Baked Ravioli Recipe

Introduction

Baked Ravioli is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that brings together all the best elements of Italian cuisine: tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, Baked Ravioli is sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s essentially a casserole that layers ravioli, marinara sauce, and cheese, all baked until golden and bubbling.

This dish is simple to prepare yet packed with flavor, making it a fantastic alternative to traditional pasta dishes. The crispy top layer contrasts perfectly with the gooey, cheesy center, creating a satisfying texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Best of all, you can customize the recipe with your favorite ravioli filling or even swap in a different sauce to suit your preferences.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to make Baked Ravioli from scratch, or you can use store-bought ravioli for an even easier version. Either way, you’ll end up with a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for feeding the whole family or impressing your guests.

Why You’ll Love Baked Ravioli

• Comforting and Hearty: A warm, cheesy baked pasta dish like this is the ultimate comfort food. The combination of crispy cheese and soft ravioli makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Quick and Easy: Baked Ravioli is quick to assemble and doesn’t require any special skills. With just a few ingredients, you can have a meal that’s both easy and delicious. Plus, it’s all cooked in one dish, so cleanup is a breeze.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer cheese, meat, or vegetable-filled ravioli, you can easily customize this recipe to fit your taste. You can also switch up the marinara sauce for pesto, Alfredo sauce, or a white wine-based sauce for variety.
• Kid-Friendly: Baked Ravioli is a great way to get your kids to eat more vegetables or enjoy pasta in a fun and exciting way. The gooey melted cheese is sure to be a hit with younger eaters.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to two days before baking. This is a great option for busy weeknights or for preparing in advance when hosting dinner parties.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 400-450 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion size.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

For the Baked Ravioli:

• 1 (25 oz) package of frozen or fresh ravioli (cheese or meat-filled)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for greasing the pan)

For the Marinara Sauce (if homemade):

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinara Sauce (If Homemade)

If you’re using homemade marinara sauce, start by heating the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If the sauce is too acidic, add a tablespoon of sugar to balance it out. Once it’s done, remove from heat and set it aside.

2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the ravioli from sticking. This step ensures that the edges of your dish get crispy and golden during baking.

3. Assemble the Baked Ravioli

Once your marinara sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble the dish. Start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your greased baking dish. This helps prevent the ravioli from sticking to the dish during baking.

Next, add a layer of ravioli on top of the sauce. If you’re using frozen ravioli, there’s no need to thaw them. Just place them directly into the dish. If you’re using fresh ravioli, you can layer them directly in as well.

Once the ravioli is arranged in a single layer, spoon some more marinara sauce over the top, making sure each ravioli is generously coated. Follow with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat this layering process until you’ve used up all the ravioli, marinara sauce, and cheese.

For a golden and crispy top, be sure to finish with a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

4. Bake the Ravioli

Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and become golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on the cheese to ensure it doesn’t burn. Once the top is nicely browned and the ravioli are heated through, remove the dish from the oven.

5. Garnish and Serve

After baking, let the dish sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving. This gives the sauce a chance to settle and ensures that you can easily serve up the ravioli without it falling apart.

If desired, garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve the Baked Ravioli with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Baked Ravioli

• Use Fresh or Frozen Ravioli: Both fresh and frozen ravioli work great in this recipe. Just remember that frozen ravioli can go straight into the dish without thawing, making it a perfect option for busy nights.
• Try Different Sauces: While marinara is the classic choice, feel free to get creative with your sauce. Alfredo, pesto, or a combination of marinara and cream create interesting variations that change the flavor profile of the dish.
• Add Extra Veggies: If you want to boost the nutrition of the dish, consider adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce or layering them between the ravioli. This adds flavor, texture, and extra vitamins.
• Use Quality Cheese: For the best flavor and melt, opt for good-quality mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Freshly grated Parmesan will give a more robust flavor than the pre-grated variety.
• Add Meat: If you’re using cheese ravioli and want a heartier meal, consider adding ground beef, sausage, or pepperoni to the marinara sauce. Brown the meat before adding it to the sauce for extra flavor.
• Top with More Cheese: If you’re a fan of extra cheesy dishes, sprinkle some extra mozzarella cheese on top during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to create an even cheesier crust.

Variations of Baked Ravioli

• Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli: For a vegetarian-friendly version, use spinach and ricotta-filled ravioli. The creamy cheese filling pairs perfectly with the marinara sauce, making this a delicious option for non-meat eaters.
• Meat Lover’s Baked Ravioli: Add ground beef, sausage, or meatballs to the marinara sauce for a heartier, meat-packed version of this dish. This variation is perfect for those who love meaty pasta dishes.
• Creamy Alfredo Ravioli Bake: For a richer version, swap out the marinara sauce for Alfredo sauce. Layer the ravioli with creamy Alfredo sauce and top with mozzarella for a decadent and comforting meal.
• Pesto Baked Ravioli: Use basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto for a fresh, herby variation. Pesto adds a nice depth of flavor that complements the ravioli beautifully.
• BBQ Chicken Baked Ravioli: For a fun twist, use BBQ sauce instead of marinara and add shredded cooked chicken. The smoky, sweet BBQ flavor will give your baked ravioli an entirely new flavor profile.

Storage and Shelf Life

Baked Ravioli is best served fresh but can be stored for later use. To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, though the texture may not be as crisp.

If you want to freeze the dish, allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes, removing the foil in the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Baked Ravioli

Baked Ravioli is filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes:

• Garlic Bread: A crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce and adds a satisfying texture to the meal.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp, tangy Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ravioli, balancing the flavors of the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus are great veggie sides that add color, nutrition, and additional flavor to the meal.
• Italian Sausage: If you’re looking for a protein-packed side, grilled Italian sausage complements the flavors of Baked Ravioli perfectly.

Print

Conclusion

Baked Ravioli is a delightful and hearty dish that combines everything you love about pasta—cheese, sauce, and perfectly cooked ravioli—all baked together to create a bubbly, golden masterpiece. This recipe is easy to prepare, highly customizable, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal or something special to serve at a dinner party, Baked Ravioli delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

With endless variations and the ability to make it ahead of time, this dish is a versatile option that can fit into any meal plan. So the next time you’re craving Italian comfort food, make sure to give Baked Ravioli a try—you won’t be disappointed!