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This Baked Ravioli is incredibly easy to make with a few pantry staple ingredients and only 15 minutes of prep time. From hearty beef mingling with creamy sauce to tender ravioli, topped with a blanket of melty mozzarella, this dish promises comfort and flavor in every forkful!
The Best Baked Ravioli
Picture this: it’s a hectic weeknight, and the clock is ticking faster than you can keep up. As you glance at the time, a wave of panic washes over you—dinner needs to be on the table, pronto! That’s when inspiration strikes: Baked Ravioli, the ultimate shortcut to satisfaction.
Now, let me tell you, this recipe is like a quick fix for my dinner dilemmas. It’s not just about the layers of succulent ground beef, velvety sauce, and oodles of gooey cheese, although those certainly steal the show. No, it’s about the convenience it offers—the ability to whip up a hearty meal in no time flat, without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
So, my fellow kitchen warriors, I urge you to embrace the beauty of shortcuts with this beloved recipe. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday afternoon, let this Baked Ravioli be your go-to solution for delicious dining in a hurry. After all, who says you need hours to create a masterpiece? Sometimes, all it takes is a few simple ingredients and a dash of creativity to transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Frozen ravioli: You will need about a pound of your favorite frozen ravioli, I used cheese and spinach ravioli.
- Ground beef: You’ll need some extra lean ground beef, or if you prefer ground pork. You can even use Italian sausage for some extra flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste.
- Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs is a must in this sauce but if you don’t have any you can easily make your own using my recipe here.
- Onion and garlic: To give lots of flavor to our sauce. Any white or yellow onion will work and use as much or as little garlic as you like.
- Marinara sauce: I used store bought marinara sauce to save on time, but you can totally make your own if you wish.
- Heavy cream: I like adding a little heavy cream to the sauce because it makes it nice and creamy and helps to balance out the acidity of the marinara sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese: Use as much freshly shredded mozzarella as you wish, the more the better for that extra ooey gooey layer of indulgence.
- Fresh parsley: I like to garnish the casserole with a little bit of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also use fresh basil, if you wish.
First up, let’s brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Once it’s beautifully browned, drain any excess grease, if necessary.
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant.
Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, stirring until everything is well combined. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken up and allow the flavors to meld together.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Spread a layer of the creamy beef sauce on the bottom of the dish, followed by a layer of frozen ravioli. Sprinkle on a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, then repeat the layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients. I was able to get two layers of ravioli.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Finally, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of freshness and color and your baked ravioli is ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil to prevent drying out, and allow for additional baking time if it’s chilled.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Just be sure to season it well for flavor, as poultry tends to be milder in taste compared to beef.
Can I customize this recipe?
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Feel free to customize it to your liking by adding extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms, incorporating different types of cheese, or even swapping out the marinara sauce for a pesto or alfredo sauce for a different twist. The possibilities are endless!
Expert Tips
- Let it rest before serving: Allowing the baked ravioli to rest for a few minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together and makes for easier slicing.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different cheese blends or sprinkle on some freshly grated Parmesan.
- Double the batch: This dish freezes well, so consider making a double batch and freezing individual portions for easy weeknight meals.
Storing Leftovers
To store baked ravioli, let it cool completely, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Discover Other Delicious Pasta Recipes
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Baked Ravioli
Baked Ravioli: Layers of savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and cheesy ravioli, baked to golden perfection for a comforting meal. A family-favorite dish that’s easy to make and oh-so delicious!
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Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
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Add the ground beef to a large skillet and brown over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess grease, if needed.
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To the beef, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
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Stir in the marinara sauce and heavy cream to the beef mixture. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors are well combined.
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
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Spread a layer of the creamy beef sauce on the bottom of the dish. Arrange a layer of frozen ravioli on top. Sprinkle with a third of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of sauce and cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Customize it: Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, Italian sausage or chicken, or experiment with different types of cheese.
- Make it vegetarian: Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meatless version of this dish.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
- Double the batch: This dish freezes well, so consider making a double batch and freezing individual portions for easy weeknight meals.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1servingCalories: 726kcal (36%)Carbohydrates: 56g (19%)Protein: 42g (84%)Fat: 37g (57%)Saturated Fat: 17g (106%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 162mg (54%)Sodium: 1527mg (66%)Potassium: 660mg (19%)Fiber: 6g (25%)Sugar: 8g (9%)Vitamin A: 1049IU (21%)Vitamin C: 9mg (11%)Calcium: 268mg (27%)Iron: 15mg (83%)
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
