Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish (9×13 inches) with cooking spray or oil.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Assemble the Ravioli Bake:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Arrange a single layer of ravioli over the sauce.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers: meat sauce, ravioli, and cheese, until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
4. Bake the Dish:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Let the ravioli bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Using store-bought ravioli saves time, making this perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of gooey cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender ravioli is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Swap out the ground beef for turkey, or try spinach ravioli for a vegetarian twist.
Tips for Success:
- Cheese Variation: Use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan for extra cheesy goodness.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
This Ravioli Lasagna Bake is comfort food at its best—simple, delicious, and satisfying. Whether for a casual family dinner or a cozy gathering, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make over and over again! 😊