If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that combines the best of cheesy, saucy pasta goodness, this Baked Ravioli Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender cheese-filled ravioli layered generously with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, all baked to a bubbly, golden perfection. It’s a simple dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests without fussing over complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Ravioli Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient works together to build incredible flavor, texture, and an inviting color palette. Every pantry staple here plays a crucial role from the saucy base to the cheesy topping, making it perfect for an easy yet impressive meal.
- 24 ounces marinara sauce: This forms the tangy, flavorful base that coats every ravioli just right.
- 25 ounces cheese-filled frozen ravioli: The heart of the dish, providing that luscious, cheesy center in every bite.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): Adds creamy, melty goodness that blankets the casserole beautifully.
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: A sharp, nutty pop of flavor that finishes the topping with richness.
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning (divided): This blend of herbs brings aromatic warmth and a subtle herbal kick.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional): A fresh, vibrant contrast that lifts the whole dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Baked Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat ensures a bubbly, golden top. While the oven warms, spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray so your casserole won’t stick and will come out cleanly.
Step 2: Start with a Saucy Base
Pour about half a cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of the baking dish and spread it evenly. This layer keeps the ravioli from sticking to the dish and builds an initial flavorful foundation.
Step 3: Add the First Layer of Ravioli and Cheese
Carefully layer half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce, slightly overlapping them so every bite has that luscious filling. Spoon half of the remaining marinara sauce over this ravioli layer, then sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Dust half of the Italian seasoning over this cheesy layer for an herby, fragrant note.
Step 4: Layer the Remaining Ingredients
Next, place the remaining ravioli on top of the mozzarella. Pour the rest of the marinara sauce evenly over the ravioli, making sure each piece gets a good saucy coating to bake into tender perfection.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Seasoning
Sprinkle the last cup of mozzarella cheese on the top layer. Then scatter the parmesan cheese for sharp, salty accents and finish by sprinkling the rest of the Italian seasoning over everything. This final touch transforms the casserole into a vibrant, aromatic masterpiece.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the ravioli to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 7: Bake Uncovered for a Golden Finish
Remove the foil and bake the casserole uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This brings out the bubbly, golden brown cheese crust that everyone loves, making the dish irresistibly inviting.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, garnish with fresh basil leaves if you like. The basil adds a pop of bright green color and a burst of fresh flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the rich casserole.
How to Serve Baked Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the classic choice for garnishing this baked ravioli casserole, adding a hint of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of extra parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil can elevate it even further, making each plate look like it came straight from an Italian trattoria.
Side Dishes
Serve this casserole alongside a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness with some acidity and crunch. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is fantastic for soaking up the savory marinara sauce left on your plate. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus also make for simple, complementary sides.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress at a dinner party, bake the casserole in individual ramekins for personal servings. Layer it in a deep dish for a hearty family-style meal, or even transform leftovers into ravioli sliders by sandwiching the baked ravioli between bread and reheating under a broiler for a melty, handheld treat. The possibilities are as exciting as they are delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked ravioli casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making it a great next-day meal that reheats perfectly.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish and wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, bake it covered from frozen, adding extra baking time to ensure it heats thoroughly. This makes it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeknights.
Reheating
To reheat, bake leftover casserole in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven until warmed through and the cheese is melty, usually about 15 to 20 minutes. If using the microwave, cover loosely to keep moisture and heat in evenly. Either way, it tastes just as comforting the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli works wonderfully and may even reduce bake time since it doesn’t require thawing. Just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly and check for doneness.
What kind of marinara sauce is best?
Use your favorite quality marinara sauce, whether store-bought or homemade. Look for one with robust tomato flavor and balanced seasoning to complement the cheesy ravioli without overpowering it.
Can I add meat or vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Adding cooked sausage, ground beef, or sautéed veggies like spinach or mushrooms can boost the casserole’s heartiness and nutrition, making it even more satisfying.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Just swap the regular ravioli for gluten-free cheese-filled ravioli. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check marinara and cheese labels to be sure.
How can I make this recipe more spicy?
Add crushed red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce or sprinkle a pinch over each layer before baking. You can also add spicy Italian sausage or a drizzle of hot sauce when serving for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Ravioli Casserole Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm, delicious hug. It’s easy to make, wonderfully cheesy, and guaranteed to become a cherished meal in your home. Whether it’s weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this casserole stands out with its comforting flavors and simple prep. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears from the table!
Print
Baked Ravioli Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Baked Ravioli Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish featuring cheese-filled frozen ravioli layered with marinara sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, baked to bubbly perfection. It’s perfect for a family dinner or casual gatherings, offering cheesy, saucy goodness with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Sauce and Seasonings
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning (divided)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Pasta and Cheese
- 25 ounces cheese-filled frozen ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Sauce Base: Pour ½ cup of the marinara sauce evenly into the bottom of the baking dish and spread it out to coat the surface. This acts as the base layer to keep the ravioli moist during baking.
- First Ravioli Layer: Arrange a layer of frozen cheese-filled ravioli over the sauce, slightly overlapping as needed. Pour about 1 cup (half of the remaining sauce) over the ravioli and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Then, sprinkle half of the Italian seasoning over the layer.
- Second Ravioli Layer: Add the remaining ravioli on top of the first cheesy layer, then pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the ravioli to ensure they stay flavorful and moist.
- Final Cheese and Seasoning: Evenly spread the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce layer. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella, followed by the remaining Italian seasoning for added flavor.
- Initial Baking with Foil: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to cook the ravioli through and heat the sauce.
- Bake Uncovered: After 20 minutes, remove the foil carefully and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy baked ravioli casserole.
Notes
- For best results, use cheese-filled frozen ravioli; no need to boil before baking.
- You can substitute marinara sauce with your favorite pasta sauce variant.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add red pepper flakes to the Italian seasoning.
- Make sure to cover with foil at first to prevent the top from drying out.
- This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread.
