Baked Ravioli

Okay, so you know how ravioli is already amazing, right? Now imagine it all warm, cheesy, and baked with gooey sauce. Yeah… it’s comfort food magic.

I made this baked ravioli one night when I was super tired—and wow. It was so easy. And everyone at the table was quiet… just busy eating.

It’s soft, saucy, and super cheesy. You don’t even have to boil the pasta. Just layer, bake, and boom—dinner done.

You’ve got to try this. I promise, if you can layer lasagna, you can do this. Let’s make it together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family Favorite: Kids and adults love this no-fuss cheesy pasta bake.
• No Boiling Required: No need to pre-cook the ravioli—it bakes straight from the package.
• Perfect Make-Ahead Meal: Assemble it earlier in the day and bake when you’re ready.
• Freezer-Friendly: Bake now, freeze for later—perfect for busy weeks.
• Customizable: Add meat or veggies to make it your own.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings:
This recipe serves 6 as a main dish. It can stretch to 8 servings if served with sides like garlic bread or salad.

Difficulty:
Very easy—great for beginners or when you need something quick and hearty.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl (if adding meat or other layers)
• Foil (for baking and covering)
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula or large spoon

Ingredients for Baked Ravioli

Here’s everything you’ll need (exact amounts will be in the recipe card):

• Cheese Ravioli: Frozen or refrigerated works. No need to boil.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade if you have it.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded, for melt and stretch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is ideal for flavor.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle adds richness and helps the top brown.
• Garlic Powder: Adds flavor without fresh garlic prep.
• Italian Seasoning: A dry blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: For garnish and color.

Optional Add-ins:

• Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Browned and layered in for extra protein.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For a little heat.
• Ricotta Cheese: Spoonfuls between layers add creaminess.
  

Variations for Baked Ravioli

• Add Meat: Brown ground beef or Italian sausage and layer it with the ravioli for a heartier dish.
• Make It Spicy: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the marinara or over the top before baking.
• Use Meat or Spinach Ravioli: Swap cheese ravioli for another flavor to change things up.
• Add Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach make great additions between layers.
• Ricotta Layer: Add small spoonfuls of ricotta between ravioli layers for extra creaminess.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free ravioli and double-check the marinara label.

How to Make Baked Ravioli – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.

2. Spread the Marinara

Spoon about 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of the dish. Spread it out to cover the entire base. This keeps the ravioli from sticking and adds flavor to every bite.

3. Layer the Ravioli

Arrange a single layer of frozen or refrigerated cheese ravioli over the sauce. No need to thaw or pre-cook.

4. Add Cheese and Seasonings

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan over the ravioli. Season lightly with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

5. Repeat the Layers

Continue layering: sauce, ravioli, cheese, and seasonings. You should get 2-3 layers depending on your dish size and ravioli thickness. Finish with a generous layer of cheese on top.

6. Cover and Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, until everything is hot and the cheese is melted.

7. Uncover and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbling.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Baked Ravioli

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but you can make it part of a fuller meal with:

• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: For scooping up extra sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: Lightly dressed with olive oil and lemon or balsamic.
• Steamed Veggies: Like broccoli, green beans, or zucchini to add balance.
• A Sprinkle of Fresh Herbs: Top with chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.

Optional Garnishes

• Extra grated Parmesan
• Cracked black pepper
• Drizzle of olive oil or chili oil
• Thin shavings of Pecorino Romano

Storing Baked Ravioli

Refrigerator:
Let leftovers cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Freezer:
Assemble the dish (unbaked), wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 375°F, covered, for 45-55 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the top.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Enough Sauce: Make sure every ravioli is well coated to avoid dry bites.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Don’t Overbake: Once the top is golden and bubbling, it’s done—overbaking can dry it out.
• Let It Rest: After baking, wait 5-10 minutes before serving so the layers set a bit.

Nutrition

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sodium
1 serving (1/6 of dish)	~420	18g	38g	20g	3g	720mg

Note: Nutrition may vary based on the type of ravioli and sauce used.

Baked Ravioli FAQs

Can I use fresh ravioli?
Yes. Fresh ravioli works great. You can reduce the bake time by about 5 minutes since it cooks faster.

Do I need to boil the ravioli first?
Nope! That’s the beauty of this recipe. It bakes right in the sauce and comes out tender and flavorful.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready.

Can I freeze baked ravioli?
Absolutely. Freeze it before baking, then bake straight from frozen (adding about 10–15 extra minutes to the covered bake time).

Conclusion

Baked Ravioli is a no-stress, high-reward dinner that brings comfort to the table without a lot of prep. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stashing leftovers for later, this layered pasta bake delivers on taste, texture, and convenience.