Description
This Baked Ravioli recipe combines savory Italian sausage, tender cheese ravioli, and a rich tomato sauce layered with melted mozzarella cheese. Easily prepared with simple ingredients, it’s a comforting and crowd-pleasing baked pasta dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb. Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
Pasta and Cheese
- 25 oz. frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to a large skillet and cook over medium heat until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Sauté the Onion: While the sausage cooks, dice the onion. Add it to the skillet and cook over medium heat until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Combine well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the Sauce: Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally while you prepare the ravioli.
- Cook the Ravioli: In a large pot of boiling water, cook the frozen cheese ravioli for 3-4 minutes or according to package instructions until tender. Drain well.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350ºF to prepare for baking the assembled casserole.
- First Layer: Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Add Ravioli and Cheese: Layer half of the cooked ravioli over the sauce, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella, followed by adding 1 cup more sauce on top.
- Second Layer: Add the remaining ravioli, top with another cup of sauce, and finish with the remaining shredded mozzarella.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Broil for Browning: Remove the foil, switch the oven to broil, and broil the casserole for a few minutes until the cheese is nicely browned. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving. Enjoy your delicious baked ravioli!
Notes
- Italian sausage can be replaced with ground beef or turkey for a different protein choice.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor but is optional.
- Use frozen ravioli to simplify preparation; cook time may vary slightly depending on the brand.
- Broiling time is quick; stay attentive to prevent cheese from burning.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just extend baking time slightly if baking cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian