Italian Sausage Ravioli Bake Recipe

Italian sausage: Adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the dish.

Frozen cheese ravioli: Provides a creamy and cheesy texture that pairs well with the sausage.

Marinara sauce: A rich tomato-based sauce that brings all the ingredients together.

Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, cheesy topping.

Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the top layer.

Olive oil: Used for cooking the sausage and adding a hint of richness.

Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the Italian flavors in the dish.

Red pepper flakes: Optional, but adds a touch of heat for those who like a bit of spice.

When browning the italian sausage, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces. This ensures that the sausage cooks evenly and mixes well with the marinara sauce. Additionally, to enhance the flavor, allow the sausage to develop a slight crust by not stirring it too frequently. This caramelization adds depth to the overall dish.

• italian sausage - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned with fennel seeds, garlic, and paprika to mimic the flavors of Italian sausage.

• frozen cheese ravioli - Substitute with fresh cheese tortellini: Fresh cheese tortellini offers a similar texture and cheesy filling, making it a suitable replacement for frozen cheese ravioli.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with tomato basil sauce: Tomato basil sauce provides a similar tomato base with added basil for a slightly different but complementary flavor profile.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts well and has a mild flavor that works well in baked pasta dishes.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty cheese similar to Parmesan, but with a slightly sharper taste.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is a neutral-tasting oil that can be used in place of olive oil for sautéing and baking.

• italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de provence: Herbes de Provence is a blend of dried herbs that includes thyme, rosemary, and oregano, providing a similar flavor profile to Italian seasoning.

• red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a similar level of heat and can be used in smaller quantities to achieve the desired spiciness.

• Allow the Italian Sausage Ravioli Bake to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the ravioli bake to an airtight container. If you plan to store it in the same baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

• Store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

• For freezing, wrap the entire baking dish in a double layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Alternatively, portion the bake into smaller, freezer-safe containers.

• Label the containers with the date and contents to keep track of freshness. The ravioli bake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, cover with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to become bubbly and golden.

• To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid refreezing the ravioli bake once it has been thawed.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the leftover Italian Sausage Ravioli Bake to an oven-safe dish if it's not already in one.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the ravioli is heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
  5. For an extra golden top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the ravioli bake in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, then stir.
  4. Continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until the ravioli is heated through.
  5. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent sticking.
  2. Add the leftover ravioli bake to the skillet.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat and moisture.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ravioli is warmed through.
  5. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water or marinara sauce to loosen it up.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover ravioli bake in an air fryer-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the cheese from burning.
  4. Heat for about 10-12 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes if you want a crispy top.

• Skillet: Used to brown the Italian sausage over medium heat.

• Olive oil: Needed to cook the sausage in the skillet.

• Large bowl: For mixing the cooked sausage, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning.

• Baking dish: Used to layer the ravioli, sausage mixture, and cheeses.

• Foil: To cover the baking dish during the initial baking period.

• Oven: Preheated to 375°F (190°C) for baking the dish.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring and mixing ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the olive oil, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes.

• Measuring cups: For measuring the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.

• Knife: Useful for chopping fresh basil if you choose to garnish.

• Cutting board: A surface for chopping fresh basil.

• Serving spoon: To serve the hot ravioli bake.

Pre-cook sausage: Cook the italian sausage in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, you can skip the cooking step when you're ready to assemble the dish.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan to save time on grating cheese.

Layer efficiently: Lay out all your ingredients before you start layering. This will make the assembly process quicker and smoother.

Opt for no-boil ravioli: Some frozen ravioli can be used directly without boiling, saving you an extra step.