Andy Montoya
Spinach and cheese ravioli is a quick and easy meal to make, especially when using frozen ravioli. It is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary requirements, such as vegetarian or meat-based options. The recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger group, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal preparation required, this dish is a convenient option for those seeking a tasty, no-fuss meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Spinach, Cheese, Ravioli, Marinara Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Chicken Stock/Milk, Red Chilli Flakes, Fresh Basil |
| Preparation | If using frozen spinach, thaw in advance and squeeze out the water. If using frozen ravioli, thaw before adding to the sauce or adjust cooking time. |
| Cooking Method | Bake in the oven at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, covered with foil. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until sauce and cheese are bubbling. |
| Variations | Beefy Baked Ravioli with Spinach and Cheese, Spinach Ravioli Bake with Italian Sausage, Spinach Mushroom Ravioli Bake, Ravioli Bake with Spinach and Artichoke |
| Storage | Leftovers can be stored for 3-5 days in the refrigerator and reheated in the microwave or oven. Can be frozen for up to a month. |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the spinach
Spinach is a key ingredient in spinach and cheese ravioli, and preparing it correctly is essential to ensure the dish turns out well. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare the spinach for this delicious meal.
Firstly, it is important to note that you can use either fresh or frozen spinach for this recipe, depending on what is available to you. If you are using frozen spinach, it is crucial to properly thaw it before adding it to the dish. Place the frozen spinach in a colander and run it under hot water to speed up the thawing process. Make sure to squeeze out all the excess liquid from the spinach once it has thawed. This step is important as it removes any excess moisture, which can affect the texture and taste of the final dish.
If you prefer to use fresh spinach, you can simply give the leaves a rough chop to ensure they are bite-sized. Fresh spinach will add a lovely texture and flavour to the ravioli.
Once your spinach is prepared, it's time to cook it. Heat some oil in a pan and add the spinach, stirring regularly. Cook the spinach until it starts to wilt, which should take around 3-4 minutes. You can also add some garlic to the pan for extra flavour. If you are using frozen spinach, you may need to cook it for a little longer to ensure all the excess water has evaporated.
After the spinach is wilted, it's time to assemble the ravioli dish. In a baking dish, spread a layer of your favourite marinara or spaghetti sauce. Add the ravioli, followed by the spinach, and then top with more sauce and cheese. Repeat these layers until all the ingredients are used, creating a delicious and hearty dish.
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Thawing the ravioli
There are a few methods that can be used to thaw frozen ravioli:
- One method is to let the ravioli thaw at room temperature. This is a gradual process and may take several hours, depending on the amount of ravioli.
- Another method is to place the frozen ravioli in a colander and run it under hot water. This will help expedite the thawing process. However, it is important to ensure that the ravioli is not exposed to the hot water for too long, as it could partially cook it or affect its texture.
- If you are using frozen spinach, it is also recommended to thaw it in advance and squeeze out any excess water. This will prevent the spinach from releasing too much moisture during cooking, which could affect the final dish.
Once the ravioli is thawed, it can be added directly to the sauce or baking dish. If you are cooking the ravioli in a skillet or pot, you can simply add the thawed ravioli to the sauce and cook until heated through. For baked dishes, you can assemble the layers of sauce, ravioli, and cheese, and then bake according to the recipe instructions.
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Layering the bake
Firstly, prepare your ingredients. You will need spinach and cheese ravioli ?(fresh or frozen), a good quality thick marinara sauce, spinach (fresh or frozen), and cheese such as mozzarella, parmesan, or a combination of both. If you are using frozen ravioli, it is best to thaw it first and pat it dry to remove any excess water. If you are using frozen spinach, it should also be thawed and excess water removed. Shred your own cheese for the best melting results.
Next, preheat your oven to 350°F. Take a 9x13 inch baking dish and spray it with cooking spray or grease it with butter or oil. Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom of the dish—this will prevent the ravioli from sticking and add flavour. You can use around 1/2 to 3/4 cup of sauce for this initial layer.
