Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli

Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli is a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy straight to your dining table. This indulgent recipe combines layers of cheesy goodness, savory ground beef, and hearty ravioli, creating a meal that is bursting with flavor in every bite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back family dinners, making it worth every moment spent in the kitchen. With its irresistible aroma wafting through your home as it bakes, this dish will have everyone gathering around the table and asking for seconds. Get ready to dive into this step-by-step culinary adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli is not only mouthwateringly delicious but also incredibly convenient, making it a family-friendly meal that everyone can love. It requires minimal prep time and using simple ingredients ensures you won’t have to run out to the store for anything extravagant. Whether you are looking for a quick meal after a long day or a traditional dish to impress your friends, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, with the delightful combination of melted mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan, who can resist diving into this cheesy, comforting casserole?

Ingredients for Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli

To create this scrumptious Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli, you will need:

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ medium onion, chopped
1 pound extra lean ground beef
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt & pepper, to taste
3 cups marinara sauce (about 24 oz jar), divided
20 oz uncooked cheese ravioli (refrigerated)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing this dish together, from the rich flavors of the beef and garlic to the creamy melted cheese that forms a golden crust on top.

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Start with this critical step, ensuring your meal cooks evenly while you prepare the other ingredients!
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for your dish.
Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned, which should take about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully together.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to keep everything moist and flavorful.
Layer half of the uncooked ravioli, then half of the beef mixture, followed by half of the cheeses. Repeat these layers, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top for that glorious meltiness.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This helps steam the ravioli and makes them tender.
Remove the foil and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn!

Tips & Tricks

For a burst of flavor, consider adding some chopped fresh basil or parsley to the layers.
Don’t have ravioli? Spinach or cheese tortellini are excellent substitutes that will work just as well!
To enhance the dish further, sprinkle some red pepper flakes before baking for a mild kick.
This recipe can easily be made vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with mushrooms or lentils.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Serve your Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli alongside a fresh garden salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also pairs wonderfully for dipping into the marinara sauce. For beverages, try a sparkling water with fresh lemon or a light-bodied red wine to elevate the dining experience.

Nutritional Information

A serving of Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli typically contains around 450-500 calories. Each serving boasts a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fat with 25g of protein, 60g of carbohydrates, and 15g of fat. This dish can be indulgent but fits nicely into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.

Storing Tips & Variations for Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli

Leftover Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a minute or two, or place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat ravioli or reducing the cheese for a lighter version. You can also mix in some sautéed vegetables like zucchini or peppers for added nutrients.

Conclusion for Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli

This Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli is a dish that combines convenience, comfort, and flavor, making it impossible not to love. With its rich layers and cheesy topping, it’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion. So why not give this recipe a try tonight? Your family will thank you!

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s straight from the fridge.

2. Can I use frozen ravioli?
Absolutely! Just cook them slightly longer since frozen ravioli takes longer to cook through.

3. Can I substitute beef with chicken?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be used as a leaner alternative.

4. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Certainly! Just use gluten-free ravioli for a gluten-free version.

5. How can I make leftovers taste fresh?
Reheating them in the oven adds a nice crispy top once again. You can also add a splash of fresh marinara sauce before reheating to keep them moist.

This Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli recipe is not just a meal – it’s an experience, and now that you have all the tips and guidelines, you can make it a part of your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!

Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli

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Author: eliana-quinn
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Meat

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Description

A delightful dish that brings comfort with layers of cheesy goodness, savory ground beef, and hearty ravioli.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, add the chopped onion, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until translucent.
Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the beef is browned (about 8 minutes), draining any excess fat.
Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer half of the uncooked ravioli, then half of the beef mixture, followed by half of the cheeses. Repeat these layers, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

For a burst of flavor, consider adding chopped fresh basil or parsley. This recipe can easily be made vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with mushrooms or lentils.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian