Description
A comforting and easy baked ravioli casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and a flavorful blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish combines tender cheese ravioli with a savory meat sauce, baked to bubbly perfection with a golden cheese crust.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce (from one 24 oz jar)
Baking Dish Layer
- 1 cup marinara sauce (remaining from the jar)
- 20 ounces uncooked cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and adjust the oven rack to the top third position. Prepare all the cheeses so they're ready for layering. - Sauté aromatics
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. - Cook ground beef
Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with salt and pepper. - Add marinara sauce to beef mixture
Pour in 2 cups of marinara sauce into the skillet with beef. Stir well and let it heat through for a few minutes to combine flavors. - Prepare baking dish
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom. - Layer the casserole
Place half of the uncooked cheese ravioli evenly over the marinara sauce. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the ravioli, then sprinkle half of both mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly on top. Repeat this layering with the remaining ravioli, beef mixture, and cheeses, finishing with a cheese layer on top. - Bake the casserole
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook the ravioli thoroughly. - Broil for browning
Remove the foil carefully and switch the oven to broil. Broil the dish for a few minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly, golden, and slightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning. - Serve immediately
Once bubbly and golden, remove from oven and serve hot for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- Use extra lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease in the dish.
- You can substitute fresh or frozen cheese ravioli; just ensure it cooks through while baking.
- Try adding Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- To avoid the casserole being too watery, drain any excess fat from the cooked meat before layering.
- The broil step adds a beautiful browned cheese topping, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
