Baked Ravioli with Meat Sauce & Cheese
A hearty and easy weeknight dinner that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen—but takes just minutes to put together. Perfect for family meals, guests, or when you just want some comforting Italian-style food.
INGREDIENTS (serves 4–6)
For the meat sauce:
1 lb ground beef
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/3 cup finely chopped orange bell pepper (or red/yellow)
4 large garlic cloves, minced
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp black pepper
3/4 tsp dried oregano
3/4 tsp dried thyme (or substitute with Italian seasoning)
1 cup beef broth
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (or your favorite marinara sauce)
A small handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
For assembling:
1 package (~16 oz or 500g) refrigerated ravioli (spinach & ricotta, cheese, mushroom, etc.)
1–2 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese (avoid pre-shredded if possible)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese
Non-stick cooking spray or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Extra fresh basil for garnish (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Make the meat sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Don’t season it yet—you’ll drain the fat first.
Drain excess fat from the pan.
Add chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent.
Push the mixture to the side and add minced garlic in the center. Sauté for about 1 minute (don’t let it burn).
Stir in salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme (or Italian seasoning).
Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together well.
Add chopped fresh basil. Cover and bring to a low simmer.
Once it reaches a light boil, turn off the heat.
Step 2: Assemble the ravioli bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175–180°C).
Lightly spray a baking dish with cooking spray or coat with butter.
Spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
Place a single layer of ravioli over the sauce.
Sprinkle with mozzarella, then a light layer of Parmesan.
Add another generous layer of sauce to cover the ravioli completely (no dry corners!).
Repeat for a second layer: ravioli → cheeses → sauce.
Sprinkle a little more chopped basil on top if desired.
Step 3: Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Bake in the oven for 35 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, uncovered, to lightly brown the top.
Let it rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving.
Suggested sides
Warm garlic bread
A fresh crisp green salad
Refreshing drink like basil lemonade or iced tea
#rachelcooks
