Hearty Homestyle Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe for Dinner Joy

Weeknight dinners call for something quick and delicious like this cheesy baked ravioli that transforms ordinary pasta into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Layers of gooey cheese and hearty sauce create a comforting meal anyone can master.

Frozen ravioli becomes the star of this effortless dish, promising maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Rich marinara blankets each tender pocket of pasta, ensuring every bite is packed with savory goodness.

Melted cheese forms a golden, crispy crust that adds irresistible texture to the classic Italian favorite.

Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe perfect for busy cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing meal.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when comfort food is the ultimate solution.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s Inside Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe

• Frozen Ravioli: Pre-cooked pasta pockets perfect for a quick and easy meal, choose high-quality cheese or meat-filled varieties for maximum flavor.
• Marinara Sauce: Vibrant tomato-based sauce that adds rich, tangy depth and helps prevent the ravioli from drying out during baking.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that creates a luxurious, velvety texture and enhances the overall richness of the dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a stretchy, golden-brown topping that adds classic Italian comfort food appeal.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that provides a nutty, intense flavor and helps create a deliciously crispy top layer.

• Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb that brings a bright, fresh note and authentic Italian garden essence to the dish.
• Dried Oregano: Earthy, slightly peppery herb that complements the tomato sauce and adds traditional Italian seasoning depth.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and helps to elevate and balance the overall flavor profile of the baked ravioli.

Tools To Use For Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe

• Large Baking Dish: 9×13-inch rectangular pan perfect for layering ravioli and cheese.
• Cooking Spray or Brush: Helps grease the baking dish evenly and prevent sticking.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for cutting any ingredients like herbs or cheese if needed.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Helps mix ingredients and spread sauce evenly.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dish and removing from oven.

Simple Guide To Make Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe

• Preheat the Oven

Get your oven warming up to a toasty 190C (375F) and grab a baking dish. Give it a quick spray or light coating of oil to prevent sticking.

• Layer the Flavor Base

Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of your baking dish, creating a delicious foundation for your ravioli adventure.

• Arrange the Ravioli

Carefully place your ravioli in a single layer, making sure they’re snug but not overlapping. This ensures each pasta pocket gets perfectly cooked and crispy.

• Pour on the Sauce

Drizzle more marinara sauce over the top of the ravioli, making sure every little pocket gets a nice sauce bath.

• Sprinkle the Cheese

Go wild with a hearty handful of shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Don’t be shy – more cheese means more deliciousness!

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, golden-brown top and cheese that’s melted into gooey perfection.

• Cool and Serve

Let the dish rest for a few minutes after pulling it out of the oven. This helps the cheese set and makes serving easier. Grab a serving spoon and enjoy your cheesy masterpiece!

Tips To Make Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe Better

• Pasta Perfection Hack: Let ravioli sit in sauce for 5 minutes before baking to help them absorb more flavor and become extra tender.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Mix different types of cheese like mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta for a richer, more complex cheese profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular ravioli for gluten-free pasta versions to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Veggie Boost Strategy: Add layers of roasted vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers between ravioli to increase nutritional value and create more texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake, making meal prep super convenient for busy families.

Serving Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe Made Simple

• Perfect Pasta Plating: Serve this golden-brown ravioli directly in the baking dish for a rustic, family-style presentation that keeps the dish warm and inviting.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Complement the rich cheesy flavors with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc to balance the dish's creamy texture.
• Fresh Finish Flourish: Sprinkle some fresh chopped basil or parsley on top right before serving to add a pop of color and a burst of herbal freshness that elevates the entire meal.
• Side Dish Soulmates: Pair with a light garden salad or garlic bread to round out the meal and provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty, cheesy ravioli.

How To Keep Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe Fresh

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover ravioli in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Quick Freezing Technique: Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in freezer-safe wrap or container. Frozen baked ravioli maintains quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or thawed ravioli in the oven at 180C (350F) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for renewed flavor and moisture.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide the baked ravioli into single-serve containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Label containers with date and contents for organized meal planning.

Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Cheesy homemade easy baked ravioli recipe brings Italian comfort to dinner tables. Families will enjoy creamy pasta layers packed with rich flavors and simple ingredients that promise delightful meal satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (700 ml) marinara sauce
• 1 (700 g/24 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Fresh basil or parsley

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
2. Sauce Foundation: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of the dish, creating a robust flavor base for the ravioli.
3. Layering: Carefully arrange ravioli in a single, slightly overlapping layer over the sauce, ensuring complete dish coverage and even distribution.
4. Sauce and Cheese Coating: Lavishly pour additional marinara sauce over the ravioli, then blanket the entire surface with shredded mozzarella and a delicate sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
5. Baking Process: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly crust and the ravioli are thoroughly heated.
6. Resting and Finishing: Remove from oven and let stand for 3-5 minutes to allow cheese to set, then garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a vibrant, aromatic touch before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality mozzarella and parmesan for richer, more authentic flavor, avoiding pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents that reduce melting quality.
• Prevent Soggy Texture: Layer sauce sparingly to avoid waterlogged ravioli, ensuring just enough moisture to keep pasta tender without becoming mushy.
• Temperature Control: Use middle oven rack for even heat distribution, preventing burnt edges and ensuring consistent cheese melting across the entire dish.
• Dietary Adaptations: Substitute traditional ravioli with gluten-free or plant-based alternatives, and use lactose-free cheese for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining similar taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg