SANDRA'S BAKED RAVIOLI with HOMEMADE SAUCE

An awesome dish and a must-try recipe...just sayin'

Servings: (6)
Prep: 20 mins. |
Baking: 55 mins.

Posted by Sandra

INGREDIENTS:

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning blend
2 (14.5 oz. cans) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon honey
2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh basil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 package (25 to 27 1/2 ozs.) frozen meat-filled ravioli (I like Buitoni)
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated

Garnish:
parmesan cheese, grated; and
chives, roughly choped

METHOD

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bottom and sides of rectangular baking dish 13x9x2-inches, with cooking spray.

***Prepare the sauce:  Heat the olive oil in a medium-size skillet over medium heat, add the onion and saute until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, and italian seasoning, and then sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, honey, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for 15 minutes over low heat.

Spread 3/4 cup of the sauce in prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in single layer over sauce; top with half of the remaining sauce and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers once, beginning with the frozen ravioli. Sprinkle top with parmesan cheese.

***Finish: Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil, and continue baking uncovered for 15 minutes longer. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parmesan cheese and roughly chopped chives before serving. – Enjoy!

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Tip: This dish can be made beforehand and refrigerated, and then baked when you walk in the door from work! I like to serve this with a side of garlic bread – This is a crowd pleaser.