Easy Baked Ravioli Recipe

Introduction

Easy Baked Ravioli is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of cheesy ravioli, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese come together in a simple bake that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 24 ounce bag frozen cheese ravioli
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley or dried parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch (3 quart) baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, cook 1 pound ground beef and 1 cup diced yellow onion over medium heat. Crumble the meat and cook until fully browned and the onion is soft. If using lean meat, add about a tablespoon of oil before cooking. Drain any excess grease, then return to the skillet.
3. Step 3: Add 3 cloves minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 jars marinara sauce, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt (if using), and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, then turn off the heat.
4. Step 4: Spread about one-third of the sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Step 5: Place half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Pour another third of the sauce over the ravioli.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce layer. Then add the remaining ravioli in a single layer on top.
7. Step 7: Top with the remaining sauce, followed by the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan and 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with foil and place it on a baking sheet.
8. Step 8: Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
9. Step 9: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before sprinkling with fresh or dried parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor.
• For extra veggies, add chopped spinach or mushrooms into the sauce while simmering.
• Try adding a layer of ricotta cheese mixed with an egg for added creaminess.
• Use gluten-free ravioli to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Storage

Store leftover baked ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh ravioli will work but may cook faster. Reduce the baking time slightly and check for doneness to prevent overcooking.

Do I need to thaw the frozen ravioli before baking?

No, you can layer the frozen ravioli directly in the baking dish without thawing. The sauce and baking time will ensure they cook through evenly.

Easy Baked Ravioli Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 100 reviews

This Easy Baked Ravioli is a comforting Italian-inspired casserole featuring layers of frozen cheese ravioli, rich marinara sauce, ground beef, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly cheese topping, it’s a simple, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknights or family dinners.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Aromatics

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings

• 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta and Cheese

• 24 ounce bag frozen cheese ravioli
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Garnish

• Fresh parsley or dried parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Heat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch (3 quart) baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook over medium heat, crumbling the beef and cooking until fully browned and the onion is soft. If using lean meat, add about a tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking. Drain excess grease from the pan.
3. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Return the skillet to heat, add minced garlic, and stir until fragrant, about one minute. Then add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt if using, and black pepper. Stir and simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, then turn off heat.
4. Layer Sauce: Pour about one-third of the sauce mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
5. Layer Ravioli and Sauce: Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Pour another one-third of the sauce over the ravioli to cover them.
6. Add Cheese and Layer Remaining Ravioli: Sprinkle 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and 1 cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Then layer the rest of the ravioli in a single layer on top.
7. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining sauce on top of the last ravioli layer. Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan and 1 cup mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.
9. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, and the sauce is simmering.
10. Rest and Garnish: Allow the baked ravioli to rest a few minutes after baking. Sprinkle with fresh or dried parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty meal.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef and add a tablespoon of oil if needed to prevent sticking during cooking.
• Frozen ravioli can be used straight from the freezer; no need to thaw.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein or omit entirely and increase the cheese and vegetables.
• Checking the baking dish halfway through cooking can help prevent burning; adjust times based on your oven’s characteristics.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: baked ravioli, easy dinner, cheesy pasta bake, Italian casserole, ground beef recipe