Easy and Delicious Baked Ravioli Recipe

Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish? Baked ravioli is your answer! This deliciously cheesy, baked pasta dish takes the classic ravioli and adds a twist by layering it with savory sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, a weekend gathering, or even a quick weeknight meal, baked ravioli is a simple dish that offers big flavors.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create the perfect baked ravioli. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using store-bought ravioli, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the recipe, tips, and additional helpful info!

Ingredients for Baked Ravioli

For the pasta:

1 package of cheese ravioli (frozen or fresh)

For the sauce:

2 cups marinara sauce (or any sauce you prefer)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

For the topping:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make Baked Ravioli

Step 1: Preheat your oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the ravioli cooks evenly and gets a nice golden, crispy topping.

Step 2: Prepare the sauce
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the marinara sauce, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Assemble the ravioli
In a baking dish (9×13 inch works perfectly), spread a thin layer of the marinara sauce on the bottom. Then, layer half of the ravioli on top. Pour half of the remaining sauce over the ravioli, then top with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Repeat this process with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and cheeses, ending with a generous layer of mozzarella.

Step 4: Bake the ravioli
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the ravioli is heated through.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve it hot with a side salad or some garlic bread.

Recipe Notes

Cheese Ravioli: While you can use store-bought frozen ravioli, making your own ravioli (if you have the time) will take this dish to the next level. Fresh ravioli tends to cook faster and retains its texture better when baked.
Sauce Options: Feel free to experiment with different sauces. While marinara is classic, you can also use Alfredo sauce, pesto, or even a meat sauce for added richness.
Cheese Variations: For a different twist, mix up the cheeses! Try adding ricotta or provolone for extra creaminess and flavor.

Time and Serving

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes.

Storage and Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store them:

Refrigeration: Store the baked ravioli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly.
Freezing: You can freeze baked ravioli before baking it! Assemble the ravioli, but don’t bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the freezer, but add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g

Note: Nutritional values will vary based on the specific ingredients used, such as the type of sauce or cheese.

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

Crispy Topping: For an even crispier top, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese before baking without covering the dish with foil for the last few minutes.
Add Meat: If you’re craving something heartier, try adding cooked ground beef, sausage, or even chicken to the sauce for added protein.
Herbs & Spices: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary can be added to the sauce to infuse extra flavors into the dish.

How to Serve Baked Ravioli

Classic Style: Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
For Extra Richness: Pair with a creamy side like garlic butter breadsticks or roasted vegetables drizzled with olive oil.
Family Style: Serve the ravioli in the baking dish right at the table for a casual, family-style meal. It’s perfect for sharing!

Kitchen Tools Needed

Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
Saucepan: For preparing the marinara sauce.
Aluminum Foil: To cover the ravioli while baking for a soft, cheesy result.
Slotted Spoon: For transferring the ravioli into the baking dish.

FAQs about Baked Ravioli

Yes! You can use cheese, meat, or vegetable-filled ravioli. Each type will bring a unique flavor to the dish, so feel free to get creative with your filling choice.

Absolutely! You can assemble the ravioli and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. If freezing, assemble, then freeze the dish before baking for up to 3 months.

The ravioli is done when the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. You can also insert a knife into the center to check if the ravioli is heated through.

Of course! You can substitute with Alfredo, pesto, or even a meat sauce for a different flavor profile.