Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 pound ground beef (450g)
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (680g)
  • 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese (425g)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (30g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.5g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.5g)
  • 1 (25-ounce) package frozen cheese ravioli (710g)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (225g)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  5. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange half of the ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
  6. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli. Sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella cheese.
  7. Repeat layers: meat sauce, remaining ravioli, remaining ricotta mixture, and another one-third of the mozzarella cheese.
  8. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly browned.
  11. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
  12. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.