Baked Ravioli with Sausage

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious lasagna-like casserole, this recipe has got you covered. By using store-bought ravioli as the base, we’ve created a dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. Sautéed Italian sausage adds depth and richness to the speedy sauce, while a touch of tomato paste and crushed tomatoes provide a smooth and clingy texture. A small amount of heavy cream lends an underlying richness, and fresh basil brings a burst of freshness. Tossing the cooked ravioli in the sauce and layering it with melted mozzarella creates a casserole that practically assembles itself. In just a few minutes in the oven, the cheese turns perfectly melted and lightly browned, forming a gooey and irresistible layer. While this recipe calls for frozen cheese ravioli, you can easily substitute it with fresh ravioli if desired. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying and hassle-free meal with this delicious ravioli casserole recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

• 25 ounces of frozen cheese ravioli
• Salt and pepper
• 1 pound sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup)

PREPARATIONS:

1. Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add the ravioli and 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the ravioli, stirring often, until tender. Drain the ravioli and return it to the pot.
3. Meanwhile, in a 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and cook until the sauce slightly thickens, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cream and chopped basil.
6. Stir the sauce into the cooked ravioli and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Spread the mixture evenly into a 13 by 9-inch baking dish and sprinkle it with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
9. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Adjust the seasoning of the sauce with salt and pepper to suit your taste.

TIPS:

• For a variation, try using different types of cheese ravioli, such as spinach and cheese or mushroom and cheese.
• Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the casserole before baking for added flavor.
• Serve the casserole with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

This quick and delicious ravioli casserole is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna. By using store-bought cheese ravioli and a flavorful sausage-based sauce, you can enjoy all the flavors of a classic lasagna with minimal effort. The combination of sautéed Italian sausage, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and a touch of cream creates a rich and satisfying sauce that coats the cooked ravioli perfectly. Topped with melted mozzarella, the casserole develops a tempting golden-brown crust in just a few minutes in the oven. This recipe offers a convenient way to enjoy the flavors of lasagna without the hassle of layering noodles. Serve it as a main course or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining guests, this ravioli casserole is sure to impress. Get ready to savor every cheesy, flavorful bite of this delicious and easy-to-make dish.