Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 25 oz frozen cheese ravioli
  • 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles for 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add marinara sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg and then fold in the ricotta cheese and chopped parsley until well combined.
  4. Spread about 1/2 cup of the meat sauce onto the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
  5. Spread the ricotta mixture over the ravioli layer, then top with half of the meat sauce.
  6. Add the remaining ravioli and top with the rest of the meat sauce. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Let stand for 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil and serving.