Baked Ravioli Recipe

Baked Ravioli is the ultimate weeknight comfort food—cheesy, bubbly, and irresistible, it transforms humble ingredients into a dish the whole family will love. This foolproof recipe brings you all the cozy flavors of traditional lasagna but with a fraction of the effort, thanks to frozen ravioli and a handful of pantry staples!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Trust me, you don’t need a sprawling ingredient lineup to make magic with Baked Ravioli. Each component here has a job: bringing big flavor, melty texture, and inviting color to this super-satisfying casserole—so let’s give them a proper introduction!

• Frozen Cheese Ravioli: The star of the show—skip boiling, just layer straight from the freezer for tender, saucy pasta perfection.
• Marinara Sauce: A quality jar of marinara provides rich, tangy tomato depth; use your favorite brand or homemade for a personal touch.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese or Italian Cheese Blend: This melts into gooey, golden ribbons and brings that irresistible cheese pull we all love.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled over the top, Parmesan adds a salty, savory kick and helps the casserole bake to bubbly, bronzed glory.
• Chopped Fresh Herbs (optional): A scattering of parsley, basil, oregano, or thyme brightens up each bite and adds gorgeous, garden-fresh color.

Variations

Part of what makes Baked Ravioli such a keeper is how endlessly customizable it is. Don’t be afraid to switch things up based on what you have in your fridge, a new craving, or to accommodate special diets—this recipe adapts beautifully!

• Meaty Swap: Use beef, sausage, or chicken-stuffed ravioli—or toss a handful of browned ground beef or turkey between the layers for added heartiness.
• Veggie Boost: Slip in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini between layers for extra nutrition and color.
• Switch Up The Sauce: Alfredo or pesto can step in for marinara whenever you’re craving something different or creamier.
• Vegan/Dairy-Free: Try plant-based ravioli and your favorite alternative cheeses and enjoy all the cozy goodness, totally dairy-free.

How to Make Baked Ravioli

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F and give a 9×13-inch baking dish (or two 8-inch dishes) a generous mist of cooking spray. Pour a thin layer of marinara—about half a cup—over the bottom to keep those ravioli from sticking and to ensure every bite is saucy from the start.

Step 2: Make Your First Layer

Arrange half the frozen ravioli in a single layer right over that saucy base. You don’t need to thaw or pre-cook them—just make sure they’re spaced evenly for the best texture all around.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Cheese

Spoon half of the remaining marinara sauce across those ravioli, then sprinkle with half the shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend. Watch it snow—this is where all that gooey magic happens!

Step 4: Repeat and Top

Make one more full layer with the rest of your ravioli, sauce, and cheese, finishing with a generous dusting of Parmesan on top. The Parmesan will melt, crisp, and create that signature golden crust your fork will love breaking through.

Step 5: Bake and Rest

Cover your baking dish tightly with foil and slide it into your preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, then bake uncovered for another 20 to 25 minutes, until everything is bubbling and beautifully golden. Let your Baked Ravioli rest for about 10 minutes before serving—this helps it set up for cleaner slices and ultra-satisfying forksful.

How to Serve Baked Ravioli

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano not only make your Baked Ravioli look vibrant and inviting but add a lively herbal note that perks up each cheesy, tomatoey bite. For even more flavor, sprinkle on some extra Parmesan and a crack of black pepper before serving.

Side Dishes

This baked pasta plays so well with others! Pair it with a big green salad (think arugula, spinach, or mixed lettuces) or serve alongside buttery garlic bread to soak up every drop of sauce. A crisp Caesar or some simple roasted vegetables make a perfect supporting cast, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or potluck, scoop Baked Ravioli into individual ramekins for personal portions, or serve family-style from a pretty baking dish at the table. Garnish with ribbons of fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil for a polished, trattoria-style finish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your Baked Ravioli cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors get even cozier as they mingle overnight—a true bonus for next-day lunches!

Freezing

This dish is a make-ahead champion. Assemble everything up to the point of baking, then cover tightly and freeze for up to three months. When pasta night calls, bake straight from the freezer, adding extra baking time as needed.

Reheating

To reheat, cover leftovers with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through—about 20 minutes. For a quick fix, individual portions respond well to a few minutes in the microwave; just cover with a damp paper towel to keep the pasta moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cozy, low-stress way to feed your favorite people (or just yourself!) on a busy weeknight, this Baked Ravioli is pure joy in a casserole dish. I hope you give it a try—and that it earns a regular spot on your dinner table, just like it has at mine.

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