Cheesy Baked Ravioli Casserole
- Recipe Introduction: Your New Favourite Comfort Food
- Gather Your Bits for a Cracking Ravioli Bake
- Ingredients & Equipment for Your Epic Cheesy Baked Ravioli Casserole
- Cooking Method: Cracking the Cheesy Baked Ravioli Casserole Code
- Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Easy Ravioli Bake
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction: Your New Favourite Comfort Food
Fancy a proper treat that’s dead easy to make? Ever get that craving for something cheesy, saucy, and utterly comforting? Then, let me tell you about this Cheesy Baked Ravioli Casserole .
Honestly, this stuff is pure magic!
Quick Hook: Cheesy Baked Ravioli Casserole for the Win!
Do you ever crave a big hug in food form? Because this Cheesy Baked Ravioli Casserole is exactly that! Imagine layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese.
This recipe is the bomb.
Brief Overview: Comfort Food, Italian Style
This Ravioli Lasagna is inspired by Italian American baked pasta dishes, like baked ziti. It’s super simple, taking about 50 minutes from start to finish.
It's an Easy Ravioli Bake that serves 6 people.
Main Benefits: Easy Peasy and Packed with Goodness
This Easy Ravioli Casserole Recipe is a winner because it's quick and satisfying. It’s a fantastic way to get a hearty meal on the table without slaving away for hours.
Plus, it's a great source of protein. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with mates. What makes this recipe special? It turns humble ravioli into something truly spectacular!
I remember one time I made this for a potluck, and it was gone in seconds . Everyone was asking for the recipe! That's when I knew I had a proper winner on my hands.
Alright, let's talk ingredients. You know, the good stuff that makes this Beef Ravioli Bake so darn delicious.
Gather Your Bits for a Cracking Ravioli Bake
Time to assemble the troops, ingredient wise!
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Epic Cheesy Baked Ravioli Casserole
Alright, let's talk grub! This Cheesy Baked Ravioli Casserole is seriously easy. Honestly, if I can do it after a long day, anyone can.
So, let's get the ingredients sorted for our Easy Ravioli Bake !
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
Okay, precise measurements are key. No one wants a soggy disaster.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml). The base for our amazing sauce.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped. About 1 cup .
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. This is like, the soul of Italian cooking.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g). Quality crushed tomatoes make ALL the difference.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g).
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5ml).
- Dried Basil: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml).
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml). Only if you want a cheeky little kick.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5ml). Season to your liking!
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml).
- Granulated Sugar: 1 tablespoon (15ml). Balances the tomato acidity.
- Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (425g). Whole milk or part skim. Creamy dreamy!
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated (50g). Plus extra for topping, obviously.
- Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
- Ravioli: 25 ounces (709g). Fresh or frozen, your choice! Beef Ravioli Bake is a personal fave.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups shredded (200g). Loads of lovely cheese, can't go wrong here.
I once accidentally used pre-shredded mozzarella that had cellulose in it. Lesson learned: freshly grated always melts better. Always .
Seasoning Notes: Bangin' Flavours
Oregano and basil are a classic Italian combo. You know? Red pepper flakes give it a lil' something something, but feel free to skip them if you're not a fan of spice.
For a deeper, richer sauce, add a bay leaf while it simmers. Don't forget to take it out before layering.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- Large skillet or saucepan: For that killer sauce.
- 9x13 inch baking dish: The vessel for our Easy Ravioli Casserole Recipe .
- Mixing bowl: For the ricotta mixture.
Don't have a 9x13 pan? A slightly smaller one will work, just adjust the baking time. Honestly, I've even used a pie dish in a pinch! You're gonna want to make this Four Cheese Ravioli Bake with all this wonderful parmesan and mozzarella.
A great Ravioli Bake with Meat Sauce , it's the epitome of comfort food.
Seriously, this Simple Ravioli Bake is foolproof. Get stuck in and prepare to be amazed. That's it for ingredients and equipment, now go forth and create a magical casserole with this Baked Ravioli .
Cooking Method: Cracking the Cheesy Baked Ravioli Casserole Code
Right, let's dive into making a Cheesy Baked Ravioli Casserole . Honestly, it's so easy it's almost cheating. The best part? It feels fancy but needs minimal effort.
The goal is a bubbling, golden, cheesy masterpiece, perfect for a lazy Sunday. I reckon you'll nail this in no time!
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic
First up, the mise en place . Fancy French, innit? All it means is get your stuff ready! Chop your onion and garlic.
Grate your cheese. Open those tins of tomatoes. Have everything measured out. Trust me, it's a game changer. You don't want to be scrambling for oregano while your garlic burns.
Speaking of which, don’t set anything on fire. Safety first, people! And keep your pets away from hot stoves. I learned it the hard way, but let's save that story for another time.
step-by-step: From Humble Beginnings to Ravioli Royalty
Alright, let's get cooking! This Easy Ravioli Bake is a winner.
- Sauté the onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until softened, around 5 minutes .
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling brave!), salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for 15 minutes , stirring occasionally. This is where all the magic happen!
- Mix the ricotta, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce in your 9x13 inch baking dish. Then layer half the ravioli, ricotta mixture, remaining sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat the layers.
- Cover with foil. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20 minutes . Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes , or until golden and bubbly. Boom!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Bake
Want to make this Easy Ravioli Casserole Recipe sing? First tip, don't overcook the ravioli, especially if you're using the fresh stuff.
The Beef Ravioli Bake goes from divine to mush in seconds. Second thing to note is, always use a quality cheese.
Seriously. Finally, let the Ravioli Casserole with Spinach rest for 5- 10 minutes after baking. This stops it turning into a cheesy puddle.
Serve this Simple Ravioli Bake with some crusty bread for mopping up all that delicious sauce. You'll want to savor every last drop!
Right, let's talk about the nitty gritty of this amazing Cheesy Baked Ravioli Casserole . You've got the recipe; now let's make sure you nail it, yeah? Cooking is both science and art, a bit like baking soda volcanoes in a bowl, isn't it? Here are some extra pointers for guaranteed success.
Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Easy Ravioli Bake
This section is all about those little things that can make a good dish great . Honestly, it's where the magic happens! Think of these as my personal secrets, shared just with you.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation, darling! First impressions matter. This Beef Ravioli Bake looks amazing piled high on a plate. But how about some Ravioli Casserole with Spinach on the side to add some color? Or even better, serve it family style in the baking dish, slap bang in the middle of the table, for that proper homely feel.
A bit of freshly grated Parmesan on top never hurt anyone, did it? Don't forget some crusty bread for soaking up all that gorgeous sauce.
A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio goes down a treat too!
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Easy Ravioli Casserole Recipe keeps well. Just pop it in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.
If you're thinking longer term, you can freeze it! Make sure it's completely cool first. Then, wrap it well in cling film and foil.
It'll last for up to 2 months in the freezer. Reheating instructions? Just thaw it out overnight in the fridge and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through, around 20- 25 minutes.
Honestly, the flavor almost improves overnight!.
Variations: Simple Ravioli Bake Your Way
Feel like shaking things up? This Baked Ravioli is super versatile. Swap the beef ravioli for cheese ravioli. Voila, Four Cheese Ravioli Bake ! Want to cut down on the carbs? Use whole wheat ravioli.
Fancy a bit of spice? Add a pinch more red pepper flakes. For a summery twist, try adding some chopped fresh basil to the ricotta mixture.
If you're in the mood for a Creamy Ravioli Bake , then just add a dash of double cream to the sauce.
The possibilities are endless! You can even try making it as a Ravioli Lasagna layered dish!
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Each serving of this Cheesy Baked Ravioli Casserole packs around 520 calories, plus a good dose of protein and some essential vitamins.
The ricotta cheese is a great source of calcium, which keeps those bones strong! And honestly, a happy tummy is a healthy tummy, right?
See, cooking this Cheesy Baked Ravioli Casserole isn't daunting, is it? Now go on, get in the kitchen and give it a go! I promise you won't regret it.
Happy baking, and remember, if I can do it, you definitely can!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cheesy Baked Ravioli Casserole ahead of time? Like, Mary Berry style, can I prep it in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through properly. It's a cracking way to get ahead if you're expecting guests or having a busy week.
Just remember to let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking for even cooking.
I'm not a fan of ricotta cheese. Is there something else I can use in my Cheesy Baked Ravioli Casserole?
No worries, mate! If ricotta isn't your cuppa, you can definitely substitute it. Cream cheese works brilliantly, giving a tangy flavour that complements the sauce. Cottage cheese (drained well) is another good option, adding a different texture but still delivering that creamy element.
Just make sure whatever you use is well combined with the other cheese mixture ingredients.
What's the best way to store leftover Cheesy Baked Ravioli Casserole? And how long will it last?
Storing leftovers is easy peasy. Let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with cling film or transfer it to an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can microwave individual portions, or reheat the whole casserole covered in foil in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) until heated through. You can also freeze the leftover casserole for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it completely in the fridge before reheating.
My sauce always turns out a bit acidic. How can I avoid that when making this Cheesy Baked Ravioli Casserole?
A bit of sweetness can really balance the acidity of tomatoes. The recipe already includes a tablespoon of sugar, but you can add a touch more if needed. Another trick is to add a pinch of baking soda to the sauce while it's simmering just a tiny amount will do the trick and neutralise the acid.
Taste as you go, and add a knob of butter for extra richness that counteracts acidity.
Can I add meat to this Cheesy Baked Ravioli Casserole? I fancy a bit of protein.
You bet! Adding meat is a fantastic way to beef up this casserole (pun intended!). Cooked ground beef or Italian sausage are classic choices, adding a hearty, savory element. You could also crumble in some crispy bacon or add sliced pepperoni for a different flavour profile.
Just make sure the meat is cooked before adding it to the casserole. You can even add shredded chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
I only have dried ravioli. Can I still use it in this Cheesy Baked Ravioli Casserole?
You certainly can use dried ravioli if that is all you have on hand. As the recipe card mentions, be sure to pre-cook the dried ravioli according to package directions before assembling the casserole. This ensures that the ravioli is tender and not overly chewy when baked.
Overcooking dried ravioli can be mushy, so err on the side of al dente. A simple and easy way to make this ravioli recipe!
Cheesy Baked Ravioli Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 520 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 28g |
| Fiber | 3g |
