Welcome to your new go-to recipe for effortless family dinners! Our Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli is a dream come true for anyone craving comforting Italian flavors without the fuss. Imagine tender, cheese-filled ravioli nestled in a vibrant marinara sauce, all blanketed under a golden, bubbly layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This isn't just a meal; it's a warm hug in a baking dish!

Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or simply when you need a hearty and satisfying dish, this baked ravioli truly delivers. Forget long hours in the kitchen – this recipe comes together quickly and bakes to perfection, filling your home with an irresistible aroma that promises a delicious feast.

Why This Baked Ravioli Will Be Your New Favorite

• Incredibly Simple: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all levels.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of rich marinara, savory Italian seasoning, and a generous amount of cheese creates a deeply satisfying taste.
• Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite ravioli fillings, sauces, or add-ins like cooked ground beef or vegetables.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a cheesy pasta bake! This dish is guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy delicious leftovers for days, or freeze a portion for a future stress-free meal.

Ingredients You'll Need

This recipe calls for simple, accessible ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this cheesy masterpiece:

• 1 (25 oz) package frozen cheese ravioli (or your favorite flavor)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (your preferred brand or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

For more exact measurements, remember to check out the full recipe card below!

Step-by-Step Baking Guide

Follow these simple instructions for a perfectly cheesy baked ravioli every time:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is hot and ready for even baking.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent any sticking.

Step 3: Start the Layers

Spread about half a cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Add the First Layer of Ravioli

Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. No need to thaw them first!

Step 5: Cheese and More Sauce

Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the ravioli, followed by another cup of marinara sauce.

Step 6: Repeat and Finish with Cheese

Add the remaining ravioli, then the rest of the marinara sauce. Top generously with the remaining mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Season It Up

Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the top layer of cheese for an aromatic finish.

Step 8: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the ravioli to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 9: Uncover and Brown

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully golden brown.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

If desired, garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy baked ravioli!

Tips and Variations for Your Baked Ravioli

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to your family's preferences. Get creative!

Add Some Protein

For a heartier meal, brown some ground beef or Italian sausage and layer it into the dish. Cooked shredded chicken is also a great addition. If you love cheesy, meaty dishes, you might also enjoy our Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.

Boost the Veggies

Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added between the layers for extra nutrition and flavor. Fresh cherry tomatoes burst wonderfully when baked.

Change Up the Cheese

Experiment with different cheese blends! A mix of provolone, fontina, or even a little smoked mozzarella can elevate the flavor profile.

Switch the Sauce

While marinara is classic, an Alfredo sauce or a creamy tomato sauce can offer a different, equally delicious experience. You can also explore different marinara brands for varying flavor notes.

Spice It Up

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce for a little heat. Or, a dash of garlic powder and onion powder can intensify the savory notes.

Storing and Reheating

This baked ravioli is fantastic for leftovers, making it perfect for meal prepping!

• Storage: Store any leftover baked ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as per the recipe instructions. You can also freeze baked leftovers in individual portions.
• Reheating: For individual servings, reheat in the microwave until warmed through. For a larger portion, cover the dish with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and hot, about 20-30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

A simple side salad is a perfect accompaniment to cut through the richness of the cheese. A crusty loaf of garlic bread is also an excellent choice for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

Conclusion

This Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli is more than just a recipe; it's an invitation to simplify your mealtime while still enjoying deeply satisfying, comforting food. Its simplicity makes it approachable for any cook, and its rich, cheesy layers make it a guaranteed family favorite. So go ahead, whip up this delightful dish and watch it disappear!

We hope you love this recipe as much as we do. Don't forget to share your creations and comments below!

FAQs

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