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
Scale
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
