If you’re craving a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Stovetop Cheese Ravioli with Ground Beef and Melty Mozzarella Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a deliciously creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish that comes together quickly, perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want comfort food without fuss. Ground beef simmers in rich Italian-spiced tomato sauce, tender ravioli soak up all the flavors, and the topping of melty mozzarella cheese brings everything to that perfect golden finish. This recipe is truly a celebration of simple ingredients transforming into an irresistible, family-pleasing classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the bottom center is a white bowl filled with yellow ravioli that have slightly textured edges. To the left, a white bowl holds bright red spaghetti sauce with a thick texture. Above the ravioli, a white plate contains shredded mozzarella cheese that is pale yellow and stringy. Next to it, a small white bowl is filled with fresh white mozzarella shaped like a smooth ball with a small cut on top. Adjacent to this is another small white bowl with a creamy white liquid labeled cream. At the top right, there is a clear glass with water and a small white bowl filled with a mix of green and brown herbs and spices. On the right side, ground beef with a raw, coarse texture is laid on a piece of brown parchment paper placed on a white plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a key role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and richness in our dish. From the savory ground beef that adds heartiness to the creamy cheeses that create that irresistible melt, every item contributes to making this meal truly special.

1 pound ground beef: The star protein that provides a savory base with plenty of robust flavor.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brings traditional Italian warmth to the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth and a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
24 oz. jar your favorite spaghetti sauce: Your go-to jar sauce keeps things easy and flavorsome.
1/2 cup water: Helps thin out the sauce slightly so the ravioli cooks perfectly and stays tender.
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty punch that enriches the sauce.
1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess and balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
20 oz. package refrigerated cheese ravioli, uncooked: The tender pasta pockets that soak up every bit of sauce and flavor.
8 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese: Brings a creamy, gooey layer of melty goodness on top.
4 oz. shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese: Adds an extra layer of cheesy melt and a golden finish under the broiler.
Kosher salt: To season and enhance every element.
Fresh cracked pepper: Adds bright, peppery warmth to taste.
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish: A burst of fresh green color and subtle herbaceous flavor.
Grated Parmesan, for garnish: Finishing touch for added flavor and texture contrast.

How to Make Stovetop Cheese Ravioli with Ground Beef and Melty Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Begin by heating a large sauté pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot and ready. Add your ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Keep stirring and crumbling until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. This step lays down a deeply savory foundation bursting with flavor.

Step 2: Season and Combine

Once the beef is perfectly browned, stir in the Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Then pour in your favorite spaghetti sauce along with the water. This mixture becomes your rich, comforting sauce. Gently season with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper for balance. Now add the uncooked cheese ravioli straight into the pan, nestling them gently into the sauce.

Step 3: Simmer the Ravioli

Turn the heat down to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the ravioli cook right in the sauce for about 5 minutes, giving them time to become tender and soak in those savory juices. During this time, preheat your oven’s broiler so it’s ready for the final cheesy finish.

Step 4: Enrich and Creamify

Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese and heavy cream into the mixture, swirling everything together until the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy. This addition brightens the flavors and adds a silky texture that makes every bite pure comfort.

Step 5: Top with Melty Mozzarella

Now for the best part: scatter the fresh mozzarella and whole milk shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Slide your skillet into the oven under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye as the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns beautifully golden brown. This melty top layer adds irresistible ooey-gooey goodness that elevates the entire dish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet carefully from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan for a lovely pop of color and flavor. Serve right away and enjoy the comfort and joy of this stunning stovetop creation.

How to Serve Stovetop Cheese Ravioli with Ground Beef and Melty Mozzarella Recipe

In a black cast iron pan on a white marbled surface, there is a mix of ingredients in separate sections forming layers. One section shows cooked brown ground meat with a slightly oily texture. Next to it is a bright red tomato sauce with a thick and smooth texture. Overlapping the sauce is a layer of dry dried herbs in greenish-gray color, unevenly spread. The largest section is filled with multiple square-shaped ravioli pasta pieces in pale yellow, slightly firm with a soft sheen, arranged loosely and mostly lying flat. The layers and colors create a clear, separated look within the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a no-brainer here—it adds a burst of bright color and herbal freshness that cuts through the creaminess. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan on top offers a little salty crunch and enhances the Italian vibe.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a crisp Caesar salad or some roasted garlic green beans to add refreshing crunch and vibrant greens. A warm slice of crusty garlic bread is the perfect tool to mop up every last drop of that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family-style dinner, serve it straight from the skillet on the table so everyone can help themselves to the melty, cheesy goodness. Alternatively, lay it out in individual bowls and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top can add a surprising textural delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes pretty well, though fresh ravioli texture can soften slightly. For best results, freeze it before adding the fresh mozzarella topping. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the cheese smooth and creamy. You can add a splash of water or cream if it feels too thick. For that melty top, pop it under the broiler briefly after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ravioli instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Just add a few minutes to the simmering time and be sure to thaw the ravioli if needed before cooking. Keep an eye on the texture so they stay tender but don’t fall apart.

What type of ground beef is best?

Lean to medium ground beef works best to avoid excess grease but still keep plenty of flavor. You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, though the richness will be slightly different.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the ground beef and use a plant-based meat substitute or double up on the cheese and add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and texture.

Is it okay to use jarred spaghetti sauce?

Yes, using a quality jarred sauce keeps this recipe super simple and delicious. If you want, feel free to use homemade marinara for an extra fresh, personal touch.

How do I know when the ravioli is fully cooked?

After simmering for about 5 minutes, the ravioli should be tender and plump, easily pierced with a fork. Check a piece to ensure it’s heated through but not falling apart.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a comfort food hero that’s quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to please a crowd, this Stovetop Cheese Ravioli with Ground Beef and Melty Mozzarella Recipe is your new go-to. Its creamy, cheesy, flavorful layers meld into a dish that feels both decadent and homey. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a wonderfully cozy meal that’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen too!