This elevated pasta bake recipe transforms a classic comfort food into a culinary masterpiece. Forget bland, shop-bought sauces; this recipe focuses on creating a rich, homemade bolognese that perfectly complements the spinach and ricotta ravioli. The result is an incredibly moreish dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Using store-bought ravioli is key; freshly made ravioli would become too soft in the baking process. This recipe is not just about taste; it’s about efficiency and ease. The key to this recipe lies in the depth of flavor developed in the slow-simmered bolognese sauce. Start by browning finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened. Add 500g of beef mince, seasoning generously with salt and pepper, and break it up as it browns. Once the mince is cooked through, add three 400g tins of blitzed chopped tomatoes. Bring this mixture to a boil, cover, and let it simmer gently for 45 minutes to an hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.While the bolognese simmers, preheat your oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. This rich sauce is the star of the show, coating the ravioli and providing a delightful depth of flavor. Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble the bake. In a 20.5cm by 33cm oven dish, layer some of the bolognese sauce at the bottom. Add 600g of spinach and ricotta ravioli, layering it with more sauce and 125g of grated mozzarella cheese. Mix gently to ensure even distribution of the cheese. Cover the ravioli with the remaining bolognese sauce and top with slices of fresh mozzarella for a beautiful golden finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the mozzarella is beautifully golden and bubbling. Let it cool for at least five minutes before serving. This recipe creates a delicious abundance. The leftover bolognese sauce is perfect for future pasta dishes, lasting up to four days in the fridge or three months in the freezer, ensuring you have a quick and delicious meal on standby. This recipe combines convenience with gourmet flavors, using store-bought ingredients to produce a restaurant-quality result that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Searching for “easy pasta recipes,” “comfort food recipes,” or “family dinner recipes” will lead you to delicious variations, but this one offers the perfect balance of flavor and ease. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses or add other vegetables for a personalized touch. This recipe is a testament to the fact that simplicity can lead to extraordinary results in the kitchen.
Elevated Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli Pasta Bake with Homemade Bolognese
