Cheesy Beef Ravioli Bake
This hearty Cheesy Beef Ravioli Bake combines store-bought ravioli with savory beef sauce and melted cheese for a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that tastes homemade but comes together quickly.
Ingredients
- 2 packages 20 oz each refrigerated beef ravioli
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese divided
- Fresh basil for garnish optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. This temperature ensures the ravioli cooks through without burning the cheese.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent.
- Add the garlic to the onions and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it as this can create bitterness.
- Brown the ground beef in the same skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Arrange half of the ravioli in a single layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. No need to cook the ravioli first—it will cook perfectly in the oven.
- Spoon half of the meat sauce over the ravioli layer, spreading it evenly to cover all the pasta.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella and ½ cup of parmesan evenly over the sauce layer.
- Repeat the layers with remaining ravioli, sauce, and cheeses, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes serving much easier.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.
Notes
- Want to make ahead? Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- The dish freezes beautifully—prepare up to the baking step, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.
- For a lighter version, use turkey or chicken ravioli instead of beef.
- Store leftover Cheesy Beef Ravioli Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe works well with homemade marinara if you have the time and inclination.