This easy baked ravioli recipe features layers of cheese ravioli, seasoned ground beef, and rich marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick family dinner or weeknight meal, it combines simple ingredients for a comforting and hearty casserole. Made with uncooked ravioli and baked to bubbly perfection, this dish offers a convenient and flavorful Italian-inspired dinner option.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 pound extra lean ground beef
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt & pepper, to taste
3 cups marinara sauce (one 24 oz. jar), divided
20 ounces uncooked cheese ravioli (see note)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and position the oven rack in the top third. Prepare the cheeses.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
Add ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 8 minutes). Remove excess fat if necessary. Season with salt and pepper.
Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce and heat through.
Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Arrange half the uncooked ravioli in an even layer over the sauce. Top with half of the beef mixture, then half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, beef mixture, and cheeses, finishing with cheese on top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned. Serve immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked ravioli dish is a quick and easy meal that combines hearty ground beef, rich cheeses, and tender ravioli. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to please the whole family.

Tips

Use extra lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Avoid over-layering the ravioli to ensure even cooking.
Broil carefully to avoid burning the cheese; watch it closely.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage.
Use spinach or mushroom ravioli for a vegetarian twist.
Try a homemade marinara sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

FAQs

Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely, freeze baked ravioli in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Serving and Suggestions

Pair baked ravioli with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s also great served with steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus.