Baked Ravioli

This baked ravioli is a fuss-free yet super tasty dinner recipe the entire family will love. It's made with refrigerated ravioli topped with a delicious meat sauce and melty mozzarella for an oh-so-comforting dish!

If you love ravioli and are also a lasagna fan, these baked ravioli should be right up your alley!

Made with refrigerated ravioli that you don't need to boil before adding them to the baking dish, this recipe is sort of a simplified lasagna that's just perfect for a busy weeknight.

This simple comfort food requires only a handful of ingredients for a fuss-free dinner.

It's also surprisingly light as it's made with lean ground beef and low-fat mozzarella. The taste and comfort are there, though, I promise!

Why you'll love this baked ravioli

• Very easy to make your own - you can customize this recipe with whatever you have in the fridge, like adding zucchini or bell peppers to the sauce or using any kind of melting cheese you may have on hand.
• It's a perfect make-ahead dish. You can make this dish ahead of time and bake it the next day or for up to 2 months.
• The flavors are unbelievable! The sauce is made from scratch with fresh onion, garlic, passata, and Italian seasoning, and it's simply amazing.

What goes into this baked ravioli casserole

Olive oil - You'll need just a splash of extra virgin olive oil to saute the onion and garlic.

Onion +garlic - Fresh is best for flavor here!

Lean ground beef - I keep things light by using lean ground beef with 5-10% fat, but you can use your favorite.

Ground turkey or chicken are also great options. Italian sausage is another great choice!

Italian seasoning - This blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary adds a classic Italian flavor.

If you don't have a pre-mixed Italian seasoning, you can create your own using these herbs or just use dried oregano and basil.

Tomato puree (passata) - Passata is a smooth, uncooked tomato purée. You can substitute it with any plain canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes.

If using crushed tomatoes, you might want to blend them for a smoother texture.

Refrigerated ravioli - Opt for high-quality fresh ravioli that you can find on the refrigerated shelf of the supermarket with a filling of your choice, like cheese, spinach, or meat.

You can also make this baked ravioli dish with frozen ravioli, but you'll need to boil them first according to package instructions.

Light mozzarella cheese - This adds creaminess without being overly heavy.

You can also use regular mozzarella or even a mix of cheeses like Parmesan cheese and ricotta for added flavor depth.

How to make baked ravioli

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the finely minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook for 4-5 minutes until it is no longer pink.

Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the beef. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste and give it a good stir.

Reserve 2-3 tablespoons of passata and pour the rest into the skillet with the beef mixture.

Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Spread the reserved tomato sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange a single layer of ravioli over the sauce. Spoon half of the beef sauce over the ravioli, ensuring they are well coated.

Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauced ravioli.

Add another layer of ravioli, followed by the remaining sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Let the baked ravioli rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. Sprinkle shredded fresh basil leaves over the top and serve warm.

Leftovers and storage

• Place any leftover baked ravioli in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place the ravioli in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until thoroughly heated. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered, on medium power for 2-3 minutes, but this may slightly alter the texture.
• You can freeze this dish either before baking or after. Wrap the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or place portions in freezer-safe containers. It will last for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or bake directly from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it's heated through.

Recipe notes and tips

• Pair these baked ravioli with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot complements the rich Italian flavors beautifully.
• Experiment with a mix of cheeses like ricotta, Parmesan, or sharp cheddar, along with mozzarella, for a different flavor.
• Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving for a bright and fresh finish.

If you liked this easy baked ravioli recipe, you might also like some of my other easy oven-baked pasta dishes:

• Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake
• Easy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
• Easiest Ever Bolognese Pasta Bake
• Creamy Mushroom Alfredo Pasta Bake

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