Now it's time to add the ravioli. Arrange half of your ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. It's okay if they overlap slightly, but try to avoid stacking them. Once you have a nice, even layer of ravioli, it's time to add more sauce. Spread another 1/2 to 2/3 cup of sauce over the ravioli, making sure to cover them evenly.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. You can use around 1/2 of your total cheese for this layer. Now, it's time to repeat the process! Layer the remaining ravioli on top, followed by the remaining sauce and mozzarella. Finish with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Cover the entire dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the centre is hot. This final stage helps to brown the cheese and give it a delicious, crispy texture.
And that's it! You have now successfully layered and baked your spinach and cheese ravioli. Serve it while it's still hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
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Baking time
The baking time for spinach and cheese ravioli will vary depending on the recipe and the desired level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines and tips for baking frozen spinach and cheese ravioli:
Firstly, if you are using frozen ravioli, you have the option to thaw it before baking. This can be done by letting it thaw at room temperature or under hot water, and then squeezing out the excess liquid. Using thawed ravioli will reduce the baking time slightly.
If you choose to bake the ravioli without thawing it first, you will need to adjust the baking time accordingly. Cover the baking dish towards the end of the baking process to prevent the cheese from burning.
For a simple spinach and cheese ravioli bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray or coating it with oil. Spread a layer of sauce, such as marinara or spaghetti sauce, on the bottom of the dish. Add a single layer of frozen ravioli on top of the sauce. You can also add other ingredients, such as cooked meat, vegetables, or extra cheese, between layers of ravioli. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce and cheese on top.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the centre is hot. The total baking time for this recipe is approximately 50-60 minutes.
For a quicker baking option, you can assemble a skillet meal with frozen spinach and cheese ravioli. Prepare the skillet by adding sauce, spinach, and other desired ingredients. Add the frozen ravioli and top with cheese. Bake the skillet uncovered for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. This method significantly reduces the baking time, making it a faster option for preparing frozen spinach and cheese ravioli.
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Serving suggestions
There are several ways to serve spinach and cheese ravioli, depending on your preference. Here are some options:
Ravioli Bake: This is a simple and versatile option. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish with cooking spray, and spread a layer of marinara sauce, or spaghetti sauce at the bottom. You can also add some spinach and garlic to the sauce for extra flavour. Then, add a layer of frozen ravioli, followed by another layer of sauce and spinach. Top it off with shredded mozzarella cheese and repeat the layers. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and browned.
You can also add cooked meat to this dish, such as browned ground beef, Italian sausage, or grilled shrimp, for a heartier meal. If you want to keep it vegetarian, you can add sautéed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes.
One-Pan Skillet: This method is quick and easy. Start by adding some baby spinach to a skillet and cooking until it's wilted. You can also add some garlic at this stage. Then, sprinkle in some parmesan cheese and add the frozen ravioli. Cook for about a minute, then top with mozzarella cheese and some red chilli flakes. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Simple Boil: If you prefer a more straightforward approach, you can simply boil the frozen ravioli according to the package instructions. Be sure to use a low boil rather than a rapid boil to prevent overcooking. Serve the ravioli with a generous amount of marinara sauce, or any sauce of your choice. You can also add some shredded cheese on top to make it extra cheesy.
Remember, if you're using frozen spinach ravioli, you can either thaw it beforehand or add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Enjoy experimenting with these serving suggestions and feel free to customise them to your taste!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need frozen spinach and cheese ravioli, spaghetti/marinara sauce, spinach, and cheese (mozzarella and parmesan).
Thaw the spinach in advance and squeeze out all the excess water.
Layer a baking dish with sauce, followed by a layer of ravioli, more sauce, spinach, and cheese. Repeat for a second layer. Bake for 20-40 minutes at 350°F, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
The ravioli is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbling.
