Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients — fresh, quality cheese and hearty ravioli really make all the difference. I always recommend opting for fresh or frozen ravioli over dried if you can, as the texture is much more tender after baking. When it comes to cheese, a blend of mozzarella and parmesan gives the perfect balance of creaminess and sharpness. Growing up, my mom taught me that simple, good ingredients let the flavors shine without complicating things.
- 1 package (about 25 oz) refrigerated or frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought, your favorite brand)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Olive oil for greasing the baking dish
Substitution tip: If you want to add protein, cooked Italian sausage or ground beef can be stirred into the marinara. For a vegetarian twist, toss in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- If using frozen ravioli, no need to thaw—just spread them evenly in the baking dish in a single layer.
- Pour marinara sauce over the ravioli, making sure they’re well-coated but not swimming in sauce.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and garlic powder evenly over the sauced ravioli.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, spreading it out evenly for a golden crust.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like.
A little trick I picked up from my mom: letting baked pasta rest helps the sauce thicken and flavors meld, making every bite even better.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli, recipe, cooking, food
