Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe

The Easiest Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe For Cozy Comfort Food

Pasta nights just got a delightful cheesy baked ravioli upgrade that will make you smile.

This simple dish combines comfort and flavor in every single bite.

Melted cheese creates a golden, crispy top that calls for instant celebration.

Home cooks can whip up this magical meal faster than ordering takeout.

Quick preparation meets maximum satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.

Rich marinara and gooey cheese meld together, creating a mouthwatering experience you cannot resist.

Grab a fork and get ready to enjoy a seriously delicious dinner that will become an instant favorite.

Why Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe Is A Go-To Favorite

  • Quick Family Weeknight Winner: This ravioli recipe delivers delicious comfort food in under an hour, perfect for busy parents seeking a hassle-free dinner solution.
  • Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Even novice cooks can confidently prepare this dish with just a few simple steps, making it an ideal meal for those with limited kitchen experience.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Cheesy Goodness: The combination of melted cheese and pre-made ravioli creates an irresistible meal that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring clean plates and happy faces at the dinner table.
  • Budget-Friendly Meal Option: Using store-bought ravioli and basic pantry ingredients keeps the cost low while still producing a satisfying and filling dinner that doesn't sacrifice flavor or quality.

What You’ll Need For Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe

Main Ingredients:
  • Ravioli: A delightful pasta stuffed with cheese or meat, perfect for a comforting meal.
  • Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato-based sauce that adds rich, tangy flavor to the dish.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully, creating a golden, stretchy topping.
Cheese and Garnish:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick and enhances the overall cheesy profile.
  • Fresh Basil: Provides a bright, aromatic finish to the baked ravioli.
Optional Additions:
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that boosts the traditional Italian flavor.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Brings a subtle heat for those who enjoy a spicy touch.

How To Cook Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe Fast

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Warm up the oven to 375°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In a large skillet, start browning ground beef or Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Once the meat is no longer pink, drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Add to the skillet:
  • Marinara sauce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Italian herbs
  • Garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Layer the Ravioli

In the greased baking dish, create delicious layers:
  • First layer of cheese ravioli
  • Half of the meat sauce
  • Sprinkle of shredded mozzarella
  • Another layer of ravioli
  • Remaining meat sauce
  • Final generous layer of cheese

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the ravioli rest for 5 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Enjoy your comforting, cheesy baked ravioli!

Tips That Work For Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe

  • Preheat Like a Pro: Ensure your oven reaches the exact temperature before sliding in the dish for perfect, even cooking and golden-brown edges.
  • Sauce Selection Matters: Choose a high-quality marinara or tomato sauce to elevate the overall flavor of your ravioli, considering homemade options for extra richness.
  • Cheese Layering Technique: Distribute cheese generously between ravioli layers, creating delicious pockets of melted goodness that'll make every bite irresistible.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottom: Lightly pat ravioli with paper towels before assembling to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy and appetizing texture.
  • Customize with Extras: Experiment by adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat and complexity.

How To Keep Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe Fresh

  • Refrigerate leftover baked ravioli in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
  • Reheat gently in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in the oven at 160C (325F) until heated through.
  • Freeze unbaked or baked ravioli for maximum 2 months by placing them in freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

What Goes Well With Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Open a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, cheesy flavors of the baked ravioli. The wine's acidity cuts through the creamy texture while enhancing the overall taste experience.
  • Fresh Herb Salad Sidekick: Toss together a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, indulgent pasta dish. The peppery greens and bright citrus notes provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy ravioli.
  • Crispy Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up extra sauce and add a delightful crunch. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with parsley for an extra layer of flavor that perfectly matches the baked ravioli.
  • Chilled Prosecco Refresher: Pour a glass of sparkling Prosecco to cleanse the palate between bites. Its light, bubbly nature cuts through the richness of the cheese and provides a festive touch to the meal.

Try These Twists On Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe

  • Veggie-Packed Power: Enhance the ravioli by mixing in roasted zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers before baking, adding extra nutrition and colorful texture to the classic dish.
  • Meat Lover's Edition: Sprinkle cooked ground beef or Italian sausage between ravioli layers for a protein-rich transformation that satisfies hearty appetites.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Top the ravioli with crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to create a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Creamy Alfredo Style: Replace traditional tomato sauce with a homemade alfredo sauce, creating a rich and luxurious alternative that elevates the entire baked ravioli experience.

Your FAQs About Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe

  • 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 baking time to ensure it’s heated through completely.

  • What type of cheese works best for topping?

Mozzarella is ideal because it melts beautifully and creates that classic stretchy cheese pull. Parmesan also adds a nice sharp flavor when sprinkled on top.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love cheesy pasta dishes, and this baked ravioli is super simple with minimal ingredients. It’s a great way to get children excited about dinner.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the ravioli in the baking dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

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Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe

Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe


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4.5 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Homemade magic happens when classic Italian “Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli” meets comfort food perfection. Gooey cheese, rich marinara, and crispy edges create a delightful dinner that brings smiles to hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

  • 1 (700 g/24 ounces) bag frozen cheese ravioli

Cheeses:

  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese (optional for extra creaminess)

Seasonings and Sauce:

  • 3 cups (700 ml) marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Garnish:

  • Fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature and prepare a rectangular baking vessel with a light coating of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a flavorful foundation for the ravioli.
  3. Arrange the ravioli in a single, slightly overlapping layer directly on top of the sauce, ensuring even coverage of the dish’s surface.
  4. Generously drizzle additional marinara sauce over the ravioli, making certain each pasta pocket is well-coated and moistened.
  5. Sprinkle a generous helping of shredded mozzarella cheese across the entire surface, creating a blanket of melty goodness.
  6. Dust the cheese layer with a light sprinkle of grated parmesan for an extra depth of tangy flavor and golden-brown potential.
  7. Transfer the assembled dish to the preheated oven and bake until the cheese melts completely and turns a tempting golden color, typically around 25-30 minutes.
  8. Once the ravioli is heated through and the cheese is bubbling and slightly crisp at the edges, carefully remove from the oven.
  9. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes, which helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.
  10. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma before serving hot.

Notes

  • Opt for pre-made or fresh ravioli to save time and simplify the cooking process.
  • Select a high-quality marinara sauce or create a homemade version for enhanced flavor depth.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta to customize the dish’s richness.
  • Consider making this recipe vegetarian by using cheese ravioli and plant-based cheese toppings for a lighter alternative.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 514
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 860 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 68 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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