Why You’ll Love Easy Baked Ravioli Recipe

Simple to make: With minimal ingredients and no complicated techniques, this recipe is perfect for busy nights.
Kid-friendly: The cheesy, hearty combination is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Customizable: Whether you prefer meat or a vegetarian option, this recipe can easily be adapted to fit your preferences.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup diced yellow onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 jars (24 ounces each) marinara sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 teaspoon black pepper
24-ounce bag frozen cheese ravioli
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh or dried parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Brown the meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 4–5 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove the pan from the heat.
Layer the casserole: Spread about one-third of the sauce mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer on top of the sauce. Cover with half of the remaining sauce and sprinkle with half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
Add the second layer: Place the rest of the ravioli in a single layer, followed by the remaining sauce. Top with the rest of the cheeses.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

Tips for Success

Meat Options: If you prefer, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to add ricotta cheese for extra creaminess or mix in other cheeses like provolone or cheddar.
Veggie Boost: To sneak in some veggies, add cooked spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers into the sauce.
Use Fresh Ravioli: If you have fresh ravioli on hand, it works just as well. However, keep in mind that fresh ravioli might cook slightly faster than frozen.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days in the fridge.
Freezing: You can also freeze the baked ravioli for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until bubbly.
Reheating: To reheat, either microwave individual servings or bake in the oven until hot. If reheating in the oven, you may want to cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?
You can swap the ravioli for another type of pasta like tortellini or even small shells, though the cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of pasta.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.

How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage to the meat sauce for an added kick. You can also top the finished dish with hot sauce if you like it extra fiery.

Perfect Pairings

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some homemade garlic bread. The fresh greens offer a nice contrast to the richness of the ravioli, while the garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Conclusion

Easy Baked Ravioli is a delightful and versatile dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table without requiring much effort. Its cheesy layers, savory sauce, and tender ravioli will make it a family favorite in no time. Whether you make it for a quick weeknight meal or as a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.