrumbs: Creates the perfect crispy exterior; add extra seasonings for more flavor
• Vegetable oil: With a high smoke point ensures proper frying without burning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Cook the ground beef thoroughly until no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to break it into small crumbles as it cooks for easier stuffing later. Drain excess fat to prevent soggy ravioli then fold in the crispy bacon bits and seasonings. The mixture should be cooled slightly before handling to prevent burning your fingers.

Stuff the Ravioli:

Carefully open each ravioli by gently prying apart one corner with your fingertip. Spoon approximately one tablespoon of the beef mixture inside, being careful not to overfill. Add a pinch of shredded cheese on top of the meat then press the edges firmly to seal completely. A tight seal prevents filling from leaking during frying.

Breading Process:

Set up a three stage breading station for maximum efficiency. Roll each stuffed ravioli in flour first to create a dry surface for the egg to adhere to. Next dip in beaten egg ensuring complete coverage. Finally coat thoroughly in seasoned breadcrumbs pressing gently to help the coating stick. Double dip in egg and breadcrumbs for an extra crispy exterior.

Frying Technique:

Heat oil to exactly 350°F using a thermometer for accuracy. Test with a breadcrumb which should sizzle immediately upon contact. Lower ravioli into oil gently using a slotted spoon to prevent splashing. Fry in small batches, about 4 to 5 ravioli at once allowing plenty of space between each piece. Maintain consistent temperature between batches.

Draining and Serving:

Remove golden brown ravioli after approximately 2 minutes of frying. Place on paper towels in a single layer for proper draining. Serve immediately while still hot with dipping sauces arranged in small bowls. The contrast between the hot crispy exterior and molten filling is essential to the experience.

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The smoked paprika in the breadcrumbs is my secret weapon for these ravioli. I discovered it accidentally when I ran out of regular paprika during a late night cooking session. The smoky depth it adds perfectly complements the bacon and creates that backyard grilled burger flavor even though these are fried indoors.

Make-Ahead Options

These ravioli work beautifully as a prep-ahead appetizer. You can complete all steps up through breading then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen transfer to an airtight container with parchment between layers. When ready to serve fry directly from frozen adding about 1 to 2 minutes to the cooking time. This makes them perfect for unexpected guests or planned parties.

Healthier Alternatives

For a lighter version, consider air frying these delicious morsels. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and spray the breaded ravioli with cooking oil. Cook for approximately 8 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy. While not quite as decadent as the deep-fried version, this method reduces calories by nearly 40% while maintaining that satisfying crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Create a burger bar experience by setting out various dipping sauces beyond the classic ketchup and mustard. Special sauce, pickle relish, barbecue sauce, and even blue cheese dressing make fantastic accompaniments. Serve alongside a simple green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness or pair with sweet potato fries for a complete meal experience.

Regional Variations

This recipe draws inspiration from both Italian arancini and American state fair foods. In the Midwest, similar concoctions often appear at summer festivals, sometimes called Burger Bombs or Cheeseburger Bites. The Italian influence comes through in the pasta wrapper, while the filling and frying method honor classic American comfort food traditions dating back to the early 20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen ravioli for this dish?

Yes, both fresh or frozen ravioli work well. If using frozen ravioli, ensure they are thawed before filling and coating.

→ What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil is recommended for deep frying due to its high smoke point, but canola or peanut oil are good alternatives.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

For best results, fry the ravioli fresh. However, you can assemble and coat them in advance, then store in the fridge until ready to fry.

→ How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?

Ensure the ravioli edges are tightly sealed by pressing them together firmly with a fork or your fingers before coating.

→ What other dipping sauces can I use?

While ketchup and mustard are classic, you can also try ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or spicy aioli for variety.