The Ultimate Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crafting a delectable baked ravioli dish brings pure culinary magic right to your kitchen.

Pasta lovers rejoice with this simple yet impressive meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Cheese, herbs, and a golden-brown crust create an irresistible combination that promises comfort and flavor.

Homemade doesn’t mean complicated when you follow these straightforward steps.

Layers of rich marinara sauce complement the tender pasta pockets perfectly.

Crispy edges and melted cheese await you in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Dive into this mouthwatering experience that will make every bite a celebration of home cooking.

What Makes Baked Ravioli So Satisfying

• Quickly assemble this one-dish meal with minimal chopping and basic ingredients, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
• Layered with cheesy goodness and hearty sauce, this baked ravioli delivers ultimate satisfaction for both kids and adults.
• Easily customize with different meat options or keep vegetarian, adapting to family preferences and dietary needs.
• Using just one baking dish means less washing up, giving you more time to enjoy your delicious meal without kitchen stress.

Ingredients for Easy Baked Ravioli

• Ravioli: Fresh or frozen pasta pockets filled with cheese or meat.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato-based sauce for rich flavor.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Soft, melty cheese that creates a gooey topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that adds depth to the dish.

• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall taste.
• Optional Cooked Meat: Adds protein and extra flavor to the dish.

• Foil: Helps cover and protect the dish during initial baking.
• Fresh Herbs: Optional garnish for added freshness and color.

How to Bake Ravioli the Easy Way

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab your baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Marinara sauce
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

If you want extra protein, toss in some cooked ground beef or sausage.

Step 3: Build The First Foundation

Spread a light layer of sauce across the bottom of your baking dish to create a tasty base.

Step 4: Craft The First Ravioli Layer

Arrange a single layer of ravioli across the saucy bottom.

• More sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Continue Layering

Repeat the ravioli, sauce, and cheese layers until you’ve used all your ingredients.

Make sure the top layer is covered with a generous sprinkle of cheese.

Step 6: Cover And Bake First Round

Seal the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Step 7: Uncover And Finish Baking

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven.

Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Rest And Garnish

Let the ravioli sit for 5 minutes.

Scatter fresh chopped basil or parsley on top before serving.

Tips for Delicious Baked Ravioli

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a subtle kick without overwhelming heat.
• Choose fresh or frozen ravioli with firmer pasta to maintain better structure during baking.
• Grate cheese freshly instead of using pre-shredded to achieve smoother, more even melting and richer taste.
• Sprinkle fresh basil or chopped parsley just before serving to add brightness and aromatic freshness to the dish.
• Assemble the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal preparation.

Store and Reheat Baked Ravioli Easily

• Store leftover baked ravioli in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled ravioli to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing for longer to prevent texture degradation.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place ravioli in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of extra marinara sauce if needed.
• For quick reheating, place ravioli in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Best Sides for Baked Ravioli Dinners

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich tomato sauce and cheesy ravioli, cutting through the dish's richness with its balanced acidity.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta, adding freshness and cutting through the dish's heavy texture.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up extra marinara sauce, providing a crunchy texture contrast and enhancing the overall Italian dining experience.
• Complement with Chilled Italian Prosecco: Offer a sparkling white wine that provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, cheesy baked ravioli, cleansing the palate between bites.

New Ideas for Baked Ravioli Dishes

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for a plant-based version that's packed with flavor and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free ravioli made from rice or corn flour, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this comforting dish without worry.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap mozzarella and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds for a lactose-free meal.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce to the marinara sauce for those who love a fiery, bold flavor profile in their baked ravioli.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen ravioli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen ravioli directly without thawing. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and ensure it’s heated through completely.

• What type of marinara sauce works best?

Any store-bought or homemade marinara sauce will work well. Choose a high-quality sauce with good flavor for the best results.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the meat and use vegetable marinara sauce. You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the ravioli bake earlier in the day and refrigerate. When ready to cook, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the refrigerator.

Baked Ravioli Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade Baked Ravioli emerges as a comforting Italian classic that elevates pasta night with rich, cheesy goodness. Crispy edges and melted cheese create a mouthwatering dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 (2025 ounces/57.4 kilograms) package refrigerated or frozen cheese ravioli

Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F and lightly coat an oven-safe skillet or 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Create a flavor-packed sauce by blending marinara with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Incorporate cooked meat if desired.
3. Establish a thin sauce foundation across the bottom of the baking vessel.
4. Arrange the first layer of ravioli, generously draping with prepared sauce and scattering mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
5. Continue constructing alternating layers of ravioli, sauce, and cheese until all ingredients are utilized, ensuring the final layer is crowned with cheese.
6. Shield the dish completely with aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
7. Uncover the ravioli and return to the oven, allowing an additional 10–15 minutes of baking until the surface transforms into a golden, bubbling landscape.
8. Allow the baked dish to rest and settle for 5 minutes, then embellish with freshly chopped herbs before presenting to eager diners.

Notes

• Customize your ravioli by choosing different fillings like cheese, meat, or vegetable to match personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Opt for gluten-free ravioli and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this dish suitable for specialized diets.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh basil leaves for an extra taste dimension.
• Prep the dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg