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
Scale
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.
