When those undeniable comfort food cravings hit, and you need a meal that's both deeply satisfying and incredibly simple to prepare, this Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli is your new best friend! Forget elaborate prep; this dish takes frozen ravioli, transforms it into a bubbly, cheesy pasta bake, and delivers a culinary hug in every spoonful. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, effortless entertaining, or just a cozy night in.
Imagine tender ravioli, perfectly cooked in a rich, savory marinara sauce, all beneath a golden blanket of melted mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese. The magic lies in its simplicity: no need to pre-boil the pasta! This one-pan marvel goes straight from your freezer to the oven, streamlining your cooking process and making cleanup a breeze. Let's dive in and create some deliciousness!
Why This Baked Ravioli Will Be Your New Go-To
This isn't just a meal; it's a solution to your dinner dilemmas, offering a wealth of reasons to love it:
- Quick & Effortless: Seriously, one of the easiest pasta dishes you'll ever make. Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
- Irresistibly Cheesy: A trio of cheeses creates that ultimate gooey, bubbly, golden crust we all adore.
- Hearty & Flavorful: Each bite is packed with seasoned marinara and tender, cheese-filled ravioli.
- Family Favorite: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that satisfies even the pickiest eaters, making dinner stress-free.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with your favorite ravioli fillings, extra vegetables, or a protein boost.
Ingredients You'll Need
Gather these simple ingredients, many of which are likely already in your pantry or freezer:
- 1 (25-ounce) package frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups marinara sauce (your favorite brand works wonderfully!)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Find precise measurements and additional details in the complete recipe card below.
Baking Your Cheesy Ravioli: Step-by-Step Guide
Get ready for a ridiculously simple journey to a seriously delicious dinner. This easy baked ravioli recipe truly is a weeknight wonder!
Quick Overview:
Preheat your oven, layer sauce, ravioli, and cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden. It’s that simple!
Tips for Achieving Baked Ravioli Perfection
- Keep it Frozen: Resist the urge to thaw or boil your ravioli. Using it straight from the freezer ensures it cooks perfectly without becoming mushy.
- Sauce is Key: A good quality marinara sauce is crucial for both flavor and providing the liquid needed to cook the frozen ravioli. You can even try a classic marinara sauce recipe from scratch if you're feeling ambitious!
- Layer for Success: Distributing the cheeses and sauce evenly ensures every bite is balanced and delicious.
- The Rest Factor: Allowing the baked ravioli to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the layers set, making it much easier to scoop out perfect portions.
Delicious Variations & Serving Suggestions
This easy cheesy baked ravioli is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit any taste or occasion:
- Add Some Meat: For a heartier meal, brown 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage and layer it into the casserole. Alternatively, shredded chicken works wonders too. If you love cheesy pasta and chicken, you might also enjoy our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
- Boost the Veggies: Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be layered in for added nutrients and texture.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes mixed into the marinara sauce will add a delightful kick for those who like a bit of heat.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve your baked ravioli with a crisp green salad and some warm, crusty garlic bread. For another fantastic Italian comfort meal, be sure to check out our Million Dollar Italian Lasagna.
Storing and Reheating Made Easy
- Storing Leftovers: Place any leftover baked ravioli in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing for Later: You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
- Reheating: For individual servings, a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until it's wonderfully bubbly and warm throughout.
Enjoy Your Comforting Cheesy Ravioli!
This Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli is the epitome of comfort food that truly delivers on its promise: simple, incredibly satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're feeding a family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe promises flavor and convenience every single time. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Do I need to thaw or pre-cook the ravioli before baking?
No, that's the beauty of this recipe! You can use frozen ravioli directly from the freezer. It cooks perfectly tender right in the sauce in the oven, saving you time and effort.
Can I add protein to this baked ravioli dish?
Absolutely! To make it a heartier meal, brown 1 pound of ground beef, Italian sausage, or cooked shredded chicken and layer it with the sauce and ravioli. It adds a delicious boost of flavor and substance.
What type of marinara sauce is best for this recipe?
For convenience, use your favorite high-quality jarred marinara sauce. Its flavor will be the base for your dish, so choose one you genuinely enjoy. A homemade marinara sauce will, of course, elevate the taste even further!
How should I store and reheat leftover baked ravioli?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat individual servings, use the microwave until warm. For larger portions, cover with foil and bake in a 350u00b0F (175u00b0C) oven until bubbly and heated through.
Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Layers of frozen cheese ravioli baked in a rich marinara sauce with three kinds of cheese for a bubbly, comforting, and incredibly easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
1 (25-ounce) package frozen cheese ravioli
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to a comforting 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. This simple step adds depth of flavor!
Step 3: Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin, even layer of your seasoned marinara sauce across the bottom.
Step 4: Arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli neatly over the sauce, creating your first pasta layer.
Step 5: Gently spoon half of the ricotta cheese over the ravioli, then generously sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Pour another layer of marinara sauce over the cheese. Follow this with the remaining ravioli, the rest of the ricotta, and the remaining mozzarella. Finish with any remaining marinara sauce on top, then sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese for that perfect golden crust.
Step 7: Cover your baking dish snugly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the ravioli to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 8: Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully bubbly and turns a beautiful golden brown. This is where the magic really happens!
Step 9: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief rest helps the layers set, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you desire a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
For a heartier meal, brown 1 lb of ground beef or Italian sausage and layer it into the dish. Serve with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Use your favorite jarred marinara sauce for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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