Baked Ravioli Recipe

This Baked Ravioli recipe is the ultimate weeknight savior—a hearty casserole brimming with cheesy ravioli, gooey melted mozzarella, and tangy marinara, all fresh from the oven in under an hour. If you’re craving comfort food that’s easy to prep and guaranteed to wow your family, this cozy dish will instantly climb to the top of your favorites list!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Baked Ravioli is how budget-friendly and simple the ingredient list is. Each component brings something special, so even though it’s fuss-free, the flavors and textures are anything but basic.

• Frozen Cheese Ravioli (24 oz): No need to thaw! The pasta bakes up perfectly tender as it cooks, saving you time and effort.
• Marinara Sauce (24 oz jar): Choose your favorite store-bought brand or homemade for a sauce that blankets each ravioli with rich, robust flavor.
• Shredded Mozzarella or Italian Cheese Blend (2 cups): This ensures every bite is irresistibly gooey and cheesy. Using a blend adds even more flavor depth.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup): Sprinkled on top, Parmesan melts into a savory, golden crust.
• Chopped Fresh Herbs (optional garnish): Sprinkle with parsley, basil, oregano, or thyme for a fresh pop of color and a burst of herby aroma.

Variations

This recipe is the very definition of flexible. Swap in different ravioli, add extra flavors, or make it suit your dietary needs—Baked Ravioli is wonderfully easy to customize however you like!

• Add Meat: Layer in cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or rotisserie chicken for an extra boost of protein and heartiness.
• Use Different Ravioli: Spinach, mushroom, or meat-filled ravioli work beautifully—just use your favorites or whatever’s in the freezer.
• Make It Extra Veggie-Packed: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini in between the layers for a touch of freshness and color.
• Go Gluten-Free: Easily swap in gluten-free ravioli to keep everything celiac-friendly and safe for all your guests.

How to Make Baked Ravioli

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F while you assemble the ingredients. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish (or two 8-inch dishes, if you’d rather) with cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup. Spread a thin, even layer of marinara—about half a cup—over the bottom so the ravioli don’t stick and every bite is saucy.

Step 2: Layer the Ravioli and Sauce

Arrange half the frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer right on top of the sauce. Don’t worry about thawing—they’ll cook perfectly in the oven! Spoon over half of the remaining marinara sauce, making sure every ravioli gets coated.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella (or Italian cheese blend) evenly over the sauced ravioli. The cheese both flavors and binds the layers together, so try to cover everything evenly for maximum melty goodness.

Step 4: Repeat the Layers

Repeat the layering process: add another layer of ravioli, the rest of your marinara, and finish off with the remaining mozzarella. Top it all with a generous shower of grated Parmesan for that golden, savory finish once baked.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes, until it’s hot, bubbling, and gorgeously melted on top. Let the Baked Ravioli rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving—this helps everything set and makes serving a breeze.

How to Serve Baked Ravioli

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing flourish—a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano not only brightens up your Baked Ravioli visually, but also adds a fresh, fragrant lift to each bite. A dusting of extra Parmesan on top is always a welcome touch too!

Side Dishes

This bubbly casserole practically begs to be served with buttery garlic bread to soak up that glorious marinara. Round out your meal with a crisp Caesar salad, a simple arugula vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables for extra color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

You can bake the ravioli in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized presentation, or spoon it into shallow bowls and top each portion with a generous sprig of fresh herbs. Hosting a party? Serve it as part of an Italian-inspired buffet along with antipasti and a big green salad!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Ravioli keeps beautifully—simply cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld overnight, and the leftovers taste just as comforting reheated for lunch or a no-fuss dinner.

Freezing

To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. If you have baked leftovers, transfer portions to airtight containers and freeze up to 2 months for delicious dinners down the road.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the microwave or, for best results, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through—about 20 minutes if thawed, longer if frozen. Add a splash of extra marinara on top to keep things deliciously saucy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy, comforting meal that the whole family will adore, you can’t go wrong with Baked Ravioli. One bite of this bubbling, cheesy goodness, and you’ll see why it’s a dish that never goes out of style. Give it a try—you may just find your new favorite weeknight staple!

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