Cheesy Baked Ravioli with Meat Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that’s equal parts cheesy and hearty, you’re going to love this Cheesy Baked Ravioli with Meat Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I come back to again and again, especially when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take all night to prepare. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on your regular rotation—you’ll enjoy how everything melds together into a gooey, meaty, irresistible bake.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about the ingredients in this Cheesy Baked Ravioli with Meat Sauce Recipe is that they balance each other beautifully: the seasoned ground beef and savory sauce give it rich depth, while the half and half keeps it creamy and smooth. Using refrigerated ravioli saves time and adds convenience, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

• Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for good flavor and juiciness without too much grease.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every other flavor here.
• Onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, mustard powder: These spices build a layered, Italian-inspired flavor—don’t skip or swap lightly.
• Hot sauce: A tiny touch brings complexity without making the dish spicy.
• Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami richness that you might not expect but will quickly notice.
• Yellow onion: Diced small to soften easily and add natural sweetness.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds the perfect aromatic kick;
• Marinara sauce: Pick your favorite brand or homemade—this anchors the whole dish.
• Half and half: Creates a luscious, creamy texture in the meat sauce without heaviness.
• Mozzarella cheese: Divided to get melty layers and golden bubbly cheese on top.
• Refrigerated ravioli: Using uncooked ravioli lets them bake perfectly tender in the sauce—look for cheese or meat-filled varieties.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Cheesy Baked Ravioli with Meat Sauce Recipe quite a bit, and I encourage you to customize it for your family’s tastes. Sometimes swapping out the meat or adding veggies turns this into a different but equally delicious dish.

• Vegetarian: I swapped the beef for Italian sausage-style plant-based crumble once—it worked beautifully with extra mushrooms for texture.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a spicier hot sauce if you love heat; just be sure to adjust the balance so it doesn’t overpower.
• Cheese lovers: I’ve mixed in some Parmesan or provolone for a richer cheese experience—feel free to experiment with what you have.
• Veggie boost: Toss in finely chopped spinach or bell peppers in the meat sauce; it sneaks in nutrition without changing the flavor too much.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Ravioli with Meat Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Brown and Season the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high, then add your ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper. I love this part because cooking and crumbling the beef releases flavor that builds the base of the sauce. After about 3 minutes, sprinkle in your onion powder, dried basil, oregano, mustard powder, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, then stir in the diced onions. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes until the onions soften. Finally, add in the minced garlic and cook just one more minute—be careful not to burn it. If your skillet has excess grease, tilt it and spoon it out to avoid a greasy final dish. Then reduce the heat to low to keep warm.

Step 2: Add Sauce and Cream

Next, spoon ¾ cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish—this prevents sticking and starts the flavor layering. Pour the remaining marinara into the skillet with the beef mixture, then stir in the half and half. This addition is my secret for that creamy, dreamy texture that elevates the sauce above your typical meat sauce. Give it a good stir, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Arrange half of the uncooked ravioli in a single layer over the sauce in your casserole dish. I like to press them gently so they nestle slightly in the sauce. Spoon half of the meat sauce on top, then sprinkle ½ cup of mozzarella cheese evenly. Repeat with the remaining ravioli and meat sauce, topping with the rest of the mozzarella. This layering creates pockets of cheesy, saucy goodness throughout the bake.

Step 4: Bake and Broil to Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil sprayed on the side facing the cheese to prevent sticking, then bake at 350°F for 35 minutes. This step lets the ravioli cook perfectly in the sauce. Near the end, remove the cover and switch your oven to broil at 450°F to brown the top—watch this carefully as it only takes 1 to 2 minutes to get that gorgeous golden crust. Once browned, remove from the oven and get ready to serve!

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Ravioli with Meat Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley—it brightens the rich flavors and adds color. A little grated Parmesan on top never hurts either, especially if you want that extra cheesy kick. Sometimes, I add a crack of black pepper right before serving; it’s those tiny finishes that impress guests without extra effort.

Side Dishes

Since this baked ravioli is rich and filling, I usually pair it with lighter sides like a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts for some earthy crunch. Garlic bread is a classic too, and I can’t resist some warm, buttery slices for soaking up every bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I sometimes bake this in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes—it feels fancy and makes portion control easier. Another fun idea is to layer it in a deep-dish pie pan for a crispier edge. Either way, serving with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of good olive oil turns it into a meal worthy of company.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I usually cool the leftover baked ravioli to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days and reheats nicely without drying out. Just be sure to save some sauce or add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it moist.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I assemble the whole casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When I want to use it, I let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights or meal prep.

Reheating

For leftovers, I usually reheat individual portions in the microwave, but to revive that fresh-baked feel, popping it in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes works wonders—just watch so it doesn’t dry out. Adding a sprinkle of mozzarella or a splash of half and half before reheating keeps it creamy and moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Ravioli with Meat Sauce Recipe has become a personal favorite for comfort dinners and last-minute guests. Its rich layers of melty cheese, tender ravioli, and flavorful meat sauce always bring smiles to the table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as my family and I do—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm, tasty hug. Give it a try and don’t forget to share your favorite tweaks!

Print