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This Cheesy Sausage Ravioli Bake puts a fresh spin on family favorites by combining Italian staples into a mouthwatering one-dish meal. Using cheese-stuffed ravioli instead of flat pasta sheets adds extra flavor pockets throughout, while the velvety Alfredo creates a rich, indulgent base that's a welcome change from regular tomato sauce.
I once served this to my super traditional mother-in-law who only wanted a tiny portion at first. Guess what? She came back for another helping! Even my teenage kid, who normally gulps down food without thinking, actually took his time enjoying every mouthful.
Key Components
- Italian sausage: Flavorful meat foundation (1 lb)
- Cheese ravioli: Pillows of cheesy delight (20 oz)
- Alfredo sauce: Silky, rich coating (15 oz jar)
- Spinach: Healthy green element (2 cups)
- Mozzarella: Gooey, browned topping (2 cups)
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Cooking Method
- Step 1: Get ready
- Set oven to 375°F, coat your 9x13 dish with oil
- Step 2: Handle meat
- Cook sausage until crumbly, get rid of extra grease
- Step 3: Mix greens
- Toss in spinach until soft or mix in thawed frozen kind
- Step 4: Create mixture
- Stir Alfredo into meat, sprinkle in Italian herbs
- Step 5: Build it up
- Spread sauce bottom, add ravioli row, meat mix, then repeat
- Step 6: Cook thoroughly
- Wrap with foil, bake 30 mins, then 15 more uncovered
Perfect Assembly Tips
Spread a bit of sauce on the bottom so nothing sticks. Place ravioli in rows that touch each other. Spread your meat mix evenly between each pasta layer. Finish with lots of cheese for that beautiful golden top.
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Tasty Pairings
- Fresh garden salad with tangy dressing
- Buttery herb bread for soaking up sauce
- Oven-baked seasonal veggies
- Cool glass of crisp white wine
I brought this uncooked to a group dinner once and baked it there. The smell filled the kitchen and everyone kept asking when it would be ready. Now I always make this when dropping off meals for friends with new babies.
What started as a random kitchen experiment has turned into our go-to comfort meal. The first mouthful combining smooth sauce, tasty sausage and cheese-stuffed pasta feels just like comfort food should completely satisfying and homey.
Common Questions
- → Can I get this ready beforehand?
- Sure thing! You can put everything together up to a day early and keep it in the fridge wrapped up. When you're ready to cook it, just add about 10-15 more minutes to your baking time since it'll be cold.
- → Is it okay to freeze this pasta dish?
- Definitely! You can stick it in the freezer before or after cooking. If you freeze it raw, let it thaw in your fridge overnight first. For leftovers, just thaw them out and warm in your oven at 350°F until it's hot all the way through.
- → What can I use instead of sausage?
- Regular ground beef works great, or try ground turkey if you want something lighter. There are also some really good plant-based crumbles that'll do the trick if you don't eat meat.
- → Can I switch up the ravioli type?
- You bet! Cheese ravioli works really well, but don't be afraid to try ones filled with spinach, mushrooms, or whatever else catches your eye at the store.
- → What should I serve with this?
- This hearty dish goes great with a basic green salad. Some warm bread with garlic butter or some oven-roasted veggies would also hit the spot alongside this creamy pasta dish.