Description
This easy baked ravioli recipe combines ground beef, marinara sauce, and cheese for a comforting and delicious casserole that’s perfect for a hearty family meal. With layers of frozen cheese ravioli and a creamy tomato meat sauce, topped with melted mozzarella, this dish is simple to prepare and bakes to golden perfection in just one hour.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 24 ounces Marinara Sauce
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Basil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 cup Half and Half
Pasta & Cheese
- 20 ounces Frozen Cheese Ravioli
- 8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
Optional Garnishes
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Parsley Flakes or Fresh Parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or lightly brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the meat sauce: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once fully cooked, drain excess grease. Return the beef to the skillet and add the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 5 minutes to blend the flavors, then stir in the half and half and remove from heat.
- Assemble the casserole layers: Spread about 1/4 cup of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the ravioli, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. For easier removal later, spray the underside of the foil with non-stick cooking spray to prevent cheese from sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and finish baking: Carefully remove the foil and continue baking the casserole for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and slightly crispy on top.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired before serving.
Notes
- Using frozen ravioli means no boiling is required; you can bake it straight from frozen.
- Spraying the foil with non-stick spray helps prevent cheese from sticking to the cover.
- For extra heat, increase red pepper flakes to taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- Substitute half and half with whole milk for a lighter sauce or heavy cream for a richer one.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
