Give Ravioli The French Onion Treatment For A Cheesy, Crispy Dinner

All the best parts of French onion soup come together in this simple but cozy fusion of French and Italian comfort foods. The French onion ravioli bake is made up of a savory broth, caramelized onions, and pre-made ravioli in a casserole dish covered in shredded cheese. What comes out of the oven is a cheesy pasta bake that borrows the sweetness of the soup and the pillowy satisfaction of the ravioli. It's the best of both cuisines in one dish. 

For the easiest version of this recipe, throw together cheese ravioli, a can of condensed French onion soup, and beef broth in an oven-safe dish, top with shredded Swiss cheese and bake until it's golden brown and bubbling. The dish can be made with fresh or frozen ravioli without needing to cook or thaw beforehand.

With a few extra steps, you can level up the flavors and turn it into a hearty dinner. Swap out the canned French onion soup for an easy homemade version by cooking a sliced onion with butter, garlic, thyme, and beef broth. The onions caramelize and the sauce thickens giving the whole dish a much richer texture and deeper flavors.

Cheese ravioli is not the only option for this bake. All kinds of fillings will suit the rich, meaty broth. Mushroom ravioli adds to the earthiness of the onions while beef or short rib versions are another way to turn it into a meaty main. Alternatively, spinach and ricotta can bring lightness to the savory sauce. 

A few different cheeses work well for the crispy, golden brown top layer. Gruyere is used in a classic French onion soup, so it's the best option for more traditional flavors. But Swiss, Asiago, mozzarella, or a blend of any of those will work to get the right melt. A sprinkle of parmesan can also add a salty kick and brighten up the casserole.

To turn it into a protein-rich meal, toss in shredded chicken before it goes in the oven. Other options are crumbled bacon, sliced sausage, or white beans for a meatless version. This bake will also work well with added greens like cabbage, peas, or chopped broccoli for some color and crunch.