Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy, and effortlessly delicious weeknight dinner, then this Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender cheese-filled ravioli layered with rich marinara, melty mozzarella, and a golden Parmesan crust, baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a dish that comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your own oven. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself, this dish promises to hit all the right notes with minimal fuss and maximum cheesy satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, yet each plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma in this Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe. From the savory marinara to the blend of cheeses and spices, every component makes this dish irresistible.
- 9 oz cheese-filled ravioli: The star of the dish, offering a soft, pillowy base filled with luscious cheese.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Adds a tangy, herb-infused layer that keeps the ravioli moist and flavorful.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that signature gooey, cheesy topping.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkles on a nutty, savory finish and a golden crust.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs that lift the overall taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances the natural flavors and balances the dish perfectly.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Adds a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor when serving.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to bake the ravioli evenly. Next, spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking and infuse flavor from the very first bite.
Step 2: Layer the First Half of the Ravioli
Arrange half of the cheese-filled ravioli in a single, even layer over the marinara sauce. This creates a solid base that will bake evenly and soak up the delicious flavors layered on top.
Step 3: Add the First Cheese and Sauce Layers
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the ravioli. Then, pour half of the remaining marinara sauce on top and sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly. These layers add creaminess, seasoning, and balance to the dish.
Step 4: Repeat Layering with Remaining Ingredients
Repeat the process by laying down the remaining ravioli, followed by the rest of the marinara sauce and cheese. This creates a rich, multi-layered casserole that’s bursting with flavor and gooey cheesiness.
Step 5: Bake Covered, Then Uncover and Finish Baking
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake it for 25 minutes. This traps moisture and helps the ravioli cook through without drying out. After this, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and turns golden brown on top—this part smells heavenly!
Step 6: Cool and Garnish
Once baked, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes. This resting time lets everything set so it serves easily and the flavors meld perfectly. To finish, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and an aromatic lift right before serving.
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil or parsley finely chopped and sprinkled over the top not only adds a lovely color contrast but also a fresh herbal aroma that balances the richness of the cheese. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving can also enhance the texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. The crispness of a salad or bread’s crunch offers a fantastic textural contrast to the tender, cheesy ravioli, while roasted veggies bring a wholesome, earthy note that rounds out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style presentation, serve the baked ravioli straight from the dish on a rustic wooden board, encouraging everyone to dig in and share. Alternatively, plate smaller portions with a sprinkling of extra Parmesan and a fresh basil leaf for a restaurant-worthy finish that impresses guests without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked ravioli keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly to maintain its moisture and keep the cheese delectably melty.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish either before or after baking. For best results, assemble the layers in a freezer-safe dish and freeze uncovered until firm, then wrap with foil and plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Cooked leftovers freeze well too—just portion them out to reheat later.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. To keep the cheese from drying out, cover loosely with foil until the last few minutes for browning. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, though the oven maintains better texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen ravioli works perfectly and takes just a little longer to cook through during baking. There’s no need to thaw beforehand—just layer them straight into the dish and add some extra baking time if necessary.
What type of cheese is best for topping?
Mozzarella is ideal for that gooey, melty effect, while Parmesan provides a nice sharpness and browning on top. You can also mix in other cheeses like provolone or fontina if you want to experiment with flavor depth.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, as long as you use cheese and marinara sauce without any meat products, this Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe is a wonderful vegetarian option full of comfort and flavor.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Definitely! You can add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or even shredded chicken between layers for a heartier version. Just make sure the meat is fully cooked before layering it in.
How spicy is this recipe?
This baked ravioli is mild and family-friendly, with the Italian seasoning giving a warm herbal note without heat. You can always add crushed red pepper or hot sauce if you like a little kick.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence, making it a trusty weeknight hero or a weekend treat. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to keep coming back to thanks to its rich flavors, comforting textures, and the cozy magic that only baked cheese can bring. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a staple in your kitchen rotation!
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Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli is a comforting and simple Italian-inspired dish featuring layers of cheese-filled ravioli baked with marinara sauce and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a quick family dinner, it offers a delightful combination of gooey cheese, savory tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning, finished with fresh basil for a burst of freshness.
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’s hot and ready for baking the ravioli dish properly.
- Prepare the baking dish: Spread a layer of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish to create a flavorful base for the ravioli.
- Layer the ravioli: Place half of the cheese-filled ravioli in a single layer over the sauce to ensure even cooking and coverage by the sauce and cheese.
- Add cheese and seasoning: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the ravioli for cheesy richness.
- Top with sauce and seasoning: Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce over the cheese layer, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Repeat layering: Repeat the layering with the remaining half of the ravioli, sauce, and cheeses to build the dish in multiple layers.
- Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the ravioli to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Uncover and finish baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown for a perfect cheesy crust.
- Rest and garnish: Let the baked ravioli cool for a few minutes to set before garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a fresh, aromatic finish and serving.
Notes
- Use either fresh or frozen ravioli; if frozen, you can bake it directly without thawing.
- To make it extra spicy, add red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
- Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free ravioli and marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
