If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly flavorful, this Easy Baked Ravioli Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine layers of tender cheese ravioli smothered in savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and ooey-gooey cheeses all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings together classic Italian flavors with a fuss-free approach that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never look at frozen ravioli the same way again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays a vital role, from the juicy ground beef adding depth, to the cheeses providing that creamy, melted goodness, and the marinara offering a bright, tangy finish.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and is perfect for sautéing the onions and beef without overwhelming the dish.
- Onion: Provides a gentle sweetness and aromatic base that complements the savory beef.
- Extra lean ground beef: Keeps the recipe hearty and protein-packed without excess grease.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses a fragrant punch that’s essential in Italian cooking and awakens the senses.
- Salt & pepper: Basic but crucial seasonings to balance and enhance every layer’s flavor.
- Marinara sauce: This tangy tomato sauce ties everything together with its vibrant color and delicious zest.
- Uncooked cheese ravioli: The star of the show — tender pillows packed with cheesy goodness that bake perfectly right in the casserole.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible gooey, bubbly top layer everyone loves.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that elevates the dish with its nuanced flavor.
How to Make Easy Baked Ravioli Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Cheeses
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and setting the rack in the upper third — this helps the cheese brown beautifully when you broil it later. While the oven warms up, gather and prep your cheeses so everything’s ready to assemble.
Step 2: Sauté Onion
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then toss in the chopped onion. Let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and turns translucent, developing a natural sweetness that sets the tone for the sauce.
Step 3: Cook Ground Beef and Garlic
Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet with the onion. Break up the meat with your spoon as it cooks until nicely browned and fully cooked, about 8 minutes. If there’s extra fat pooling in the pan, carefully spoon it out. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste for a perfectly balanced savory base.
Step 4: Incorporate Marinara Sauce
Pour in 2 cups of your marinara sauce to the beef mixture. Stir it well and let it heat through so the flavors meld together into a rich, meaty sauce that clings to every bite of ravioli you’ll add later.
Step 5: Prepare Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. This creates a saucy foundation that prevents sticking and adds an extra burst of tomato flavor with every forkful.
Step 6: Layer the Ingredients
Time to build your delicious casserole! Place half of the uncooked ravioli in a single, even layer over the sauce. Then spread half of the beef and marinara mixture across the ravioli, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Repeat these layers one more time, finishing with the cheeses on top for that golden, bubbly crust.
Step 7: Bake and Broil
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the ravioli to cook through and the flavors to marry. Then, remove the foil and switch your oven to broil for a few minutes until the cheese layer turns beautifully browned and bubbly. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, and once browned to your liking, it’s ready to serve immediately.
How to Serve Easy Baked Ravioli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley adds a pop of vibrant green color and fresh herbal notes that brighten the richness of the baked ravioli. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes also makes for a lovely finishing touch for those who love a little heat.
Side Dishes
This baked ravioli pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the cheesy indulgence. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce and cheese. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli can round out the meal for a nutritious boost.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins for personalized servings that look elegant and keep the cheese nice and melty. You can also add layers of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra veggies and color. For a party, consider making mini baked ravioli casseroles in muffin tins to create bite-sized delights that are both adorable and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover easy baked ravioli keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to retain moisture and prevent the cheese from drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, leftovers taste almost as good as fresh!
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep option. Assemble the casserole as directed but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and the cheese starts to bubble again, usually about 15-20 minutes. For quicker reheating, the microwave also works well but may cause the sauce to lose some of its texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli for this Easy Baked Ravioli Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cheese ravioli works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure not to thaw them beforehand—they cook right in the casserole dish, making it super convenient.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes! You can use ground turkey or Italian sausage as alternatives for different flavors or dietary preferences. For a vegetarian option, try replacing the meat with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
Is it necessary to broil at the end?
Broiling at the end gives the cheese that beautiful bubbly and browned texture that makes this dish so irresistible. If you prefer, you can skip broiling, but the top layer won’t have the same golden finish.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Easy Baked Ravioli Recipe is mild and family-friendly as written, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinara or beef mixture if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free ravioli and check that your marinara sauce doesn’t contain any gluten additives. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy swap.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Ravioli Recipe is the kind of dish that makes me excited to cook and even more excited to eat. It’s straightforward, comforting, and packed with flavors everyone loves. Whether you’re new to cooking or looking for a reliable family favorite, this recipe hits all the right notes. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite weeknight meal that brings everyone to the table with happy smiles!
Print
Easy Baked Ravioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Baked Ravioli is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired casserole featuring layers of cheese ravioli, a savory ground beef and marinara sauce mixture, and a generous topping of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, it requires minimal prep and bakes to bubbly, golden perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce (one 24 oz. jar, divided)
Main Ingredients
- 20 ounces uncooked cheese ravioli
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F and position the rack in the top third of the oven. Prep your cheeses by shredding the mozzarella and grating the parmesan.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Cook the beef: Add ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks, continuing for about 8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add marinara to beef: Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce into the beef mixture and heat it through to meld the flavors.
- Prepare baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom.
- Assemble layers: Layer half of the uncooked ravioli in the baking dish. Spread half the beef and sauce mixture over the ravioli, then sprinkle half of each cheese. Repeat this layering with the remaining ravioli, beef mixture, and cheeses, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake and broil: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and heated through. Remove the foil, switch the oven to broil, and broil the top for a few minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and golden brown. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to use vegetarian ravioli to make this recipe meat-free.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
