Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe

Looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’s simple to throw together? This Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Layers of cheesy ravioli, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella make this dish a perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat. And the best part? It’s easy to make with minimal ingredients, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic: In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the Marinara Sauce: Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the pan with the garlic. Add Italian seasoning and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Step 3: Layer the Ravioli

1. Spread the Sauce: In the greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of the marinara sauce on the bottom.
2. Add the Ravioli: Place a single layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce. Don’t worry about defrosting—the ravioli will cook in the oven.
3. Add Ricotta (Optional): For a creamier dish, dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top of the ravioli layer.
4. Top with Mozzarella and Parmesan: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and a bit of grated Parmesan over the ravioli.

Step 4: Repeat the Layers

1. Layer More Ravioli: Add another layer of ravioli on top of the cheese.
2. Spread More Sauce: Pour the rest of the marinara sauce evenly over the top.
3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake the Ravioli

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Uncover and Bake Again: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
2. Serve: Scoop out the cheesy baked ravioli into bowls and serve hot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Using frozen ravioli cuts down on prep time while still delivering a homemade taste.
• Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few simple ingredients to create a satisfying and flavorful meal.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or cooked ground meat like sausage or beef to make it heartier.
• Cheesy Goodness: With layers of mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional ricotta, this dish is packed with cheesy deliciousness.

Tips and Variations

1. Add Veggies:

• For a more nutritious twist, add a layer of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini between the ravioli layers.

2. Use Meat Ravioli:

• If you prefer, swap the cheese ravioli for meat-filled ravioli to give the dish a more robust flavor.

3. Make It Spicy:

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little heat.

4. Add Ground Meat:

• For a meatier version, cook some ground beef, turkey, or sausage and layer it with the ravioli and sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

• Store leftover baked ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or place the entire baking dish back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe is the perfect go-to meal when you’re craving comfort food but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s cheesy, flavorful, and comes together in just a few simple steps. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting a casual dinner party, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Plus, with just one baking dish to clean, it’s as easy on the cleanup as it is on the prep!

Yield: 6

Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe

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Looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’s simple to throw together? This Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Layers of cheesy ravioli, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella make this dish a perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat. And the best part? It’s easy to make with minimal ingredients, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (16 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil and set aside.
2. Layer the Sauce and Ravioli:
   Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce.
3. Add Ricotta (Optional):
   If using ricotta cheese, spread spoonfuls over the first layer of ravioli. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
4. Top with Sauce and Cheese:
   Pour another layer of marinara sauce over the ricotta (or ravioli if not using ricotta), and then sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers until all ravioli are used, ending with a layer of sauce.
5. Add Cheese Topping:
   Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
6. Bake:
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Ravioli Options: You can use meat-filled or spinach ravioli if you prefer.

Sauce Variations: For added flavor, use a meat sauce or a chunky tomato sauce.

Make Ahead: You can assemble this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day before baking. Just increase the baking time by about 10 minutes.

Freezer Friendly: Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding about 20-25 minutes to the baking time.