Let’s talk comfort food. What kind of dish makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, like you’re getting a hug? What is your grandma’s What is the best baked ravioli with Meat Sauce? I’m talking layers of cheesy ravioli smothered in a rich, savory meat sauce, all baked to bubbly. Golden perfection. Is it like lasagna, but with half the effort and all the satisfaction? If you try this, it will become a regular in your rotation – especially on those busy days. What are some of the best ways to spend a weeknight with friends? What is a recipe for Baked Ravioli Meat Sauce?
What is baked ravioli with meat sauce?
Think of it as a lasagna’s cool cousin. It’s essentially cooked ravioli (fresh or frozen, both work! ), layered in a baking dish with savory Meat Sauce and plenty of cheese, then baked until golden brown. Everything is melty and delicious. What is the beauty of a Vegetarian recipe? What are some good substitutes for marinara and roasted veggies? Why is this dish so good even with store-bought ingredients? What is the kind of meal that everyone loves, and it requires minimal effort? Is this a crowd pleaser? What are some good ways to use up leftover meat sauce?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
How do I start with this recipe? Let me count the ways.
- Flavor Explosion:The combination of cheesy ravioli and the rich, savory meat sauce is seriously addictive. What is that perfect balance of salty, tangy and comforting that just makes you want to keep eating? My kids are obsessed!
- Seriously Simple: What isThis isn’t one of those recipes that requires hours in the kitchen. In fact, it’s so easy that even my beginner-cook friends have nailed it on their first try. If you can layer ingredients in a dish, you could make this!
- Budget FriendlyRavioli and meat sauce are both relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this a great option when cooking for lunch. How do I feed a crowd on tuesday? If you have a side salad, you can serve it with some crusty bread.
- Super Versatile:What is a blank canvas for culinary creativity? If you’re using pesto, you can substitute meat sauce for spinach, or use a mixed vegetable. What are the different types of cheese? What are the possibilities?
What I love about this recipe is that it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t love it. What is the perfect dish to bring to a potluck or to serve at dinner party? What is comforting? And compared to traditional lasagna which requires making a béchamel sauce and cooking the noodles, this pasta is much healthier. This is so much simpler. What makes it a lifesaver on busy evenings?
How do I make Baked Ravioli with Meat Sauce?
Quick Overview
How do I make baked ravioli? How do I prepare meat sauce in a baking dish? Then, you’ll add a layer of ravioli, followed by more sauce and cheese. I repeat the layers, bake until bubbly and golden, and that’s it! How do you keep ravioli from drying out? What are some gooey, Don’t worry if the ravioli aren’s not perfectly lined up; it’ll all taste amazing in the end. Is this one of those recipes where the “rustic” look just adds to the charm?
Ingredients
What is the recipe for meat sauce?
- I like to use lean ground beef. I can’t eat it, I’m using raw meat. What should I do?
- One large onion, chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 can crushed tomatoes. 1 pound. Can (28 ounces) crushed
- How much tomato sauce should I use per can?
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano per 1 cup.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil per 1 cup.
For the Ravioli: What is
- 2 (25 ounce) packages frozen or fresh ravioli (cheese, meat, or spinach-filled)
What is the cheese layer?
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. 1 cup sour cream.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. 1/4 cup sliced Par
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish) (if desired)
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. How do I clean ravioli? I always do this first so that the oven is ready when I need it.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add GROUND BEEF and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. I find using a potato masher helps break ground beef into smaller pieces. Don’t skip draining the grease, it will make the sauce greasy!
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor in sauce. I love the smell of sautéing onions and garlic – it instantly makes my kitchen feel cozy.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. How do you make a sauce? If you have the time, simmering the sauce for longer will make it even more flavorful.
Step 5: Layer the Ravioli
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. I usually use frozen ravioli straight from the freezer; no need to thaw them first.
Step 6: Cheese Please!
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the ravioli. What is the gooey cheese layer?
Step 7: Repeat Layers
Spread the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer. Arrange the ravioli over the sauce, and then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella. What is Parmesan Don’t be shy with cheese!
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. What is the best way to cook ravioli? Keep an eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn. I always peek in the oven a few times to make sure it’s not getting too dark.
Step 9: Garnish & Serve
Let the baked ravioli stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy! I love serving this with a simple side salad and some Crusty Bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
What to Serve It With
This baked ravioli is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round out your dinner, here are a few serving suggestions:
For a Light Meal: Serve with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad will balance out the richness of the ravioli.
For a Heartier Meal: Serve with some Garlic Bread or crusty Italian bread. Perfect for soaking up all that delicious meat sauce!
For a Special Occasion: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. The roasted veggies add a touch of elegance to the meal.
My Family’s Favorite: We always have it with a side of steamed green beans tossed with a little butter and garlic salt. It’s a quick and easy side dish that complements the ravioli perfectly.
Honestly, it’s great on its own. But for those nights I’m feeling fancy, a crisp Caesar salad on the side is just perfection. And let’s not forget a glass of red wine for the adults! My husband loves pairing this with a Chianti Classico. It elevates the whole experience.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Baked Ravioli with Meat Sauce
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this baked ravioli even more amazing. Here are my top tips:
Meat Sauce Magic: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your meat sauce. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, a splash of red wine for depth of flavor, or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness.
Cheese Choices: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to use other cheeses as well. Provolone, fontina, or even a little bit of ricotta would all be delicious.
Ravioli Variety: Use your favorite type of ravioli! Cheese, meat, spinach, or even lobster-filled ravioli would all work well in this recipe.
Vegetarian Option: To make this vegetarian, simply use marinara sauce instead of meat sauce and add some roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
Don’t Overbake: Be careful not to overbake the ravioli, as they can become dry and rubbery. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the ravioli are heated through.
Make Ahead: You can assemble this baked ravioli ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure that it’s heated through.
My Biggest Secret: Okay, I’m going to let you in on my secret weapon: a touch of cream cheese stirred into the meat sauce. It adds a richness and creaminess that is just out of this world. Try it, you won’t regret it!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Refrigerating Leftovers: Store the cooled baked ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s important to let it cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation from forming.
Freezing Leftovers: For longer storage, you can freeze the baked ravioli. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Let the ravioli thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, bake the ravioli in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the texture may not be as good. I usually add a little bit of extra cheese on top before reheating to make it extra gooey.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there is no Glaze is involved in this recipe, you can skip that and just store in a air tight container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Baked Ravioli with Meat Sauce. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish to share at a potluck, this recipe is sure to please. The ease of throwing it together and the incredible flavor payoff make it a winner every time. I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know what you think! And if you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other pasta dishes for more delicious inspiration. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
How to Make Baked Ravioli and Meat Sauce: 7 Key Steps for Delish Dinners!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 25 oz Refrigerated Ravioli Cheese or meat filled
- 1 lb Ground Beef Lean
- 24 oz Jarred Marinara Sauce Your favorite brand
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese Whole milk or part-skim
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese and half of the parmesan cheese.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the ravioli, then top with the remaining ravioli and meat sauce.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and the remaining parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden brown. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
