Baked Ravioli with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty Italian meal that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, I’ve got just the thing for you – this Baked Ravioli with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe is a total game-changer. I love how it combines juicy sausage, creamy cheese, and baked ravioli all in one dish that the whole family can’t stop raving about. Stick around, because I’m about to walk you through everything you need to know to get this cozy dinner on your table effortlessly!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Baked Ravioli with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient complements the others perfectly, creating a rich, balanced flavor that feels both indulgent and familiar. Here are the essentials I always keep on hand for this dish:

• Ground Italian Sausage: Choose sweet or spicy depending on your preference; it adds juicy, herby depth.
• Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and body once softened.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic amps up the Italian flavor.
• Marinara Sauce: I usually pick a good-quality jar for convenience or make my own if I have time.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Gives body and texture to the sauce.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out flavors.
• Italian Seasoning: A fantastic blend to boost the dish’s authenticity.
• Heavy Cream: This is the secret to a luxuriously creamy sauce that makes the dish extra comforting.
• Fresh Cheese Ravioli: Look for fresh-packed ravioli in the refrigerated section – it cooks perfectly in the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Use whole milk mozzarella if you can – it melts beautifully for that cheesy golden topping.
• Fresh Parsley: Just a sprinkle for brightness and color at the end.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Baked Ravioli with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe is how flexible it is. Feel free to tailor it to your taste buds or what you have on hand – making it your own keeps it exciting every time.

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the Italian sausage for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage for a meatless meal my friends have loved.
• Spicy Kick: I like adding red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat, especially if I’m using sweet sausage.
• Cheese Swap: Mixing in Parmesan or Pecorino Romano with the mozzarella adds a nice tangy complexity.
• Herbs and Greens: Stir in spinach or kale just before baking for a pop of color and nutrition.

How to Make Baked Ravioli with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage, Onion, and Garlic

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, diced onion, and minced garlic. Break the sausage up with a wooden spoon and cook it all until the sausage is no longer pink and the onion is soft and translucent – about 10 minutes. This part is where the foundation of flavor happens, so don’t rush! I like to let the garlic get fragrant but not brown, about 2 minutes, to keep it mellow.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Once your sausage mixture is ready, pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Sprinkle in the kosher salt and Italian seasoning, then stir to combine. Add the heavy cream last – this little addition makes the sauce silky and rich. Stir for a few minutes until everything is fully blended and heated through. You’ll notice how the cream transforms the sauce from standard tomato to a luscious base for the ravioli.

Step 3: Add the Ravioli

Now gently add the fresh cheese ravioli right into the sauce. Stir gently to evenly coat each ravioli. This no-boil method is so convenient because the ravioli cooks right in the sauce during baking, absorbing all those flavors.

Step 4: Bake and Broil to Perfection

Transfer the ravioli and sauce mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spreading out evenly. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella over the top, cover loosely with foil, and slide it into your preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 30 minutes – this lets the ravioli cook through and the flavors meld beautifully.

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and switch your oven to the broiler. Pop the dish back in, uncovered, for about 3 minutes until the cheese gets that irresistible bubbly, golden-brown crust. Don’t wander off though – it can brown quickly! Once done, let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly before serving.

How to Serve Baked Ravioli with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this baked ravioli with a generous sprinkle of fresh minced parsley. The fresh herbs add a pop of bright color and a subtle herbaceous note that balances the rich sauce. Sometimes I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top for a little heat – my husband especially loves that dash of spice.

Side Dishes

I typically serve this with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is a must for soaking up every last bit of the sauce. If I’m feeling like something green, roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans on the side pair beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served this in individual ramekins for a fun, elegant presentation – it’s perfect for impressing guests without extra fuss. Another time, I layered the ravioli and sauce in a large round dish and added dollops of fresh ricotta with basil leaves on top before baking for a luxe twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better as they meld overnight, but I recommend reheating gently to keep the ravioli from drying out.

Freezing

Freezing works wonderfully here! I place cooled portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake covered at 350°F until warmed through, then broil briefly to refresh that golden top.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat this is in the oven – it keeps the texture intact. Cover the dish loosely with foil and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, then uncover and broil just a couple of minutes for bubbly cheese. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the sauce can separate a bit.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Ravioli with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe has truly become a staple in my kitchen because it’s so satisfying and simple. I love how it brings the whole family together without any complicated steps or fussy ingredients. You’ll enjoy the rich flavors, the cheesy topping, and all that savory sausage goodness with every bite. So next time you’re searching for a fuss-free Italian dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, give this recipe a try and watch everyone go crazy for it—just like mine do!

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