Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy dinner, look no further than this Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake. This dish combines all the deliciousness of traditional ravioli with the added bonus of a rich, flavorful tomato sauce and nutritious spinach. The ravioli is baked in the sauce until perfectly tender, while mozzarella cheese melts into a gooey, cheesy layer on top. Not only is this recipe a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also simple to make, requiring minimal prep and just a few ingredients. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat, yet comes together in no time. Whether you’re cooking for a family or looking for an easy dinner for two, this bake will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Super Easy to Make

This ravioli bake comes together with minimal effort. Simply layer your ingredients and pop it into the oven for a hands-off meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

2. Comfort Food at Its Best

With ravioli, gooey cheese, and savory tomato sauce, this dish checks all the boxes for comfort food. It’s filling, flavorful, and sure to hit the spot.

3. Packed with Flavor

The combination of rich tomato sauce, fresh spinach, and creamy mozzarella is a flavor-packed dream. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

4. Customizable

You can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences. Use cheese ravioli, meat-filled ravioli, or add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for added flavor.

5. One-Pot Wonder

This is a one-dish meal, which means less cleanup! Layer everything in your baking dish, and you’re all set.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• Frozen or fresh cheese ravioli
• Fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• Tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
• Garlic (minced)
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning (dried oregano, basil, thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

• Different Ravioli: Swap cheese ravioli for any variety you like—meat, spinach, or even a ricotta and mushroom blend.
• Add More Veggies: In addition to spinach, you can add mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or even roasted tomatoes for more texture and flavor.
• Use Marinara: If you prefer a more traditional Italian flavor, use marinara sauce instead of regular tomato sauce for a tangier kick.
• Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the sauce to give the dish a spicy twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s fully heated before you start baking.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Then add the fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach) and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the ravioli on top, spreading them out evenly. Add a layer of the sautéed spinach and garlic over the ravioli, followed by more tomato sauce, ensuring the ravioli are covered.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Top the layers with shredded mozzarella cheese, and optionally sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Dish

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the ravioli are slightly golden.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Store-Bought Sauce: If you’re short on time, store-bought tomato sauce works perfectly for this recipe. Add some garlic and Italian seasoning to boost the flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Dish: Make sure the ravioli are layered evenly in the baking dish, as this ensures they cook properly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
• Check the Ravioli: If you’re using frozen ravioli, check the package for cooking instructions to ensure they cook through while baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time depending on their thickness.

How to Serve

This Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake is a meal in itself but can be paired with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired dinner. A glass of red wine would complement this dish beautifully, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish stores beautifully! Allow the leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Freezing

You can assemble the entire dish ahead of time, cover it tightly, and freeze it before baking. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed. You can also freeze individual portions for later use.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re using the microwave, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap it in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes! Fresh ravioli can be used in place of frozen, but be sure to check the cooking time as it may cook faster than frozen ravioli.

2. Can I make this recipe with a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute ravioli with another type of pasta like tortellini or even penne or rotini for a different spin on the dish.

3. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If you’re using frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the recipe.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use a variety of cheeses such as provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce or sprinkle some fresh diced chili peppers on top for an extra kick.

6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian, and you can keep it meat-free by using cheese ravioli and skipping any meat toppings.

7. Can I use homemade tomato sauce?

Of course! Homemade tomato sauce will add even more flavor to the dish. Feel free to make your own sauce using fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs.

8. How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, use a dairy-free ravioli and replace the mozzarella cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

9. Can I prepare this in advance and bake later?

Yes, you can assemble the dish in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed.

10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free ravioli and ensure your tomato sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Easy Tomato Spinach Ravioli Bake is a simple, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even a family gathering. With its layers of cheesy ravioli, savory spinach, and tangy tomato sauce, it’s a meal that pleases everyone. Best of all, it requires minimal preparation and can be customized to your preferences. Whether you’re making it for yourself or a crowd, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy it hot and fresh out of the oven for a delicious and satisfying meal!

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