If you’re craving an easy, comforting meal that’s full of flavor and guaranteed to please everyone at the table, look no further than Baked Ravioli. Imagine soft, pillowy ravioli stuffed with cheese, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with a gooey, golden layer of melted cheese. It’s like a hug in a casserole dish—simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. Trust me, this dish is going to become your new go-to for busy nights or casual gatherings. Ready to dive into this comforting delight? Let’s go!
Why You’ll Love Baked Ravioli
This dish is everything you want in a meal—easy, flavorful, and filling. Here’s why Baked Ravioli is a fan favorite:
Quick and Easy: No need to make homemade pasta or fuss with complicated steps. This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Family-Friendly: Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or the whole family, Baked Ravioli is a hit with everyone. Plus, kids love the cheesy, saucy goodness!
Customizable: You can make this dish your own by adding different fillings to the ravioli or switching up the sauce. Want a little extra flavor? Try a creamy Alfredo sauce or a spicy arrabbiata sauce.
Comforting: There’s just something about warm, cheesy pasta that feels like home. This dish has that perfect balance of cheese, sauce, and ravioli that will leave you feeling full and content.
Budget-Friendly: Using store-bought ravioli is a budget-friendly way to make a filling meal without breaking the bank. Plus, the ingredients are simple and easy to find!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy and delicious Baked Ravioli:
Frozen Ravioli: The star of the dish. Choose your favorite type—cheese, spinach, or meat-filled ravioli. The frozen variety is super convenient and cooks up perfectly in the oven.
Marinara Sauce: A rich and flavorful tomato sauce to smother the ravioli. You can use store-bought marinara or make your own for an extra touch of flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: The melty, gooey cheese that pulls everything together. Fresh mozzarella or shredded mozzarella works best for that perfect melt.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the other cheeses.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme will give your dish that classic Italian flavor.
Olive Oil: A bit of olive oil helps to prevent the ravioli from sticking together and adds some richness to the dish.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make this dish! Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Baked Ravioli:
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly and gets nice and bubbly.
2. Prep the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. Then, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the dish.
3. Layer the Ravioli: Place half of the frozen ravioli in the baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. Don’t worry about thawing them first—they go straight from the freezer to the oven!
4. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour half of the marinara sauce over the ravioli, making sure to cover them evenly. Then, sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
5. Repeat the Layers: Add the second layer of ravioli, sauce, and cheeses. Be sure to cover everything evenly with the sauce and cheese to get that perfect melt.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Baked Ravioli
Baked Ravioli is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a variety of sides for a complete meal:
Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy slice of garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the extra marinara sauce.
Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy ravioli.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots make great sides and add some color to the plate.
Fresh Herbs: Garnish with some fresh basil or parsley for an added touch of flavor and color.
Additional Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Baked Ravioli turns out perfect every time:
Use Fresh or Frozen Ravioli: Both fresh and frozen ravioli work great in this recipe. Just make sure you don’t thaw frozen ravioli before baking—it’ll cook perfectly straight from the freezer.
Add Extra Veggies: You can add some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even bell peppers to the layers for a veggie-packed twist.
Make It Spicy: If you love a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Double the Recipe: Baked Ravioli makes great leftovers, so consider doubling the recipe and freezing half for an easy dinner on another night.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of ravioli?
A1: Yes! You can use any type of ravioli you like—cheese, spinach, meat, or even mushroom. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.
Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! Simply use cheese or vegetable-filled ravioli and marinara sauce for a completely vegetarian version.
Q3: Can I freeze Baked Ravioli?
A3: Yes! You can freeze the assembled dish (before baking) for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it directly from the freezer—add a little extra cooking time.
Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A4: Yes! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even a bit of ricotta for added creaminess.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the cheese nice and melted.
Q6: Can I use a different sauce?
A6: Definitely! If you want to switch things up, try using Alfredo sauce, pesto, or a spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of marinara.
Q7: Can I add meat to this dish?
A7: Of course! You can layer in cooked ground beef, sausage, or even pepperoni for a meaty twist on this dish.
Q8: Can I make this dish spicy?
A8: Yes! Add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some hot sauce on top for extra heat.
Q9: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A9: You can use gluten-free ravioli and breadcrumbs if you want to make this dish gluten-free. Be sure to check that your marinara sauce is also gluten-free.
Q10: Can I add extra veggies to the layers?
A10: Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini are great additions to the dish for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Baked Ravioli is the ultimate comfort food cheesy, saucy, and perfectly satisfying. It’s so easy to make, and it always tastes amazing. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick dinner or serving it up for a family meal, this dish is sure to impress. So grab that ravioli, get baking, and let the cheesy goodness work its magic!
Print
Baked Ravioli
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This cheesy, comforting baked ravioli is the perfect weeknight dinner! Layers of tender cheese ravioli, rich meat sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese come together for a hearty and delicious meal. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this is a family favorite you’ll make again and again!
Ingredients
- 25 oz frozen cheese ravioli
- 3/4 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef & Sauce
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
- In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, and black pepper. Bring to a low simmer, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Layer the Ravioli
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Spoon ½ cup of sauce into the bottom of the greased baking dish.
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Add ⅓ of the frozen ravioli in a single layer.
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Sprinkle with ⅓ of the ground beef and ¼ cup mozzarella cheese.
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Pour about 1 cup of sauce over the layer.
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Repeat the layers: ravioli, ground beef, cheese, and sauce.
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For the final layer, add the remaining ravioli, ground beef, and sauce. Ensure the sauce completely covers the ravioli.
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Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Ravioli
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for 10 more minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add Parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning to the sauce.
- Want it creamy? Mix in ½ cup ricotta cheese between the layers.
- Make it meatless by skipping the ground beef and adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg