Baked Ravioli Recipe

Treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food with this Baked Ravioli! This dish is the answer to busy weeknight woes: saucy, cheesy, and packed with robust flavor, all layered together with minimal effort. Refrigerated ravioli paired with a hearty beef sauce and gooey mozzarella gives you everything you want in an Italian-inspired dinner—warmth, richness, and pure satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: Adds protein and heartiness—use lean or regular, depending on your tastes.
• Salt and Pepper: Brings up all the flavor in the beef—always season to taste.
• Onion Powder, Dried Basil & Oregano, Mustard Powder: Classic Italian herbs and spices for depth; mustard powder gives unexpected zing!
• Hot Sauce: Not for heat, but for subtle lift—don’t skip it, even for little ones.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A splash here transforms ground beef with rich, umami flavor.
• Yellow Onion: Diced for a sweet, aromatic base.
• Garlic: Freshly minced is best—nothing beats that fragrance.
• Marinara Sauce: Store-bought or homemade, this holds it all together—choose your favorite.
• Half and Half: Adds creaminess to the sauce, making everything extra luscious.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The more, the merrier! Melty, stretchy, and absolutely essential.
• Refrigerated Ravioli: Cheese, meat, or spinach—your pick. No need to pre-cook!

Tip: Make sure your ravioli isn’t frozen; if using frozen, let it thaw first for even cooking.

Variations

• Veggie Version: Swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
• Swap in Sausage: Pork or turkey sausage instead of ground beef gives even more flavor.
• Different Cheese: Try provolone, fontina, or a sprinkle of parmesan for cheesy depth.
• Ravioli Variety: Use meat-filled, spinach, mushroom, or even lobster ravioli for a gourmet twist.
• Make it Spicy: Add some red chili flakes or spicy Italian sausage.

How to Make Baked Ravioli

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Begin by seasoning your ground beef with salt and pepper, then brown it in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As it sizzles, crumble it until it’s no longer pink—just about 3 minutes.

Step 2: Build Flavor

Add in your onion powder, dried basil, oregano, mustard powder, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and diced onion. Let everything cook together for about 5 more minutes to deepen the flavors. Toss in the garlic for the last minute for a beautiful, aromatic hit.

Pro tip: Spoon out any excess grease before moving on, so your sauce isn’t too oily.

Step 3: Mix Together the Sauce

Pour most of your marinara into the meat mixture—save about ¾ cup for layering in the dish. Stir in the half and half for a creamy, rich sauce, then take it off the heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread that reserved marinara on the bottom of your casserole dish. Layer half of the uncooked ravioli on top—no boiling, no stress! Spoon over half the beef sauce, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining ravioli and sauce, then finish strong with the final layer of mozzarella.

Step 5: Bake and Broil

Cover the dish with foil (a little cooking spray on the foil helps avoid sticking) and bake at 350°F for 35 minutes. Then, uncover and broil for a couple minutes to get that irresistible golden-brown cheese top.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pull it from the oven, let it sit a few moments, then dig in while it’s bubbling and cheesy!

How to Serve

This baked ravioli is cozy enough to serve on its own, but here are some pairing ideas to make it a meal:

• Crisp Green Salad: A lightly dressed arugula or romaine salad balances out the richness.
• Garlic Bread: To soak up every last bit of sauce.
• Steamed Veggies: Try broccoli or green beans for color and crunch.
• Wine Pairing: A fruity red, like Chianti or Merlot, makes for a swoon-worthy dinner.

Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of parmesan. For kids, add a side of carrot sticks or simple salad to round out the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for next-day lunches.

Freezing

This is a fantastic freezer meal! Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed (you might need an extra 10 minutes).

Reheating

To reheat, use the microwave for individual portions, or pop the entire dish back in the oven, covered, at 350°F until hot and bubbly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Ravioli recipe is truly the answer to busy nights where you crave something homemade, hearty, and comforting. Each layer is loaded with savory goodness, and the method couldn’t be easier. Whether you stick to the classic beef and cheese or get creative with your fillings, you’re just minutes away from a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dinner. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how quickly it becomes a staple in your meal rotation!

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