If you’re looking for the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles (and maybe a few eager “oohs” from the kitchen), this Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli is your answer. It’s everything you love about Italian comfort food: soft pillows of ravioli, marinara that simmers down into the most satisfying sauce, and cheese. Lots and lots of cheese that bubbles and browns just right. Whether you’re feeding a busy weeknight crowd or just want a soul-soothing supper, this baked dish is pure gold for home cooks who want maximum coziness with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the magic tricks of Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli is its short and sweet ingredient list. Each piece plays a star role, coming together in a way that feels restaurant-worthy but achievable any night of the week.
- Marinara Sauce: Opt for a robust jarred sauce or use your homemade favorite for a tangy, tomato-rich base.
- Frozen Cheese Ravioli: No need to thaw—go straight from freezer to oven for ultimate convenience and perfect texture.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into that gooey, stretchy blanket everyone reaches for first.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty-savory depth and helps create that crisp cheesy top.
- Italian Seasoning: A simple sprinkle brings a burst of herbs that really wakes up the whole bake.
- Garlic Powder: A subtle hint of garlic infuses flavor throughout, with zero hassle of peeling or mincing.
- Fresh Basil (optional): Chopped basil adds a pop of color and the kind of fresh aroma that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 375°F. While it preheats, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or give it a quick spritz with nonstick spray. Spread half a cup of marinara sauce evenly along the bottom of your dish—this keeps the ravioli from sticking and starts the layering with a pop of juicy tomato flavor.
Step 2: Layer the Ravioli
Take your frozen cheese ravioli straight from the freezer (no thawing needed!) and arrange half of them in a single layer over that saucy foundation. It’s totally fine if there’s a little overlap, but do your best for even coverage.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour half the remaining marinara sauce over the ravioli layer, then generously sprinkle on half of both mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This not only saturates your pasta with flavor, but sets the stage for that irresistible stretch of cheese with every bite.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Lay down the rest of your ravioli for the second layer. Top with the last of the sauce and cover completely with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Be generous—this is where that “easy cheesy” magic lives!
Step 5: Season the Top
Evenly sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the cheesy top. These simple additions bring your Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli together with signature Italian-American flavors and a burst of savory aroma as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes—this steams everything gently and melts the cheese. Remove the foil, then bake for another 10 minutes. The top will get gorgeously golden and the cheese will bubble invitingly. Keep an eye on it during this last blast; that perfect cheesy crust is your cue that it’s ready!
Step 7: Finish and Serve
For a finishing flourish, sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the top just before serving. The herbal, peppery kick of basil brightens up each forkful and makes the finished dish look as glorious as it tastes.
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil is the classic touch, but don’t hesitate to add a shower of extra Parmesan, a pinch of crushed red pepper, or a swirl of good olive oil. These simple garnishes highlight the flavors and make your Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli look like it came straight from your favorite trattoria.
Side Dishes
Balance the richness of the cheese with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, or serve with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Garlic bread or warm focaccia is almost a must—perfect for sopping up every last drop of luscious marinara.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli family-style in its baking dish, or individually plate scoops in shallow pasta bowls topped with extra basil. For parties, slice the bake into neat squares and offer as hearty handheld bites on a platter—guests will love the fun, casual twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli keeps beautifully for up to four days in the fridge. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, or transfer squares to an airtight container to lock in moisture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire unbaked casserole for easy future dinners—just assemble everything, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to two months. If you have leftover baked portions, wrap them individually and freeze as well. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli in a 350°F oven, covered, until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave single servings; cover and use medium power to keep the cheese melty without drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you use fresh ravioli, you may want to reduce the initial covered baking time by about 5 to 10 minutes since fresh pasta cooks faster. The layers and cheesy goodness still come out irresistibly perfect.
What other cheeses can I use?
While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, feel free to experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a little ricotta dolloped between layers for extra creaminess. Play with your favorites and personalize the Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli to your taste.
Can I add meat to Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli?
Definitely! Add a layer of cooked Italian sausage or ground beef between the ravioli layers for a heartier version. You can even use beef-filled ravioli if you want a double dose of meaty comfort.
How do I keep the ravioli from getting mushy?
Don’t boil the ravioli before assembling; use them straight from the freezer. This way, they cook up tender but not mushy, holding their shape and soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli is fantastic for meal prep. Assemble ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake, or freeze the unbaked casserole for those nights when you need dinner with zero effort. It reheats beautifully, so leftovers are always a win!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s high on comfort and low on stress, give this Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli a try. It’s one of those reliable crowd-pleasers you’ll find yourself craving again and again. So grab your favorite baking dish, turn up the oven, and get ready for some truly satisfying, cozy bites!
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Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli is a simple and delicious dish that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Layers of frozen cheese ravioli, marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses are baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (25-ounce) package frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Layer the ingredients: Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange half of the ravioli, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Season and bake: Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder on top. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute beef-filled ravioli for a heartier dish.
- For extra flavor, add a layer of cooked ground beef or Italian sausage between the ravioli layers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
