Ever Ready Special: Taco Ravioli Skillet Meal

'Tis the season for all things comfort foods

According to research, our cravings for comfort food are deeply rooted in psychology. These foods often trigger feelings of nostalgia and emotional comfort, providing a sense of security and familiarity in times of stress or sadness and/or lead to feelings of pleasure or satisfaction.  

What are some of your favorite comfort foods? Anything taco reminds me of my kids' favorite meals growing up.

Ever Ready Special Taco Ravioli Skillet is one of those meals that can bring comfort on a chilly autumn evening. The skillet meal can be ready in under 30 minutes. It's packed with seasoned meat, flavorful taco sauce, veggies, and cheesy ravioli. Optional add-ins: black beans and swapping Italian sausage for the ground beef.  

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dry taco mix
• 1 cuo diced sweet onions
• 1 cup diced mini sweet peppers (combination red, yellow and orange) 
• 2 large minced garlic cloves
• 1 can crushed tomatoes 
• 2 cups chicken stock (low sodium) 
• 1 teaspoon each dried parsley and Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 16 oz. bag of frozen ravioli
• 3 cups baby spinach leaves, stems removed
• 1-2 cups from a bag of Mexican Four cheeses

Directions:

• Sauté onions, peppers, and garlic and set aside.
• Brown the meat and crumble. Wipe the pan clean, free of grease, and add onions, peppers, and garlic back to the pan.
• Add dry taco mix, crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, spices, and sugar. Mix well and bring to a boil uncovered. Reduce the heat, add in the frozen ravioli, and simmer, uncovered, for 8 minutes. Add in spinach leaves and cheese. 
• Cook until spinach wilts and cheese melts, about 4-5 minutes.