Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the whole dish up to the point before broiling, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, add the cheese on top and broil just before serving for the freshest, gooiest finish.

Can I use frozen ravioli instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Just cook according to the package instructions before adding them to the sauce. Their texture will hold up well, and it’s a convenient swap.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

No worries! Simply use any large skillet for the stovetop steps, then transfer the mix to a baking dish, layer with cheese, and broil from there.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the meat altogether and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils instead. The cheesy, tomatoey deliciousness will still be front and center.

Cheesy Beef Ravioli Recipe

Name: Cheesy Beef Ravioli Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 20 ounces fresh refrigerated ravioli (e.g., 4-cheese or your favorite flavor); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large sweet Vidalia or yellow onion, diced small; 1 pound lean ground beef (80% lean); 3 to 5 cloves garlic, peeled and finely minced or pressed; 1 heaping tablespoon Italian seasoning (or to taste); 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste); 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste); 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ⅔ cup Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil (optional, for garnishing)

When you need a meal that’s hearty, irresistible, and impossibly quick to throw together after a long day, look no further than this Cheesy Beef Ravioli Recipe. Imagine bubbly cheese blanketing pillowy ravioli, savory ground beef, and a bright, rich tomato sauce—all cooked up in a single skillet. It’s one of those dishes that feels like you’ve spent ages in the kitchen, yet you’ll be out in less than half an hour. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, last-minute guests, or just for yourself after a marathon of errands, this is the kind of shortcut dinner everyone should have up their sleeve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal dishes, maximum flavor. Everything comes together in a single, oven-safe skillet.
Speedy Yet Satisfying: Ready in about 25 minutes, but tastes like the comfort food of your dreams.
Customizable: Go wild with your favorite ravioli filling, toss in more veggies, and adjust the cheese to suit your mood.
Crowd Pleaser: The gooey cheese and rich beef-tomato sauce combo is practically guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fresh Refrigerated Ravioli: The base of the dish; use four-cheese for classic flavor, but any favorite filling works.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle, fruity depth to the sauce.
Onion (Vidalia or yellow): Brings sweetness and a savory backbone—don’t skip this, it adds real flavor.
Lean Ground Beef: The heartiness in the sauce, choose 80% lean for the perfect balance of juiciness and flavor.
Garlic: Adds mellow bite and intoxicating aroma; use as much as you love.
Italian Seasoning: Gives you a shortcut to that classic “homemade sauce” vibe.
Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer.
Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the rich, saucy base—choose a good brand, you’ll taste the difference.
Mozzarella Cheese: The melt-factor champ, creating that beautiful gooey top layer.
Parmesan Cheese: For nutty sharpness and saltiness to balance the richness.
Fresh Basil (optional): Brings a fresh, peppery finish on top. If you have it, use it!

Tip: Want to bulk up the dish? Throw in some baby spinach or mushrooms before the sauce for added veggies.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Switch Up the Ravioli: Try spinach-ricotta, mushroom, chicken, or even lobster-filled ravioli for something different.
Use Ground Turkey or Pork: Perfect for lighter or slightly different flavored results.
Add Veggies: Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers mix in seamlessly for extra nutrition.
Cheese Choices: Mix in provolone or fontina for added creaminess, or a sprinkle of pepper jack for gentle heat.
Go Vegetarian: Omit beef and sauté extra veggies, or toss in lentils for a hearty, meatless version.

How to Make Cheesy Beef Ravioli

Step 1: Boil the Ravioli

Cook your fresh ravioli according to the package directions (usually just a few minutes), then drain and set aside. They’ll finish cooking in the sauce, so don’t worry if they’re a bit al dente.

Step 2: Make the Sauce Base

In a large, ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sauté the diced onion until it just starts to turn translucent and sweet—about 3 minutes. Trust me, a little patience here is worth it for the flavor payoff.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir frequently so it cooks evenly. Once it’s fully browned and crumbly, you’re halfway to comfort food bliss.

Step 4: Build the Flavor

Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it another minute until fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing.

Step 5: Combine Ravioli and Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then gently fold in your cooked ravioli. Stir everything together, making sure the ravioli get coated in all that meaty, tomato goodness.

Step 6: Layer on the Cheese

Evenly sprinkle mozzarella over the top, then a generous layer of parmesan. This is where the magic happens.

Step 7: Broil to Perfection

Pop the skillet under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely. The cheese should melt, bubble, and turn irresistibly golden. Don’t walk away—every broiler is different!

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Once the cheese is just right, remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil if you have it, and dive in while it’s still bubbling.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Ravioli: Since they’ll spend more time in the sauce and under the broiler, aim for just-tender when boiling.
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: It saves time and cleanup. No ovenproof skillet? Transfer to a baking dish before topping with cheese.
Pre-Shred Cheese: If possible, shred your cheese fresh for the best melt and flavor—bagged cheese can be drier and less creamy.
Broiler Watch: Stay close while broiling. Cheese can go from golden to scorched in a flash. Trust the process and your eyes, not just the timer!

How to Serve

This Cheesy Beef Ravioli is the star of any dinner table and needs very little to shine. Serve straight from the skillet, family-style, with plenty of crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad for freshness. Try pairing with a simple Italian-style side (think roasted broccoli or a tangle of dressed arugula) for a perfectly rounded meal.

If you want to impress, drizzle a touch of quality olive oil or scatter extra basil on each plate just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It reheats beautifully and is one of those dishes that tastes just as good, if not better, on day two.

Freezing

Portion into freezer-friendly containers and freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or transfer the whole batch back to your ovenproof skillet and bake, covered, at 350°F until hot and bubbly. If it looks a little dry, a splash of water or tomato sauce does the trick.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the whole dish up to the point before broiling, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, add the cheese on top and broil just before serving for the freshest, gooiest finish.
Can I use frozen ravioli instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Just cook according to the package instructions before adding them to the sauce. Their texture will hold up well, and it’s a convenient swap.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

No worries! Simply use any large skillet for the stovetop steps, then transfer the mix to a baking dish, layer with cheese, and broil from there.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the meat altogether and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils instead. The cheesy, tomatoey deliciousness will still be front and center.

Final Thoughts

Let yourself enjoy the pure comfort of a bubbling, cheesy, beef-studded ravioli bake—without the stress of complicated prep or cleanup. This Cheesy Beef Ravioli recipe makes weeknight dinners both easy and memorable, with every bite satisfying and heartwarming. No matter how you spin it, you’ll want to keep this dinner in heavy rotation. Give it a try, and let yourself savor the joy of a fuss-free, flavor-packed meal!