Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick to assemble, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum comfort. You don’t need to pre-boil the ravioli—just layer everything in a baking dish and let the oven do the work. It’s endlessly customizable and freezer-friendly, making it a go-to solution for stress-free cooking. Think of it as lasagna’s easier cousin, with all the flavor and none of the layering fuss.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Refrigerated or frozen ravioli (cheese, meat, or spinach)
- Marinara or pasta sauce
- Ricotta or cottage cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of ravioli over the sauce in a single layer (no need to pre-cook).
- Spoon a layer of ricotta or cottage cheese (if using) over the ravioli, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Repeat the layers: sauce, ravioli, cheese, and seasoning, until all ingredients are used—finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley, if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Use meat or spinach ravioli instead of cheese for variety.
- Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or sautéed vegetables between layers.
- Mix Alfredo sauce with marinara for a creamy tomato twist.
- Use frozen ravioli—just increase bake time by 5–10 minutes.
- Add red pepper flakes or crushed garlic for extra flavor.
- Try layering with pesto for a fresh herbal kick.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot. This dish can also be frozen before or after baking—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Do I need to cook the ravioli first?
No, you can use refrigerated or frozen ravioli directly in the casserole. Just ensure it’s fully covered with sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What kind of ravioli should I use?
Any kind—cheese, meat, spinach, or a blend. Use your favorite or mix different kinds for variety.
Is ricotta cheese necessary?
No, but it adds a creamy, lasagna-like texture. Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute or skipped altogether.
Can I use homemade sauce?
Yes! Any tomato-based pasta sauce you love will work well here.
How do I keep the cheese from burning?
Cover the dish with foil for most of the baking time, then uncover for the final 10–15 minutes to brown the top.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers are great additions between layers.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free ravioli and ensure your sauce and cheeses are gluten-free.
What should I serve with this bake?
A green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make great sides for this dish.
Conclusion
Ravioli Bake is a cheesy, satisfying, and incredibly easy dish that turns a simple package of ravioli into something truly comforting. With minimal prep and tons of flavor, it’s the perfect solution for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a hearty, no-fuss meal everyone will devour.
PrintRavioli Bake
Ravioli Bake is a cheesy and comforting casserole that turns store-bought ravioli into a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 (20–25 oz) package refrigerated or frozen ravioli (cheese, meat, or spinach)
- 3 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Arrange a single layer of ravioli over the sauce (no need to pre-cook).
- Spoon ricotta or cottage cheese over the ravioli, if using. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add a pinch of Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Repeat layers: sauce, ravioli, cheese, seasoning—finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use frozen ravioli directly—just increase bake time by 5–10 minutes.
- Add cooked ground beef or sautéed vegetables for extra substance.
- Mix marinara and Alfredo sauce for a creamy tomato base.
- Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.
- Great for meal prep or freezing—before or after baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg