## Ultimate Beef and Cheese Ravioli Bake
**Time to Prepare:**
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
**Introduction**
Recreate the classic Italian meal in your very own kitchen with our Ultimate Beef and Cheese Ravioli Bake. Filled with robust flavor, oozing cheese, and savory beef, it’s the perfect meal for heartwarming family dinners or social gatherings. All you need is 45 minutes to take your taste buds on a trip to Italy!
**Why Make This Recipe**
Believe it or not, making your own Beef and Cheese Ravioli Bake at home is simple and incredibly rewarding. Plus, homemade versions always beat the store-bought ones in terms of freshness, flavor, and heartiness. This recipe is an ideal choice if you’re craving for a dish that’s comfortingly delicious and delightfully easy to make.
**How to Make Ultimate Beef and Cheese Ravioli Bake**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb (450g) ground beef
– 1 package (25 oz) fresh cheese ravioli
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
**Directions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add onion and garlic sauté until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef, cook until browned, and seasoned with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. In a large baking dish, spread a light layer of meat sauce, then a layer of cheese ravioli. Repeat layering, ending with meat sauce on top.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake for 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Allow it to cool a bit, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, serve hot.
**How to Serve Ultimate Beef and Cheese Ravioli Bake**
To make your dining experience even more Italian, serve this bake with a side salad and crusty garlic bread. You can also pair this up with a glass of red wine to enhance the meal.
**How to Store Ultimate Beef and Cheese Ravioli Bake**
Keep any leftover ravioli bake in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay good for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake or microwave it until heated thoroughly.
**Tips to Make Ultimate Beef and Cheese Ravioli Bake**
– Precook your raviolis according to package instructions, but slightly undercook them as they continue cooking in the oven.
– Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
**Variations**
For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef with shredded vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
**FAQs**
1. **Can I freeze this Ravioli Bake?**
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Just ensure to cool it completely before freezing.
2. **Can I use other types of meat?**
Yes. You can replace ground beef with ground chicken, turkey or even pork.
3. **Does this dish taste good reheated?**
Certainly! This dish reheats perfectly without losing much flavor or texture. Just make sure to reheat it in a preheated oven for a few minutes or until hot.