Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce

Ingredients
500 g cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)
400 g ground beef
2 cups tomato sauce (or marinara sauce)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ cup beef broth or water
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or dried herbs for garnish
Preparation Method
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté it gently for about 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This step is very important, as it builds the base flavor of the sauce. Next, add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it slowly, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking until the meat is evenly browned and no longer pink. Season the beef with salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and dried basil. Stir well so that all the spices are evenly distributed, enhancing the flavor of the meat.
Once the beef is well seasoned, pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10–15 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully and results in a rich, thick sauce that coats the ravioli perfectly.
Meanwhile, if you are using frozen ravioli, cook them according to the package instructions until they are just tender. Drain them well and set aside. Fresh ravioli usually require only a few minutes of cooking.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish, then spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom. Arrange a layer of cooked ravioli over the sauce, making sure they slightly overlap. Spoon more meat sauce on top, ensuring every ravioli is well covered. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and a little Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
Repeat the layers if necessary, finishing with a generous layer of sauce and cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden on top.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or dried herbs for a final touch of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestion
Serve this delicious baked ravioli hot, accompanied by a fresh green salad or garlic bread. It is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.