This Baked Ravioli is easy to create with only a few basic cupboard things and 15 minutes of preparation. This meal delivers warmth and taste with every bite, from soft ravioli covered with a bed of melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella to meaty beef blending with creamy sauce!

The Ultimate baked ravioli

Imagine a busy weeknight when time is passing more quickly than you can keep up with. A surge of worry sweeps over you as you check at the time—dinner needs to be on the table, stat! That’s when it hits: Baked Ravioli, the perfect quick fix for contentment.

Now, let me tell you, this dish solves my dinnertime problems quickly. Though things undoubtedly steal the show, it’s not only about the layers of tender ground beef, smooth sauce, and mounds of oozy cheese. Instead, it’s about the ease with which it may be prepared, quickly preparing a substantial dinner without compromising taste.

So, with this well-loved recipe, my fellow kitchen warriors, I implore you to embrace the joy of shortcuts. Whether you’re having a hectic evening or a leisurely Sunday afternoon, this Baked Ravioli recipe may be your go-to for tasty meals quickly. Who says creating a masterpiece requires hours of work, after all? Sometimes all it takes to make an average dinner spectacular is a few basic ingredients and a little imagination.

Ingredients You’ll Need for a Baked ravioli

Ingredients:

Ravioli

• 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated or frozen cheese ravioli
  • Use any type of cheese ravioli you prefer. If using frozen, follow package instructions to cook them before baking.

Sauce

• 2 cups marinara sauce
  • Use store-bought marinara sauce or homemade. Look for a sauce with your preferred level of sweetness and seasoning.

Ground Beef Mixture

• 1/2 pound ground beef
  • Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Adds a rich, aromatic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • For sautéing the beef, onion, and garlic.

Cheeses

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Mozzarella is used for its melting properties and mild flavor. Shred it yourself for the best melt, or use pre-shredded.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. Grate it freshly, if possible, for the best taste.
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
  • Ricotta adds creaminess and a rich texture. This is optional but recommended for a more luxurious dish.

Toppings and Garnishes

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal note. Add it after baking for the best flavor.
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
  • Breadcrumbs create a crispy topping. You can use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs.
• Olive oil, for drizzling
  • Use extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It helps brown the breadcrumbs and adds richness.

Seasonings

• Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Season the dish according to your preference. Typically, the cheeses and marinara sauce contain enough salt, but a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper can enhance the overall flavor.

How To Make Baked Ravioli

Prepare the ground beef mixture:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
• Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Layer Ingredients:

• Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
• Arrange a single layer of ravioli over the sauce.
• Spoon some of the ground beef mixture over the ravioli.
• Spoon some marinara sauce over the beef and ravioli.
• Add dollops of ricotta cheese, if using.
• Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Add Breadcrumbs: If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them on top and drizzle with a little olive oil for a crunchy topping.

Bake:

• Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Garnish: Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired.

Serve: Serve hot, enjoying the melty, cheesy goodness.

How to Keep Leftovers

Baked ravioli leftovers should be allowed to cool fully before putting them in an airtight container. Chill it for a maximum of three to four days. Individual servings can be frozen in freezer-safe bags or containers for prolonged storage (up to two to three months). When it’s time to dine, defrost the ravioli in the fridge for the entire night and then reheat in the oven until thoroughly heated.