Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake: Easy Recipe & Delicious Results

Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly easy and satisfying dish that will quickly become a weeknight staple! Imagine tender, cheese-filled ravioli nestled in a vibrant tomato and spinach sauce, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a warm hug on a plate.

While ravioli itself boasts a rich history rooted in Italian culinary tradition, this particular bake is a modern twist, designed for busy lives without sacrificing flavor. Think of it as a deconstructed lasagna, offering all the comforting elements without the fuss of layering. It’s a testament to how classic ingredients can be reimagined into something new and exciting.

People adore this Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake for several reasons. First, it’s unbelievably simple to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time. Second, the combination of sweet tomato sauce, earthy spinach, and creamy cheese is simply irresistible. The baked ravioli develops a delightful slightly crispy exterior while remaining soft and pillowy inside. Finally, it’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences – add sausage, mushrooms, or your favorite vegetables. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. So, let’s get baking!

Ingredients:

• Ravioli: 2 (25 ounce) packages of refrigerated cheese ravioli
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can
• Spinach: 10 ounces, fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces, whole milk ricotta
• Egg: 1 large
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
• Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded
• Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Tomato Sauce:

1. First, let’s get started on the heart of this dish – the tomato sauce! Grab a large, deep skillet or pot and place it over medium heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering and heated through (this should only take a minute or two), add the minced garlic and chopped onion.
2. Sauté the garlic and onion for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and softened, and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will give the sauce a bitter taste. If the garlic starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
3. Now, pour in the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce. Stir well to combine everything.
4. Add the chopped fresh spinach to the sauce. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot at first; it will wilt down as it cooks. Stir the spinach into the sauce until it begins to wilt, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Next, it’s time to add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat!), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly.
6. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and deepen. This is a great time to prep the ricotta mixture while the sauce simmers.

Preparing the Ricotta Mixture:

1. While the tomato sauce is simmering away, let’s prepare the ricotta mixture. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the 15 ounces of whole milk ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Use a fork or spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. The egg helps to bind the ricotta mixture together, and the Parmesan cheese adds a lovely salty and nutty flavor.
3. Set the ricotta mixture aside until you’re ready to assemble the ravioli bake.

Assembling the Ravioli Bake:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important to ensure the ravioli bake cooks evenly.
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. This will prevent the ravioli from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
3. Now, it’s time to start layering! Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce (about 1 cup) evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will create a flavorful base for the ravioli.
4. Arrange half of the ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. You can slightly overlap them if necessary, but try to keep them in a relatively even layer.
5. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the ravioli. You can use a spoon or your fingers to gently spread it around.
6. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture.
7. Pour another layer of the tomato sauce (about 1-1.5 cups) over the mozzarella cheese, ensuring that the ravioli are mostly covered.
8. Arrange the remaining ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
9. Spoon the remaining ricotta mixture evenly over the ravioli.
10. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the ricotta mixture, making sure to cover all the ravioli.
11. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the ravioli bake.

Baking the Ravioli Bake:

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help to trap the moisture and prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
3. After 30 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.
4. Once the ravioli bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and make it easier to cut and serve.

Serving and Enjoying:

1. Garnish the ravioli bake with the chopped fresh basil before serving. The fresh basil adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
2. Cut the ravioli bake into squares and serve hot.
3. This Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread.
4. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkle of goat cheese would be delicious additions.
• Meat Lovers: Add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or pepperoni to the sauce for a meatier version. Brown the meat before adding it to the sauce.
• Vegetable Boost: Add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic.
• Spice It Up: If you like a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the ravioli bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: This ravioli bake freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! The combination of the rich tomato sauce, the earthy spinach, and the cheesy ravioli creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s incredibly satisfying – what more could you ask for? But the best part? It’s so versatile! Feel free to experiment with different types of ravioli. Cheese ravioli is a classic, of course, but mushroom ravioli would add an extra layer of earthy goodness, or even a butternut squash ravioli for a touch of sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the tomato sauce for a heartier meal. For a vegetarian option, consider adding some roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. Serving suggestions are endless! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the bake. Garlic bread is always a welcome addition, soaking up all that delicious sauce. And for a truly decadent experience, top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. That’s the beauty of cooking, isn’t it? It’s all about experimenting and finding what you love. I personally love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick, and sometimes I’ll even sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking for extra crunch. This Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake is also a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can assemble it in the morning or even the night before and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or for entertaining guests. Imagine serving this warm, comforting bake to your friends and family – they’ll be so impressed! I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear what you think. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. Once you’ve tried it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration. And don’t forget to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it on social media using #TomatoSpinachRavioliBake. I’d love to see your creations! Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite! I truly believe this Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake will become a staple in your household, just as it has in mine. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. So, what are you waiting for? Go make some magic in the kitchen!

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