If you’ve ever craved a comforting Italian meal that’s both simple and satisfying, you’re going to love this Easy Baked Ravioli with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate: cheesy, hearty, with just the right amount of meaty goodness wrapped up in tender ravioli, all baked to bubbly perfection. Honestly, it’s perfect for those busy nights when you want a delicious home-cooked meal without hours in the kitchen. Get ready to discover a new weeknight favorite that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to pull together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Baked Ravioli with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible warm cheesy finish. You don’t need a dozen odd items—just the essentials that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the onions and browning the beef, adding richness without heaviness.
- Onion: Provides a mild sweetness and aromatic base to deepen the flavor of the meat sauce.
- Extra lean ground beef: The hearty, savory star that makes the dish filling and protein-packed.
- Garlic: Adds that classic Italian zing that elevates every bite.
- Salt & pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances every other ingredient’s natural tones.
- Marinara sauce: The tomatoey heart of the dish; it keeps everything saucy and delicious.
- Uncooked cheese ravioli: These little pockets of flavor soak up the sauce and cheese beautifully while baking.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Perfect for a gooey, melty texture that stretches as you serve.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch to finish the dish off with a savory bite.
How to Make Easy Baked Ravioli with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Cheeses
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and positioning the rack in the top third. This ensures your cheese will brown nicely later on. While the oven is heating, get your shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan ready — it makes layering much easier and keeps the process smooth.
Step 2: Sauté Onions in Olive Oil
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped half onion and cook it for about 4 to 5 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. This step unlocks the onion’s sweetness which perfectly complements the savory beef.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef with Garlic
Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Use a spoon to break the beef apart and cook the mixture thoroughly, around eight minutes, until the beef is no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it off. Season with salt and pepper to bring out the best flavor now, so every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 4: Mix in the Marinara Sauce
Pour two cups of marinara sauce into the beef mixture, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes to marry the flavors and heat through. This flavorful meat sauce will be one of the layers that make this dish truly unforgettable.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the remaining one cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom. This base layer keeps the ravioli moist while baking and adds an extra hit of tangy tomato goodness to every slice.
Step 6: Layer Ravioli, Beef Mixture, and Cheese
Now, carefully add half of the uncooked ravioli to the baking dish, arranging them in an even layer even if they overlap a bit. Spoon half of the beef and sauce mixture on top, then sprinkle half the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Repeat these steps to create a second layer, making sure the top layer is finished generously with cheese—because more cheese means more happiness!
Step 7: Bake and Broil Until Bubbly and Golden
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After, remove the foil and slide the dish under the broiler for a few minutes to achieve a bubbly, browned, irresistible cheese topping. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Serve immediately and watch how everyone reaches for seconds!
How to Serve Easy Baked Ravioli with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds vibrant color and a tight herbal note that brightens each rich, cheesy bite. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving also enhances the flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This baked ravioli pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are fantastic too—they’re perfect for scooping up any leftover cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a basil leaf. Alternatively, try layering in clear glass baking dishes for a lovely presentation showing off all the colorful layers underneath the golden cheese crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually have a chance to meld even deeper overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Wrap the entire baked dish or individual portions in foil and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months, so it’s great for batch cooking or meal prep.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use different types of ravioli in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheese ravioli works wonderfully, you can experiment with spinach, mushroom, or even meat-filled ravioli depending on your preference. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly if the ravioli vary in size or filling.
Is it necessary to brown the beef before baking?
Yes, browning the beef first is important because it develops flavor and removes excess fat, which prevents the dish from becoming greasy. Plus, it allows the garlic and onion to infuse the meat with incredible aroma.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Just swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or a sautéed mix of mushrooms and lentils for a delicious vegetarian version that keeps the savory satisfaction intact.
How spicy is this dish?
This Easy Baked Ravioli with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe is mild and family-friendly. However, you can add red pepper flakes to the beef sauce if you prefer a bit of heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
What type of marinara sauce should I use?
Choose a high-quality marinara sauce that you enjoy, whether store-bought or homemade. A sauce with fresh tomato flavor and balanced herbs works best to complement the cheeses and beef without being overly sweet or acidic.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Easy Baked Ravioli with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe is such a winner when you want comfort food that feels homemade but is incredibly doable. It’s cheesy, meaty, saucy, and irresistibly cozy all at once. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, especially on those nights when you want dinner to feel special but still have plenty of time to relax. So go ahead and give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!
Print
Easy Baked Ravioli with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Baked Ravioli recipe features layers of cheese ravioli, a savory ground beef and marinara sauce mixture, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, baked to bubbly perfection. A comforting and hearty dish, it’s simple to prepare and perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Main 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
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Cheeses: Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the oven rack at the top third. Make sure your mozzarella and parmesan cheeses are shredded and grated respectively, ready for layering.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Cook Ground Beef and Garlic: Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Break up the beef with your spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 8 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Beef with Marinara: Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce into the beef mixture and heat through, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly spread the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Layer Ingredients: Arrange half of the uncooked ravioli in an even layer in the baking dish. Spoon half of the beef and marinara mixture over the ravioli. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining ravioli, beef mixture, and cheeses.
- Bake and Broil: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After baking, remove the foil and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Uncooked ravioli can be found fresh or frozen; adjust bake time slightly if using frozen.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or sautéed mushrooms.
- Allow the baked ravioli to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
