Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish that brings together gooey cheese and tender pasta with minimal fuss, you’re in for a treat with this Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of rich marinara sauce, layers of cheesy ravioli, and crispy, golden cheese topping that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual get-together, this recipe promises a satisfying burst of Italian flavors in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple ingredients is a great way to ensure your dish turns out flavorful and satisfying. Each element plays a role in balancing gooey, cheesy richness with tangy sauce and savory seasoning for a well-rounded meal.

• 9 oz cheese-filled ravioli: Choose fresh or frozen for tender pasta pockets bursting with creamy cheese.
• 2 cups marinara sauce: Rich and tangy marinara provides the perfect saucy base and moisture.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to add stretch and luscious cheesiness.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor to deepen the cheese profile.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that lifts the whole dish with classic Mediterranean notes.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to bring out the flavors and create balance.
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh, aromatic brightness just before serving.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking without drying out the ravioli. Getting this ready early helps the cheese melt and brown beautifully later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Layer

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. This keeps the pasta from sticking and infuses every bite with tangy tomato goodness, setting the foundation for your layers.

Step 3: Add the First Layer of Ravioli

Arrange half of the cheese-filled ravioli over the sauce, making sure they’re spread out evenly. This ensures that heat distributes evenly while baking, helping each ravioli cook perfectly.

Step 4: Sprinkle Cheeses on Ravioli

Now top the first ravioli layer with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The cheeses will melt into a gooey, golden blanket that hugs every bite with creamy richness.

Step 5: Add More Sauce and Seasoning

Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce over the cheesy layer, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This injects herbal warmth and seasoning, perfectly balancing out the dish’s richness.

Step 6: Repeat Layers

Repeat with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and cheeses. Building these layers creates a multi-dimensional flavor and texture experience, making the final dish comforting and indulgent.

Step 7: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and prevent the top from browning too quickly. Bake for 25 minutes to allow the ravioli to heat through and cheeses to melt luxuriously.

Step 8: Uncover and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This step lets the cheese bubble enticingly and develop a golden, slightly crispy crust on top that’s utterly irresistible.

Step 9: Rest and Garnish

After baking, let the dish cool for a few minutes so the layers settle and the cheese firms up slightly for easier serving. Garnish with fresh basil if you’d like to add a fragrant, colorful finish that brightens the whole plate.

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are a classic way to add a burst of herbal aroma and vibrant green contrast to the cheesy, tomato-rich bake. For extra flair, sprinkle a bit of crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil for richness.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with balsamic vinegar to cut through the richness, or some garlicky roasted vegetables for a wholesome balance. Warm crusty bread is also perfect to mop up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe in individual ramekins baked directly for elegant single portions. Or create a layered platter with fresh basil sprigs and parmesan shavings scattered on top for a charming family-style meal everyone will dive into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the baked ravioli tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld over time, making leftovers just as delicious if not more so the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, cool completely then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions, but baking helps maintain that gooey cheese and tender ravioli texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought sauce or should I make my own?

Store-bought marinara sauce works wonderfully in this recipe and keeps things easy, but if you have a homemade sauce, it’s an excellent way to add personalized flavor.

What type of cheese-filled ravioli is best?

Classic cheese ravioli with ricotta and mozzarella filling works perfectly, but feel free to experiment with other fillings like spinach-cheese or four-cheese blends for variety.

Can I add meat or vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or sautéed veggies like mushrooms and spinach can be layered in for a heartier, more complex bake.

Is it okay to bake frozen ravioli without thawing?

Yes, you can bake frozen ravioli straight from the freezer by adding a few extra minutes to the covered baking time to ensure even heating.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free cheese ravioli and verify that your marinara sauce is gluten-free, and you’ll have a naturally delicious gluten-free baked ravioli dish.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe is a true winner for anyone craving comfort food without complicated steps. It’s a dish that’s not only simple to prepare but delivers on flavor, texture, and that all-important cozy feeling. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the warmth and cheesy goodness that’s perfect for any occasion!

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