Beefy Baked Ravioli: A Comfort Food Masterpiece

Baked ravioli is the ultimate comfort food – simple to make, satisfying to eat, and easily adaptable to your own preferences. This beefy baked ravioli recipe takes the classic dish to the next level with a rich, savory beef sauce that perfectly complements the cheesy ravioli. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck gathering, or any time you’re craving a hearty and delicious meal. Get ready for a family favorite!

## Why You’ll Love This Beefy Baked Ravioli

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses readily available ingredients. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** The combination of pasta, cheese, and flavorful beef sauce is pure comfort food bliss.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by using different types of ravioli, cheeses, or adding your favorite vegetables.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Beefy baked ravioli is always a hit with both kids and adults.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Ravioli:** 2 (25 ounce) packages of refrigerated or frozen beef ravioli. Cheese ravioli can also be used, but the beef ravioli enhances the beefy flavor.
* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 is recommended for flavor). You can also use ground turkey or Italian sausage.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. This adds a foundational savory flavor to the sauce.
* **Garlic:** 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch (about 1 teaspoon).
* **Canned Tomatoes:** 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce, and 1 (6 ounce) can of tomato paste. The combination of these provides depth and richness to the sauce.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 2 teaspoons. This adds a classic Italian flavor profile.
* **Dried Oregano:** 1 teaspoon. Adds a distinctive earthy note.
* **Dried Basil:** 1 teaspoon. Complements the oregano and Italian seasoning.
* **Sugar:** 1 teaspoon. Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Used for sautéing the onion and garlic.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 2 cups, shredded. This creates a melty, cheesy topping.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated. Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the topping.
* **Fresh Parsley:** (Optional) For garnish. Adds a fresh, vibrant touch.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making the best beefy baked ravioli:

**1. Prepare the Beef Sauce:**

* Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

**2. Simmer the Sauce:**

* Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
* Add the Italian seasoning, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. For a richer flavor, simmer for up to an hour.

**3. Assemble the Ravioli Bake:**

* Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
* Spread a thin layer of the beef sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
* Arrange half of the ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. If using frozen ravioli, you don’t need to thaw them first.
* Spoon half of the remaining beef sauce over the ravioli, making sure to cover them evenly.
* Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
* Repeat layers with the remaining ravioli, sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.

**4. Bake the Ravioli:**

* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
* Bake for 20 minutes. This helps to heat the ravioli through without burning the cheese.
* Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the ravioli is heated through.

**5. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Let the baked ravioli cool for a few minutes before serving.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Beefy Baked Ravioli

* **Don’t Overcook the Ravioli:** Overcooked ravioli can become mushy. Bake until the cheese is melted and the ravioli is heated through.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of the final dish. Opt for good quality ground beef, canned tomatoes, and cheeses.
* **Simmer the Sauce for Longer:** Simmering the sauce for a longer period allows the flavors to develop and deepen. If you have the time, simmer the sauce for an hour or more.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the sauce. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach would all be great additions. Sauté them with the onion and garlic.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes to your liking.
* **Use Different Types of Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, ricotta, or fontina would all be delicious additions.
* **Add a Creamy Element:** For a richer and creamier dish, stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or a splash of heavy cream into the sauce before baking.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little bit of heat.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs add a bright and vibrant flavor to the dish. Add fresh basil, oregano, or parsley to the sauce or garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
* **Prevent Sticking:** To prevent the ravioli from sticking to the bottom of the baking dish, make sure to grease the dish well and spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom before adding the ravioli.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Meat Lovers:** Add cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni to the sauce for an extra meaty flavor.
* **Vegetarian:** Use cheese or spinach ravioli and add more vegetables to the sauce.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage.
* **Creamy:** Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the sauce before baking.
* **Different Cheeses:** Use a combination of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheese for a more complex flavor.
* **Different Ravioli:** Experiment with different flavors of ravioli, such as mushroom, lobster, or artichoke.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free ravioli for a gluten-free version of the dish.

## Serving Suggestions

Beefy baked ravioli is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your dinner:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich ravioli.
* **Garlic Bread:** Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a healthy and colorful side dish.
* **Caesar Salad:** A classic Caesar salad is always a good choice.
* **Antipasto Platter:** Serve with an antipasto platter of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and vegetables for a complete Italian feast.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This beefy baked ravioli can be made ahead of time and baked later. Here’s how:

* Assemble the ravioli bake as directed in the recipe.
* Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
* When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Remove the plastic wrap and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
* Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the ravioli is heated through. You may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time since the dish is cold from the refrigerator.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover beefy baked ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warmed through. Add a splash of water or sauce to prevent it from drying out.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 650-750 per serving (depending on ingredients used)
* Protein: 35-45g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 60-70g

## Recipe Card

**Beefy Baked Ravioli**

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 40 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 2 (25 ounce) packages of refrigerated or frozen beef ravioli
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Fresh parsley (optional), for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, draining off excess grease.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Spread a thin layer of sauce in the baking dish. Arrange half of the ravioli over the sauce. Top with half of the remaining sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Repeat layers with the remaining ravioli, sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

**Enjoy your delicious Beefy Baked Ravioli!**

This beefy baked ravioli recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The rich, savory beef sauce and cheesy ravioli create a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and unforgettable dish!