If you are searching for a comforting, flavorful, and effortless meal to brighten up any night, this Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe is your new best friend. The combination of tender ravioli, zesty marinara, and layers of bubbling mozzarella with Parmesan cheese creates an irresistible dish that will satisfy your cravings without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this recipe delivers cheesy goodness and rich textures all baked to perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish both simple and utterly delicious. Each component plays a role in balancing the flavors, enhancing the texture, and creating that inviting appearance we all love in a baked pasta meal.
- Cheese-filled ravioli (9 oz): Use fresh or frozen ravioli filled with cheese for a creamy, satisfying base.
- Marinara sauce (2 cups): A rich, tangy tomato sauce that adds moisture and a burst of flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully to create a gooey, stringy top layer.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a salty, nutty punch enhancing the depth of cheesy flavor.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A savory blend that lifts the marinara and cheese with classic herb notes.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Enhances and balances all the flavors in every bite.
- Fresh basil (optional): Adds a pop of color and a fragrant finish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for evenly baking the ravioli so they cook through without drying out. While the oven heats, spread a generous layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish—this prevents sticking and infuses flavor from the very first bite.
Step 2: Layer the First Half of Ravioli
Arrange half of the ravioli in a neat single layer over the sauce. This layering ensures an even bake and gives each ravioli space to expand slightly while absorbing those delicious flavors.
Step 3: Add Cheeses and Seasoning on Top
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the ravioli, then spoon half of the remaining marinara sauce on top. Finish this layer by sprinkling Italian seasoning, and adding salt and pepper to taste. This mixture of herbs and cheese creates a beautiful balance of savory and aromatic sensations.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Layer the remaining ravioli over the sauce and cheese, then repeat the process with the rest of the marinara and cheeses. Building these layers gives the dish its signature cheesy, saucy goodness in every forkful.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes to allow the ravioli to cook through and the sauces to meld beautifully without drying the top crust.
Step 6: Bake Uncovered Until Golden
Remove the foil and return to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and perfectly golden brown. This finishing step adds texture and that irresistible melted cheesiness we crave.
Step 7: Garnish and Cool Slightly
Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes to set before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fresh, herbaceous contrast that also looks stunning on the finished dish.
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the star garnish here, offering a slight peppery freshness that cuts through the rich cheese. For an extra touch, consider a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil to elevate vibrant flavors.
Side Dishes
This cheesy baked ravioli pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. These sides add texture and balance, helping to round out a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the baked ravioli in individual ramekins for a charming presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties. You can also layer it over a bed of sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles to add a nutritious twist and an extra pop of color on the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover baked ravioli in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making for even tastier next-day meals!
Freezing
This Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze portions in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve the bubbly cheese topping. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, covered loosely, for a quicker option but with less crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade ravioli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade ravioli will add a special touch and fresh flavor to the dish. Just ensure they are cooked or par-cooked before assembling to achieve the best texture.
What type of cheese-filled ravioli works best?
Cheese ravioli stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses work perfectly here, giving a creamy filling that complements the baked layers.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free ravioli at specialty stores or make your own with gluten-free pasta dough to keep this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Is it possible to add meat to this recipe?
Definitely. Browned Italian sausage or ground beef can be layered in with the marinara sauce for added heartiness and flavor.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add red chili flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some on top before baking to bring a pleasant heat that complements the cheeses beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that wraps up comfort, ease, and cheesy brilliance all in one, this Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe should be your go-to. It’s simple enough to whip up any night of the week and special enough to impress friends and family. Give it a try—you might just find your next favorite meal!
Print
Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious baked ravioli dish featuring layers of cheese-filled ravioli, marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 9 oz cheese-filled ravioli (frozen or fresh)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking.
- Prepare the baking dish: Spread a layer of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Layer ravioli: Place half of the cheese-filled ravioli in a single layer over the marinara sauce in the dish.
- Add cheeses: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the ravioli layer.
- Add sauce and seasoning: Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce over the cheese layer, then sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Repeat layering: Add the remaining ravioli on top, followed by the rest of the marinara sauce and cheeses, creating another layered effect.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake for 25 minutes.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Cool and garnish: Let the baked ravioli cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for a fresh herby touch.
Notes
- You can use either frozen or fresh cheese-filled ravioli for this recipe.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish vegetarian, ensure the ravioli contains no meat and marinara sauce is free of animal products.
- If desired, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese before serving for more cheesy flavor.
