This Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli is a comforting, no-fuss dish packed with gooey cheese, tender pasta, and rich marinara sauce. With minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you need a simple yet satisfying meal. It’s like lasagna without all the hassle—just layer, bake, and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—only 10 minutes of prep time
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping
- Customizable with your favorite ravioli and add-ins
- Kid-friendly and a guaranteed family favorite
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Frozen or fresh ravioli (cheese, meat, or your favorite filling)
- Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Ricotta cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Directions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Layer the ingredients: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish. Arrange a single layer of ravioli over the sauce. Top with more sauce, a sprinkle of mozzarella, a few dollops of ricotta (if using), and a bit of Parmesan. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Meaty Ravioli Bake: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken between the layers.
- Vegetable Boost: Add layers of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- White Sauce Ravioli Bake: Swap out the marinara for Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
- Freeze: Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli without thawing?
Yes, frozen ravioli can be layered directly into the dish without thawing—just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
What type of ravioli works best for this recipe?
Cheese, spinach, or meat-filled ravioli all work well, depending on your taste preferences.
Can I use jarred marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought sauce works perfectly, but feel free to use homemade if you have time.
Can I add extra cheese to the layers?
Yes, mix in provolone, gouda, or fontina cheese for a richer, creamier flavor.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Cover the dish with foil during the first half of baking, then uncover for the last 10-15 minutes to get that golden, bubbly top.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, if you use cheese ravioli and vegetarian-friendly marinara sauce.
Can I add pesto for extra flavor?
Yes, drizzle pesto between layers or mix it into the sauce for added flavor.
How do I make the dish creamier?
Add a layer of béchamel sauce or extra ricotta for a creamier texture.
What sides go well with baked ravioli?
Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly with this dish.
Can I assemble this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Conclusion
This Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli is a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that combines all the flavors of lasagna without the extra effort. It’s cheesy, comforting, and incredibly versatile—perfect for a quick family dinner or feeding a crowd. Customize it with your favorite add-ins and enjoy a cozy, satisfying meal straight from the oven!
PrintEasy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe
This Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli is the ultimate comfort food with layers of soft ravioli, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole-style dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. It’s like lasagna—but without all the effort!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 (700 g/24 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
- 3 cups (700 ml) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven:
- Set your oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
2. Assemble the casserole:
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add a single layer of frozen ravioli on top of the sauce.
- Spoon small dollops of ricotta cheese (if using) over the ravioli.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and a little Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers: sauce, ravioli, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan until all the ingredients are used up.
- Finish with a final layer of sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes on top for extra flavor.
3. Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
4. Garnish and serve:
- Let the baked ravioli rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken between the layers for added protein.
- Use spinach- or mushroom-stuffed ravioli for extra flavor.
- Make ahead by assembling the casserole and storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.