bake ravioli with meat sauce

Name: Bake Ravioli with Meat Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Ravioli; 1 pound Ground Beef; 0.5 cup Chopped Onion; 1 tsp Garlic Powder; 15 ounce Tomato Sauce

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By: Bennett Claire
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Posted: 07/24/2025

Let’s talk comfort food. You know those nights when you just need something warm, cheesy, and satisfying? What is the recipe for baked ravioli with meat sauce? What is lasagna’s chill cousin? All the deliciousness, way less fuss. If you can layer ingredients in a pan, you could make this. Is it easier to order takeout than ordering online? Think of it as the ultimate busy-weeknight dinner that even the pickiest eaters will devour. My Grandma used to make this and I have cherished it ever since. What is your favorite baked ravioli recipe?

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What is baked ravioli with meat sauce?

What is a baked ravioli with meat sauce? What is the difference between lasagna noodles and ravioli? You layer cooked ravioli (fresh or frozen, no judgement here)! ), a rich meat sauce, and plenty of cheese in an oven dish, then bake it until bubbly and golden brown. Is it a shortcut to lasagna heaven? Can you use different types of ravioli? What are the possibilities for cheeses? Is this one of those recipes where you can really make it your own, and honestly, it’s hard to mess up.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Let me count the ways! Seriously, I could go on and on. What are some of the reasons why this baked ravioli with meat sauce is a winner in my book?

Flavor Bomb:The combination of savory meat sauce, cheesy ravioli, and melty cheese is just… *chef’s kiss* What are some of the best flavors in this symphony?
Ridiculously EasyWhat’s the easiest dinner you’ve ever made? If you are short on time, this is the recipe for you.
Budget FriendlyRavioli is relatively inexpensive, especially if you buy it frozen. How do you save money by using store-bought sauce?
Crowd-Pleaser:What are some of the best baked ravioli recipes? Is it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings or just a cozy night in? My family is always asking for seconds when I make this dish.
Versatile:Is it possible to customize this recipe to your liking? What are the different types of ravioli (cheese, meat, spinach), different sauces (marinara, pesto, alfredo), etc.? What cheeses do you use: mozzarella, parmesan, ricott I have even used different meats in the sauce.

What I love most about this is how forgiving it is. Is it okay to mess up a recipe? What are some good ways to use up leftover meat sauce?

How do I make Baked Ravioli with Meat Sauce?

Quick Overview

How do you cook ravioli? What are some good ways to layer ravioli, meat sauce, and cheese in a baking dish? What’s the best part about roasting it in the oven? Is it possible to assemble it ahead of time and bake it later? This is great for dinner parties and gatherings when you have lots of other items on your mind.

Ingredients

For the Ravioli:
* 2 (25-ounce) packages frozen ravioli (cheese or meat-filled, or a combination) – I usually grab one. Of course, I’m not gonna eat it. What is the cheese kind? * Or, about 2 pounds of fresh ravioli from the refrigerated section.

What is the recipe for meat sauce?
* 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage – I love using ground meat for extra flavor, but I don’t use ground pork. What are the best ways to cook beef? * 1 large onion, chopped – Don’t skimp on the onion! It adds so much flavor. * 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is always best, but garlic powder works in a pinch. * 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce – Feel free to use your favorite brand, or make your own. Is scratch a good idea if you’re ambitious? * 1 can tomato sauce – Adds extra richness to the sauce. * 1 teaspoon dried oregano – A must-have for Italian dishes! * 1/2 teaspoon dried basil – Adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce. * Salt and pepper to taste.

For the Cheese: What is the recipe
* 1 (15-ounce) container of ricotta cheese – Make sure to drain it well to prevent a watery casserole. * 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor. * 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – The star of the show! Use good quality mozzarella for the best melty results.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I like to give the pan a generous coating of cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, brown ground beef or Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. What is the best way to cook minced garlic? Where does the sauce come together?

Step 3: Add Sauce Ingredients

Stir in the marinara sauce, tomatoes, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to blend. What is the secret to a delicious meat sauce?

Step 4: Cook Ravioli (If Fresh)

If you’re using fresh ravioli, cook it according to package directions. Drain well. Frozen ravioli can be used straight from the freezer, so no need to cook it beforehand. I find they bake more evenly if they are thawed slightly.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

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. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese over the ravioli. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Top with another layer of meat sauce. Arrange the remaining ravioli over the sauce, if desired. Dollop with remaining ricotta cheese. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake

Cover a baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. If the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. When a casserole is heated through, it is not What should I do if my cheese is golden brown?

Step 7: Let Rest

Let the baked ravioli with meat sauce stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. How do you set cheese? I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it is worth the wait!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy! What are some good side dishes to serve with baked ravioli? What is the perfect comfort food for any occasion?

What should I serve it with?

What is a complete meal in itself? What are some good serving suggestions?

What is a good light lunch?Serve with a simple green salad with light vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of casserole.
For a cozy dinner:Why not serve with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks?
For a potluck or party:Serve with roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or fruit salad. What’s there for everyone?
Wine Pairing:What are some good red wine pairings to serve with a dish?

My family loves it when I serve this with a simple Caprese salad – fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. How do you serve basil with balsamic glaze? What is the perfect accompaniment to the warm, cheesy ravioli?

How do you make baked ravioli with meat sauce?

What are some of the best ways to take ravioli to the next level?

Don’t overcook the ravioli: If you’re using fresh ravioli, be careful not to overcook it. It should be tender but still firm. Overcooked ravioli will become mushy in the casserole.
Drain the ricotta cheese well: Ricotta cheese can be quite watery, so make sure to drain it well before using it in the casserole. This will prevent the casserole from becoming too soupy. I like to place the ricotta cheese in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth and let it drain for at least 30 minutes.
Use good-quality cheese: The quality of the cheese will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the casserole. Use good-quality mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for the best results.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors: This baked ravioli is a blank canvas, so feel free to experiment with different flavors. Add different vegetables to the meat sauce, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Use different types of ravioli, such as spinach ravioli or mushroom ravioli. Add different cheeses, such as provolone or asiago.
Assemble the casserole ahead of time: This is a great dish to make ahead of time. Assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.
Use store-bought sauce: If you are short on time, using store-bought pasta sauce is more than acceptable.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning to your preferences. Some people prefer their sauce a little sweeter, or a little saltier.

I once accidentally used sausage with fennel seeds in the meat sauce, and it turned out AMAZING! It added a whole new layer of flavor to the dish. So, don’t be afraid to get creative!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your baked ravioli:

Room Temperature: Let cool completely before storing.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the baked ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the baked ravioli in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: The ravioli is always best when it is initially baked, but reheated leftovers still taste great!

To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. I like to add a little extra mozzarella cheese on top before reheating to make it extra melty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free ravioli and make sure your meat sauce ingredients are also gluten-free. There are several brands of gluten-free ravioli available these days, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding them.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Provolone, fontina, or even a little bit of gorgonzola would be delicious in this dish.

Can I add vegetables to the meat sauce?

Definitely! Adding vegetables to the meat sauce is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients. Diced carrots, celery, mushrooms, or bell peppers would all be great additions.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the ground beef or Italian sausage and use a vegetarian marinara sauce. You could also add some cooked vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to the sauce.

The cheese is browning too quickly, what do I do?

If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my super-easy, super-delicious baked ravioli with meat sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and satisfying. I hope you love it as much as my family does! If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other pasta bakes. They are guaranteed to please. Happy baking!