Baked Ravioli

 A delicious, easy-to-make comfort food dish that combines cheesy ravioli with a savory ground beef and marinara sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. This baked ravioli recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. It’s a crowd-pleaser with layers of pasta, beef sauce, and melted cheese, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal to impress guests, this baked ravioli casserole is a must-try! Perfect for busy nights, make-ahead meals, and pasta lovers. Easy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, this baked ravioli recipe will become your go-to comfort food dish!

Ingredients:

• 3/4 lb ground beef
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon each: onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (won’t make it spicy)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
• 20 oz refrigerated uncooked ravioli (see notes)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, for about 3 minutes. Add the onion powder, basil, oregano, mustard powder, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and diced onion. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain any excess grease from the skillet and reduce the heat to low.
3. Spread 3/4 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Add the remaining marinara sauce and the half-and-half to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir to combine and remove from heat.
4. Layer half of the ravioli in the casserole dish. Top with half of the beef sauce and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining ravioli, followed by the rest of the beef sauce, and the remaining mozzarella.
5. Cover the casserole with foil, spraying one side of the foil with non-stick cooking spray to prevent it from sticking to the cheese. Bake for 35 minutes.
6. Remove the foil, and broil at 450°F (232°C) for 1-2 minutes to brown the top slightly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
7. Remove from the oven, serve, and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked ravioli dish is comfort food at its best! It’s rich, hearty, and full of flavor with a savory meat sauce and gooey cheese. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a weeknight dinner.

Tips

• For a leaner dish: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Make ahead: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It can be baked directly from the fridge, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Avoid soggy ravioli: Make sure to cook the ravioli just enough for them to be tender but not too soft before adding them to the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian version: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat crumbles for a meat-free alternative.
• Cheese options: Try mixing in other cheeses like parmesan, ricotta, or provolone for a richer flavor profile.
• Spicy version: Add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ravioli?
Yes, frozen ravioli works great too! Just make sure to cook them first according to the package directions before assembling the casserole.

Can I use a different type of sauce?
Yes, you can substitute marinara with your favorite pasta sauce, such as a garlic and herb or a cream-based sauce.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this baked ravioli casserole freezes well. Prepare the dish as instructed, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake from frozen, increasing the baking time as necessary.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf of bread also pairs wonderfully with the cheesy, savory casserole.