Beefy Baked Ravioli Recipe

Ground beef: Adds a rich, meaty flavor and hearty texture to the dish.

Frozen cheese ravioli: Provides a cheesy, pasta base that pairs perfectly with the beef and sauce.

Marinara sauce: A tomato-based sauce that brings a tangy and savory element to the recipe.

Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, cheesy topping.

Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the other cheeses.

When browning the ground beef, ensure you break it up into small, even pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula. This helps the meat cook more evenly and allows it to mix better with the marinara sauce. Additionally, for an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt and pepper while cooking the beef. This will enhance the overall taste of the baked ravioli.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• ground beef - Substitute with lentils: Lentils offer a plant-based alternative that is high in protein and fiber, making the dish suitable for vegetarians.

• frozen cheese ravioli - Substitute with frozen spinach ravioli: Spinach ravioli adds a different flavor and a boost of nutrients from the spinach.

• frozen cheese ravioli - Substitute with fresh pasta sheets: Fresh pasta sheets can be cut and filled with your choice of cheese or other fillings, offering a homemade touch.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with pesto sauce: Pesto sauce provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor that can change the profile of the dish.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with alfredo sauce: Alfredo sauce offers a creamy, rich alternative to marinara, creating a different texture and taste.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded provolone cheese: Provolone has a similar melting quality and offers a slightly sharper flavor.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar provides a stronger, tangier flavor and melts well in baked dishes.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano cheese: Pecorino Romano is a bit saltier and has a more robust flavor, making it a good alternative.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and is a great vegan alternative to parmesan.

• Allow the beefy baked ravioli to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• For short-term storage, transfer the ravioli to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to freeze the dish, portion it into individual servings. This makes reheating easier and more convenient.

• Wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring there are no air pockets. Then, place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container.

• Label the container with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the ravioli has been stored.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the ravioli in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture of the dish.

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning.

• Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the ravioli in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional mozzarella or parmesan cheese on top before reheating. This adds a fresh layer of gooey goodness.

• Enjoy your reheated beefy baked ravioli with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover beefy baked ravioli in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.
  5. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the ravioli in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, then stir.
  4. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until the ravioli is hot throughout.
  5. Allow it to sit for a minute before enjoying.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Add a small amount of marinara sauce or water to a skillet to prevent sticking.
  2. Place the leftover beefy baked ravioli in the skillet.
  3. Cover and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
  4. Cook until the ravioli is heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
  5. Serve immediately.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the ravioli in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Remove and let cool slightly before serving.

• Oven: Used to bake the ravioli dish at the specified temperature to ensure it cooks evenly and the cheese becomes bubbly and golden.

• Skillet: Utilized to cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is browned.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring and breaking up the ground beef while it cooks in the skillet.

• Baking dish: The main vessel where you will layer the ravioli, beef, sauce, and cheeses before baking.

• Aluminum foil: Used to cover the baking dish during the initial baking period to prevent the cheese from burning.

• Measuring cups: Essential for measuring out the correct amounts of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

• Knife: Useful for opening packages of frozen ravioli and cheese.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for using the knife to open packages.

• Colander: Optional, but can be used to drain any excess fat from the cooked ground beef.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when placing it in and removing it from the oven.

• Serving spoon: Ideal for serving the baked ravioli once it has cooled slightly.

Use pre-cooked ground beef: Cook and freeze ground beef in advance to save time on busy days.

Opt for jarred marinara: Choose a high-quality jarred marinara sauce to cut down on prep time.

Shred cheese in bulk: Shred mozzarella and parmesan in bulk and store them in the fridge for quick access.

Layer efficiently: Assemble the layers of ravioli, beef, and sauce quickly by organizing ingredients beforehand.

Preheat oven early: Preheat the oven while preparing the ingredients to streamline the cooking process.