Baked Ravioli
Baked Ravioli is the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth, with layers of tender pasta, hearty sauce, and gooey cheese that makes every bite feel like a hug. It’s a comforting meal that comes together effortlessly, and it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. The blend of Italian sausage and rich marinara creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. As someone who has made this dish countless times, I promise that each forkful will remind you of the joys of home cooking.
What I love about Baked Ravioli is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re entertaining guests at a dinner party or just feeding your family, this dish suits any occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to use frozen ravioli or whatever you have on hand. It saves time in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor. You might even find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, as it’s bound to become a staple in your home. I’m excited for you to give it a try!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep, this meal is in the oven before you know it!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory sausage and smooth marinara will make your taste buds dance.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Layers of cheesy ravioli bubbling with sauce are as wonderful to look at as they are to eat.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight family dinners, potlucks, or even cozy gatherings with friends.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily switch up the protein or go meatless to suit dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil: This helps to prevent sticking and adds a rich flavor to the dish. Feel free to use another oil if you prefer.
- 1 pound Italian sausage: Choose sweet or spicy to suit your taste. Ground turkey or chicken makes a leaner option if desired.
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs brings an essential depth of flavor. If you’re out, you can mix dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
- 28 ounces prepared marinara or spaghetti sauce: Store-bought sauces work well, but homemade can elevate the dish. Use your favorite brand for the best results.
- 24 ounces fresh or frozen cheese ravioli: Opt for high-quality cheese ravioli for a delightful taste. Both fresh and frozen work great; just adjust the baking time accordingly.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: This creates that gooey, stretchy goodness. You can mix in some provolone or fontina for added flavor.
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best flavor, this adds a salty note to balance the dish. Reserve some for serving!
How to Make Baked Ravioli
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400℉ (200℃). Lightly grease a deep 9×13 baking dish with olive oil and set it aside for layering.
- Cook the sausage: Heat 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 30-60 seconds. Add the pound of Italian sausage along with ½ tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Cook until the sausage is browned and no pink remains, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once done, drain off any excess grease and stir in the marinara sauce until well mixed. If you want to skip the meat, just use the sauce alone for simplicity.
- Layer the ingredients: Spread a thin layer of the prepared sauce on the bottom of your greased casserole dish. Arrange half of the 24 ounces of ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Over this, spoon half of the remaining sauce and spread to cover. Then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup) evenly on top. Repeat with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and mozzarella, finishing with a sprinkle of ¼ cup Parmesan cheese over the entire casserole.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes if using fresh ravioli or a full 30 minutes if using frozen. For that perfect melty texture, uncover the dish and bake for another 10 minutes (for fresh ravioli) or 20 minutes (for frozen).
- Rest and serve: Let the baked ravioli cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. It’s wonderful with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Storing & Reheating
Once your Baked Ravioli has cooled, you can store it at room temperature for about 2 hours. However, for longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. If you’re looking to store leftovers for later, tightly cover the dish and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop it into a preheated oven at 350℉ (175℃) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You may notice some texture changes, but adding a splash of sauce before reheating can help refresh its goodness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Keep an eye on the sausage while cooking. Ensure it’s fully browned for maximum flavor.
- If you’re using frozen ravioli, make sure they’re properly separated and not frozen together before layering.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, like ricotta or a mix with white cheddar for a unique twist.
- Watch the bubbly edges while baking; this ensures your dish is perfectly cooked.
- Allow the dish to rest before serving to help with the gooey structure, making it easier to cut and serve.
It’s delightful to know that Baked Ravioli offers both comfort and satisfaction, ready to impress anyone at your table. Don’t hesitate to get creative! Experiment with different ingredients or adjust the spices to your liking. Each time you make this dish, it can take on a delicious new personality, and that’s part of the fun. Enjoy crafting this delicious meal and let it bring warmth to your dinner table.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other types of ravioli?
What can I serve with baked ravioli?
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
How do leftovers taste the next day?
More Dinner Recipes
- Taco Casserole
- Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Chicken
- Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Chicken Scarpariello
- Doritos Chicken Casserole
👉 If you make my Baked Ravioli recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating — it really helps others discover the recipe.
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Baked Ravioli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Baked Ravioli offers an irresistible blend of Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, making it a comforting choice for a quick dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, + more for greasing pan
- 1 pound italian sausage
- ½ tablespoon italian seasoning
- 28 ounces prepared marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 24 ounces fresh or frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉ (200℃). Lightly grease a deep 9×13 baking dish with olive oil and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat for 30-60 seconds. Add the sausage and Italian seasoning; cook while breaking the meat into small pieces until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the spaghetti sauce and mix until well combined.
- Spread a thin layer of the sauce at the bottom of the casserole dish. Arrange half of the ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the ravioli and spread evenly. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and mozzarella, finishing with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes for fresh ravioli or 20 minutes for frozen ravioli.
- Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, topping with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, skip the sausage and use a hearty marinara sauce.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, between the layers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
