Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe

Cheesy Baked Ravioli is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that brings together tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and plenty of gooey, melted cheese. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family meal or a special gathering, this baked ravioli dish is sure to please everyone at the table. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying, flavorful meal ready in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Quick: Perfect for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal prep and uses ingredients you likely have on hand.
• Comforting and Satisfying: Packed with pasta and cheese, this dish is a classic comfort food.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe with your favorite fillings, sauces, and added veggies or meats.
• Great for Leftovers: This dish stores and reheats well, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying the next day.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ravioli

1. Cook the Ravioli: If using fresh ravioli, skip this step. For frozen ravioli, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the ravioli for about 2-3 minutes, until just tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add Marinara Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
3. Optional Spinach Add-In: If you want to include spinach, add it to the sauce and stir until wilted.

Step 3: Assemble the Ravioli Bake

1. Layer the Ingredients: In a large baking dish (9×13-inch works well), spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
2. Add Ravioli and Cheese Layers:
   • Arrange half of the cooked ravioli in a single layer on top of the sauce.
   • Spread half of the remaining marinara sauce over the ravioli.
   • Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and a bit of Parmesan over the sauce.
   • For a creamy touch, dot the ricotta cheese over the mozzarella.
3. Repeat Layers: Add the remaining ravioli, top with the rest of the marinara sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Step 4: Bake the Ravioli

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning. Bake for 20 minutes.
2. Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
3. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Baked Ravioli

1. Use High-Quality Sauce: Since marinara is a key flavor, using a high-quality, flavorful sauce will make a big difference.
2. Don’t Overcook the Ravioli: If cooking frozen ravioli beforehand, cook just until tender as it will continue cooking in the oven.
3. Experiment with Fillings: Try using different types of ravioli fillings, like mushroom, spinach, or lobster for a unique twist.
4. Add Protein or Veggies: Mix in cooked ground beef, sausage, or vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to make the dish heartier.
5. Extra Creaminess: Add dollops of ricotta or even a bit of Alfredo sauce to create a rich, creamy layer.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetable-Loaded: Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more vegetables.
2. Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the marinara sauce for a bit of heat.
3. White Sauce Option: Replace marinara with a creamy Alfredo sauce for a white ravioli bake.
4. Four-Cheese Ravioli Bake: Use a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan for extra cheesiness.
5. Italian Meat Lovers: Add crumbled cooked Italian sausage or mini meatballs to the layers.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve with Garlic Bread: The cheesy, saucy ravioli pairs perfectly with a slice of garlic bread to scoop up any extra sauce.
2. Pair with a Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the baked ravioli.
3. Add Extra Veggies: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots make a great side dish.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

1. Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Freeze: Wrap individual portions in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
3. Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

2. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely. Fresh ravioli cooks faster, so if you use it, there’s no need to boil it before baking.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use cheese or vegetable-filled ravioli and ensure the marinara sauce doesn’t contain any meat.

4. Can I use other cheeses?
Certainly. You can add or substitute provolone, gouda, or even a bit of blue cheese for a unique twist.

5. Can I add more sauce if I like it extra saucy?
Absolutely. If you prefer more sauce, add an additional cup of marinara or even a bit of Alfredo sauce for a creamy touch.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Baked Ravioli is an irresistible, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With layers of tender pasta, rich marinara, and plenty of cheese, it’s comfort food at its finest.

Yield: 4

Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe

Print

Cheesy Baked Ravioli is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that brings together tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and plenty of gooey, melted cheese. Whether you're cooking for a cozy family meal or a special gathering, this baked ravioli dish is sure to please everyone at the table. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying, flavorful meal ready in no time.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (24 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for creaminess)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a similar oven-safe casserole dish.
   
2. Layer the Ingredients:
   Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
   Arrange half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce in a single layer.
   Top with half of the remaining marinara sauce, spreading it evenly over the ravioli.
   Spoon small dollops of ricotta (if using) on top of the sauce.
   Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheeses over the sauce.
   
3. Repeat Layers:
   Add another layer of ravioli, top with remaining marinara sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on top.
   
4. Bake:
   Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
   
5. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let the dish cool slightly. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Add Meat: Brown ground beef or Italian sausage and add it to the marinara for a heartier dish.

Extra Vegetables: Layer in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.