Cheesy Meatball Ravioli Bake
Indulge in this delightful Cheesy Meatball Ravioli Bake, a comforting dish combining the heartiness of tender ravioli, juicy meatballs, and a rich, flavorful spaghetti sauce. This easy 5-ingredient recipe is the perfect weeknight meal, bringing together delicious flavors from mushrooms and onions mixed into the sauce. The addition of melty mozzarella and the aromatic embrace of Parmesan cheese creates a dish that feels both indulgent and satisfying. Perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping, this recipe is a must-try that invites warmth and happiness to your dinner table. You can also customize it with your favorite ravioli filling, or even add fresh spinach for an extra boost of nutrition!
N/A
Servings
316
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti sauce with mushrooms and onions
52 ounces (Two 26-ounce jars)
Frozen beef or cheese ravioli
40-48 ounces (Two 20-24 ounce packages)
Frozen cooked Italian-style meatballs
16 ounces (Thawed)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups (Shredded)
Finely shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Finely shredded)
Instructions
1
Start by spraying the inside of a 5-1/2 to 6-quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
Spread 1 cup of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the crockpot.
3
Layer half of one package of ravioli on top of the sauce, followed by all the thawed meatballs. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs.
4
Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce from the first jar over the ravioli, then top with the remaining half of the ravioli package.
5
Add the second jar of spaghetti sauce over the entire mixture, ensuring even coverage.
6
Finish the layering by adding the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
7
Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4-1/2 to 5 hours or on high heat for 2-1/2 to 3 hours until ravioli are tender and flavors melded.
8
Once cooked, turn off the crockpot and sprinkle finely shredded Parmesan cheese over the top.
9
Let the dish stand, covered, for 15 minutes before serving to allow the cheeses to melt together.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
27g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Meatball Ravioli Bake?
It is a comforting crockpot dish that combines frozen ravioli, meatballs, and spaghetti sauce topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This is a simple 5-ingredient recipe.
What type of ravioli should I use?
You can use either frozen beef or frozen cheese ravioli depending on your preference.
How much spaghetti sauce is required?
The recipe requires 52 ounces of spaghetti sauce, which is typically two 26-ounce jars.
What size crockpot is recommended?
A 5-1/2 to 6-quart crockpot is the ideal size for this recipe.
Do I need to grease the crockpot?
Yes, spray the inside with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
Should the meatballs be frozen or thawed?
The recipe specifies using 16 ounces of frozen cooked Italian-style meatballs that have been thawed.
How long does it take to cook on low heat?
It takes approximately 4-1/2 to 5 hours on the low setting.
How long does it take to cook on high heat?
On the high setting, it takes about 2-1/2 to 3 hours.
What kind of spaghetti sauce is suggested?
Spaghetti sauce with mushrooms and onions is suggested for added flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this bake?
Yes, you can add fresh spinach for extra nutrition or customize it with other favorite vegetables.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
You will need 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
Sprinkle the finely shredded Parmesan over the top once the crockpot is turned off after cooking.
Why should the dish stand for 15 minutes before serving?
Letting it stand allows the cheeses to melt together and the sauce to set slightly.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 316 calories per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe provides 13g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 16g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 27g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the total amount of ravioli used?
The recipe calls for 40-48 ounces of ravioli, usually two 20-24 ounce packages.
Can I use homemade meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute frozen meatballs with cooked homemade ones.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prepping or feeding a large crowd.
What is the layering order?
Layer sauce, then half the ravioli, meatballs, mozzarella, more sauce, the rest of the ravioli, more sauce, and finally more mozzarella.
Do I need to boil the ravioli first?
No, the ravioli cooks directly in the sauce inside the crockpot.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include crockpot, ravioli, meatballs, cheese, Italian, and comfort food.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While mozzarella and Parmesan are recommended, you can use any melty Italian cheese blend.
How much Parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely shredded Parmesan cheese.
Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, the combination of pasta, meatballs, and melted cheese is generally a hit with children.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It is a savory, rich, and hearty Italian-style comfort dish.
How much sauce goes on the bottom of the crockpot?
Spread 1 cup of spaghetti sauce on the bottom before adding other layers.
Can I make this in the oven?
Although designed for a crockpot, it can be adapted for the oven by baking at 350 degrees until the ravioli is tender.