There is more to ravioli than the standard ricotta cheese varieties. In fact, some of the most delicious kinds include ingredients such as mushrooms, asparagus, lobster, even pumpkin. Here's a list of some of the best ravioli fillings. Use these suggestions as a guide and to inspire you. Don't be afraid to experiment. Once you know the technique for making ravioli the possibilities are nearly endless.

If you don't want to go through the effort of making the fresh ravioli dough from scratch you can either buy the dough already made or use wonton wrappers. Using the wrappers is a good tip because it's easy plus the ravioli comes out extra large. Place filling in center of ravioli. Wet edges with water. Place another piece of ravioli on top and press down on edges with a fork. Place into boiling water. Cook until ravioli start to float - about eight to ten minutes. For each of the fillings that follow you can also add salt and pepper

Lobster or Crab Ravioli

Place one cup of jumbo lump crab meat or fresh cooked lobster meat in a bowl. Add 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, two minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon chopped chives. Mix well (it's best to use the food processor) then spoon into teaspoonful amounts in the center of the ravioli dough. Seal and cook as  usual.

Mushroom Ravioli

You can use any kind of mushroom for this recipe. In a food processor blend 1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms,  1/2 cup ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, and two chopped garlic cloves. Pulse for about thirty seconds until mixture is well combined. Prepare and cook ravioli as usual.

Ravioli Bolognese

Instead of topping these with marinara sauce use Bolognese sauce to give it an extra meaty flavor. In a food processor add 1 pound cooked ground beef, two tablespoons tomato paste, 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and 1teaspoon dried oregano. Pulse until blended and prepare and cook ravioli as usual.

Pumpkin Ravioli

Add one cup cooked pumpkin, 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, and one chopped garlic clove to food processor and pulse a few seconds until blended. Prepare and cook ravioli as usual.

Five Cheese Ravioli

Instead of just preparing cheese ravioli with ricotta try this variation. Mix together (a  food processor isn't necessary this time) 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated  Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1/4 cup Romano cheese with 1/2 cup chopped chives and 2 minced garlic cloves. Prepare and cook ravioli as usual.

As you can see, there's no need to fall into a rut when making homemade ravioli. Use these recipes and you can even create your own variations!