This delicious Quick and Easy Baked Cheesy Ravioli and Meat Sauce comes together in about 30 minutes and uses one baking dish for minimal cleanup. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that your family will love! You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. Seriously, what’s not to love?
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s talk about what you’ll need for this quick and easy dinner that packs a flavorful punch. Here’s the scoop on the ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef: The star of our meat sauce! Feel free to swap for turkey or plant-based ground if you prefer.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Because… cheese! I mean, can you ever have too much?
- 1 cup parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for that rich, nutty flavor, but pre-grated will work in a pinch.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A little bit to sauté the onion and beef; it adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped: We are using a half onion here, but if you love that oniony goodness, you could totally use a whole one!
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Garlic makes everything better! You could also use garlic powder if you’re in a rush.
- Salt & black pepper, to taste: Just a couple pinches, you know?
- 1 (24 oz) jar spaghetti sauce, divided: Choose your favorite kind! Classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, or even a homemade version if you’re up for it.
- 20 oz cheese ravioli, refrigerated and uncooked: You can use store-bought or make your own, whatever you have on hand!
How to Make Quick and Easy Baked Cheesy Ravioli and Meat Sauce
Ready to get your hands dirty? Let’s roll up those sleeves and make this comforting meal!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the upper third—it’s time to create some magic!
Step 2: Prepare your cheeses—measure out your mozzarella and Parmesan. Set it aside for later so it’s all ready when you need it.
Step 3: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until translucent and aromatic.
Step 4: Toss in the ground beef and garlic into the skillet. Cook until it’s beautifully browned, about 8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat and season with a couple pinches of salt and pepper.
Step 5: Now, stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce and heat through for a couple of minutes. This is where the kitchen starts to smell absolutely heavenly!
Step 6: Grab a 9×13 baking dish, grease it up, and spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom. This creates a nice, slick base for our masterpiece!
Step 7: Layer half of the ravioli on top of the sauce, followed by half of the beef mixture and half of each cheese. Repeat these layers, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top. Seriously, don’t be stingy!
Step 8: Cover your creation with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden—it will be so hard to resist not diving in right then!
Step 9: Serve up the goodness immediately. If you can, let it cool for just a minute—because, wow, it gets hot!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my absolute go-to recipe when I want something comforting but I’m short on time. It’s a real crowd-pleaser and my picky-eater son actually asks for seconds (mind blown!). I’m such a sucker for hearty, cheesy goodness, and this dish serves it up in spades. Plus, it’s so versatile! You can change up the filling, add veggies, or even make it a little spicier with hot sauce. The best part is it’s like a warm hug from dinner after a long day.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Rice, my Easy Meatball Subs, or my Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
Comes together in under 30 minutes, meaning even the busiest weeks can’t stop you from enjoying a home-cooked meal!
One Pot
This dish comes together all in one pot (or baking dish, rather), making cleanup a breeze. You’ll only need to wash a skillet, a mixing bowl, and your baking dish—score!
Budget-Friendly
Using affordable, everyday ingredients, you can easily make this meal without breaking the bank. I mean, who doesn’t love a budget-friendly dinner that tastes gourmet?
Comfort Food
It’s loaded with tons of flavor and cheese! I think we can all agree there’s something magical about a cheesy baked dish that just warms the soul, right?
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you have! Have veggies? Toss ’em in! Want to swap out the meat? Go ahead! This dish is your canvas.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Baked Cheesy Ravioli and Meat Sauce
This meal shines on its own, but feel free to pair it up with a fresh garden salad or some garlic bread to round it out. You might even like to serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for an extra pop of color (and nutrition!).
Storage
You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to cover it well or transfer it to an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just make sure to cover it to keep things moist.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! This dish is actually freezer-friendly. You can freeze it after baking (or before baking, if you want to prep ahead!). Just make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It should be good for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
Pro Tips You Need to Know
- Experiment with Different Cheeses: While mozzarella and parmesan are amazingly creamy, consider trying provolone, gouda, or even a little ricotta for added creaminess.
- Use Frozen Ravioli: If you’re looking to save even more time, frozen ravioli can go straight from the freezer to the baking dish. Just add a couple extra minutes in the oven!
- Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some greens? Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work wonderfully mixed into the meat sauce layer.
So, there you have it! A warm and cozy meal that’s easy to whip up and even easier to fall in love with. You’ll absolutely want to keep this Quick and Easy Baked Cheesy Ravioli and Meat Sauce recipe in heavy rotation on your weeknight dinner lineup!
Happy cooking! 💖
Print
Quick and Easy Baked Cheesy Ravioli and Meat Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
This Quick and Easy Baked Cheesy Ravioli and Meat Sauce comes together in about 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 (24 oz) jar spaghetti sauce, divided
- 20 oz cheese ravioli, refrigerated and uncooked
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the upper third.
- Prepare your cheeses—measure out your mozzarella and Parmesan. Set it aside for later.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until translucent.
- Toss in the ground beef and garlic into the skillet. Cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce and heat through for a couple of minutes.
- Grab a 9×13 baking dish, grease it, and spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Layer half of the ravioli on top of the sauce, followed by half of the beef mixture and half of each cheese. Repeat these layers, finishing with cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve immediately and let cool for a minute before diving in.
Notes
Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your taste or use leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg