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.