Million Dollar Cheese Ravioli

This hearty cheese ravioli bake combines rich ground beef and savory sauces with gooey mozzarella for a comforting meal perfect for any night of the week. It brings together simple ingredients into a satisfying skillet dish that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly.

This dish became an instant family favorite at my home. I made it the first time on a busy weeknight, and now it’s one of the most requested meals around here.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: cooked until browned to build a flavorful meaty base
• Small onion: diced for subtle sweetness and aroma
• Garlic: minced to add depth and warmth
• Salt and black pepper: for seasoning, because these simple staples really boost all the flavors
• Garlic powder and buttery garlic herb seasoning: to enhance the savory notes
• Italian seasoning: for classic herbaceous undertones that marry the tomato and cheese beautifully
• Tomato garlic and onion pasta sauce: brings acidity and richness look for one with quality ingredients and no preservatives
• Roasted garlic Alfredo sauce: adds creamy texture and a mellow garlic flavor that lifts the whole dish
• Frozen cheese ravioli: partially thawed so they cook evenly without getting mushy
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: to melt on top, adding gooey, melty indulgence

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Ground Beef:

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef. Break up any clumps with your spoon to ensure even browning and cook until the meat is fully browned with no pink remaining. This step builds a rich flavor foundation for the dish.

Add Onion and Garlic:

Add the diced onion and minced garlic directly to the browned beef. Cook over medium heat while stirring frequently until the onion becomes translucent and soft, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This develops sweetness and lets the garlic release its aroma.

Season the Mixture:

Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, buttery garlic and herb seasoning, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything very well so the spices incorporate evenly, seasoning the meat and aromatics to bring out their best qualities.

Add Sauces:

Pour in both the tomato garlic and onion pasta sauce and the roasted garlic Alfredo sauce into the skillet. Stir gently to combine these two sauces fully with the meat mixture. The combination gives balance between acidity and creamy richness.

Incorporate the Ravioli:

Add the partially thawed cheese ravioli to the skillet. Fold the ravioli carefully into the sauce making sure each piece is coated but not broken. Cover the skillet and lower the heat to simmer gently for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the ravioli without mushiness.

Add Mozzarella Cheese and Finish:

After the ravioli have softened and absorbed the sauce flavors, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt completely with residual heat, which makes a luscious cheesy crust.

Serve and Enjoy:

Scoop portions onto plates right from the skillet and serve immediately to enjoy the ravioli warm and gooey with the rich meat sauce and melted mozzarella.

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One of my favorite parts about this recipe is the slow simmering step that allows the ravioli to soak up all those flavors. My family loves gathering around this skillet because it’s both simple to make and feels like a real treat.

Storage Tips

Let the dish cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave covered to keep the ravioli from drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage if you want a different kind of meat flavor. Use fresh ravioli if available but be careful with cooking time since fresh tends to cook faster than frozen. If Alfredo sauce is not your favorite, try using cream or a béchamel sauce for a different creamy twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple side salad of mixed greens tossed in vinaigrette to lighten the meal. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf works perfectly for soaking up any extra sauce. A glass of red wine complements the Italian-inspired flavors nicely.

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Cultural Context

Cheese ravioli originates from Italian cuisine where filled pasta varieties have been beloved for centuries. This American Italian dish adds a hearty meat sauce and baked cheese twist that reflects home-cooked comfort food often found in Italian-American households.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How should I prepare the ravioli before cooking?

Partially thaw frozen cheese ravioli beforehand to ensure even cooking and prevent them from becoming mushy during simmering.

→ Can I use different cheeses in this dish?

Yes, variations like provolone or fontina can be used along with or instead of mozzarella to add depth and creaminess.

→ What is the best way to brown the ground beef evenly?

Cook ground beef over medium heat, breaking up clumps frequently until fully browned and no pink remains, ensuring a tender texture.

→ How long should the ravioli simmer in the sauces?

Simmer the ravioli covered on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so they absorb the flavors and soften just right.

→ Which herbs complement this pasta dish best?

Italian seasoning along with garlic powder and buttery herb blends enhance the savory profile without overpowering the cheese and sauce.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

This dish can be prepared in advance, but it’s best enjoyed freshly baked to keep the cheese melted and sauces fresh.