Beef and Ravioli Bake Recipe 🍽️
Introduction:
Indulge in the savory delight of our Beef and Ravioli Bake! This hearty dish combines tender lean ground beef, flavorful spinach, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all layered between pillowy ravioli, creating a mouthwatering casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this comforting meal in no time. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 package frozen chopped spinach
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 package ravioli
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 458.8
- Fat Content: 23.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 9.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 95.8mg
- Sodium Content: 1307.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 27.1g
- Fiber Content: 2.8g
- Sugar Content: 19.5g
- Protein Content: 35.5g
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the ravioli according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
-
Cooking the Beef Mixture:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked.
- Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in the spaghetti sauce and frozen chopped spinach into the skillet with the ground beef. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until heated through and well combined.
-
Assembling the Bake:
- Spread half of the beef and spinach mixture evenly into a 2-quart baking dish, ensuring it covers the bottom.
-
Layering:
- Arrange the cooked ravioli over the beef mixture in the baking dish, creating a single layer.
-
Final Touches:
- Spoon the remaining beef and spinach mixture over the layer of ravioli, distributing it evenly.
-
Baking:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the dish to heat through.
-
Cheesy Finish:
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
-
Bake Again:
- Return the uncovered baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
-
Serve and Enjoy!
- Once baked to perfection, remove the Beef and Ravioli Bake from the oven.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent any burns.
- Serve slices of this delicious bake hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair this Beef and Ravioli Bake with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Serve it as the main course for a family dinner or potluck gathering, and watch as everyone goes back for seconds!
- This dish also reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying leftovers the next day.
Tips:
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the lean ground beef for a lighter alternative.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the spinach mixture.
- Experiment with different types of ravioli, such as cheese-filled or spinach and ricotta, to add variety to the dish.
Conclusion:
With its layers of savory beef, spinach, cheese, and tender ravioli, our Beef and Ravioli Bake is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving some comfort food, this easy-to-make dish delivers on flavor and satisfaction every time. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that’s both hearty and comforting. Happy cooking! 🍝🧀