Easy Baked Cheese Ravioli

Nothing chases away a busy weeknight like a piping hot casserole dish straight from the oven. This easy baked ravioli is loaded with tender cheese ravioli, a rich ground beef marinara, and a molten blanket of mozzarella and parmesan. All it takes is simple layering and a quick bake to create the ultimate cozy meal.

Meals like this always bring my family to the table without complaint. The recipe saved me countless evenings when we needed something hearty but quick.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: For sautéing and adding Mediterranean richness Use extra virgin for the best flavor
• Onion: Chopped for sweetness and depth Look for a firm onion without any sprouting
• Extra lean ground beef: Adds protein and makes the meal filling Choose beef with minimal visible fat for best results
• Garlic: Infuses the dish with aroma and savor Mince fresh cloves for robust flavor
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings for a balanced taste Taste as you go to prevent over-seasoning
• Marinara sauce: Binds everything with tomato richness Use a quality jarred sauce or homemade if you have it on hand
• Uncooked cheese ravioli: The star of the dish Opt for refrigerated ravioli for a delicate texture If you use frozen increase the bake time
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly over the bake Always shred your own from a block for extra creaminess
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Brings salty nutty personality Shred yourself for best melt and flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350F and position a rack in the top third This helps the cheese brown nicely later on

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high Add the chopped onion and cook for about five minutes Stir occasionally until onions are soft and translucent

Brown the Beef and Garlic:

Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet Break up the beef as it cooks Continue cooking for about eight minutes until beef is thoroughly browned and the garlic is fragrant Tip If you see excess fat spoon it off

Add Marinara to Meat:

Pour two cups of marinara sauce into the skillet Stir to combine and ensure the meat mixture is heated through

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with a bit of oil or nonstick spray Pour one cup of the remaining marinara sauce evenly along the bottom to prevent sticking

Layer the Ingredients:

Add half of the uncooked cheese ravioli in an even layer Overlap if needed Spoon half of the beef and sauce mixture over the ravioli Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and half of the parmesan cheese on top Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli meat mixture and cheeses Finish with an extra sprinkle of mozzarella for a bubbly crust

Bake and Broil:

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil Place it on the oven rack and bake for thirty minutes Remove the foil and broil for four to five minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling Serve hot from the oven

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I always look forward to that cheesy top layer with its crispy golden edges It is my favorite part to sneak straight from the pan when no one is looking The combination of tangy tomato sauce and gooey cheese instantly brings back memories of Sunday night dinners around the kitchen table

Storage Tips

Let the dish cool before covering leftovers tightly and refrigerating They will keep for up to four days This baked ravioli also freezes well Thaw overnight before reheating in the oven so it stays creamy instead of drying out

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground beef for mild Italian sausage for extra spice or use ground turkey for a lighter twist For the sauce any favorite tomato based pasta sauce works Ravioli can be filled with spinach instead of cheese for more greens

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a big leafy salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal I like to add roasted vegetables or a crisp lemony slaw to balance the richness

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Cultural and Historical Context

Baked pasta casseroles like this one are classic comfort food in Italian American homes Layering the pasta with rich sauces and lots of cheese creates deep flavor with minimal effort This recipe is a quick shortcut version you will find in busy kitchens everywhere

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen ravioli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen ravioli. Just increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure even cooking.

→ What type of cheese works best for this dish?

Mozzarella offers a gooey texture, while parmesan adds sharp flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts best.

→ How do I prevent the dish from drying out?

Cover the baking dish with foil for most of the cook time to trap moisture, then broil briefly for a browned top.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.

→ Are there substitution options for the beef?

Absolutely. Try ground turkey, chicken, Italian sausage, or make it vegetarian by omitting the meat altogether.

→ What side dishes go well with baked ravioli?

Pair with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.