Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli
A comforting dish that combines layers of tender cheese ravioli with a rich meat sauce and topped with melted, golden cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 450kcal
Ingredients
For the sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- ½ medium onion, chopped Provides aromatic flavor
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef Heartiness for the sauce
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor
- to taste Salt & pepper For seasoning
- 3 cups marinara sauce About 24 oz jar, divided
For assembly
- 20 oz uncooked cheese ravioli Refrigerated or frozen
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For topping
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese For topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the top third of your oven.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce into the beef mixture, ensuring it’s well incorporated. Simmer for a few minutes.
Assembly and Baking
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom.
- Layer half of the uncooked cheese ravioli over the sauce, followed by half of the beef mixture, and top with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and switch to broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Notes
To elevate your dish, consider adding diced veggies like bell peppers or zuchinni. For variations, you can substitute with turkey for a lower-calorie option or use different types of cheese.