Description
This easy baked ravioli recipe combines frozen cheese ravioli with a savory ground beef marinara sauce, layered with mozzarella cheese and baked to golden perfection. A comforting and simple casserole that’s perfect for a hearty family dinner.
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
Main Ingredients
- 20 ounces Frozen Cheese Ravioli
- 8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
Optional Garnishes
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Parsley Flakes or fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven 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 coat it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef Sauce: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease, then return the beef to the pan. Add marinara sauce, oregano, basil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes to blend flavors. Stir in the half-and-half then remove from heat.
- Layer the Ravioli and Sauce: Spread about 1/4 cup of the meat sauce mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer on top. Pour half of the remaining sauce evenly over the ravioli and sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and mozzarella cheese to create a second layer.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray to prevent cheese from sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese topping turns golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the ravioli casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes to add a touch of color and heat before serving.
Notes
- The half-and-half adds creaminess to the sauce; you can substitute with heavy cream or whole milk if preferred.
- Frozen ravioli do not need to be thawed before baking—just layer them straight from the freezer.
- For extra flavor, mix some grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce or sprinkle it on top before baking.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried if available, for more vibrant taste.
- Make sure to spray under the foil to prevent the melted cheese from sticking to it.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes either into the sauce or as a garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
