Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe

I created this Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe for busy nights when I crave homemade comfort without spending hours in the kitchen.

My children’s faces light up when this dish appears—cheese stretching in delicious strands with each serving. The edges crisp perfectly while the center stays tender and saucy.

This simple transformation of store-bought ravioli has become our family favorite, disappearing faster than anything else at gatherings.

You’ll Adore This Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli

You’ll appreciate how this dish comes together in just minutes but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

The contrast between the tender pasta, rich sauce, and multiple cheese textures creates something truly crave-worthy that even picky eaters devour.

I love how flexible this recipe is—you can customize it with different ravioli fillings or add vegetables for extra nutrition.

It’s perfect for meal prep too, as it freezes beautifully and tastes even better the next day when all the flavors have had time to meld together.

If you’re anything like me and love this kind of comforting dish, you’ll definitely want to try my Million Dollar Spaghetti and Easy Baked Penne and Smoked Sausage Casserole next!

Ingredients for Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli

• 2 packages (20 oz each) refrigerated cheese ravioli
• 2 jars (24 oz each) marinara sauce (I prefer chunky garden-style for extra flavor)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, if you like a little heat)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

You can swap the cheese ravioli for spinach or meat-filled if you prefer. The jarred sauce works perfectly here, but when I have time, I sometimes use my homemade marinara instead.

Can I freeze this baked ravioli casserole?

Yes! This is one of my favorite freezer meals. Prepare the casserole completely but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the ravioli according to package directions, but stop about 2 minutes before the recommended time—they should be slightly underdone as they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Drain well.
3. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
4. Arrange half of the cooked ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
5. Pour half of the remaining sauce over the ravioli layer, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella, 1/3 cup of Parmesan, and half of the Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
6. Repeat with the remaining ravioli, sauce, seasonings, and cheeses, making sure to save 1/3 cup of Parmesan for the very top.
7. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown at the edges.
10. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving—trust me, this waiting time is crucial to help it set up properly.
11. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves just before serving for a beautiful color contrast and fresh flavor.

I sometimes add a layer of fresh spinach between the ravioli layers when I want to sneak in some extra vegetables for my kids. They never notice!

What can I add to make this recipe more substantial?

I often brown some Italian sausage or ground beef and mix it into the marinara sauce. You can also add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra vegetables.

For a heartier version, try mixing in some ricotta cheese with beaten egg and herbs as an additional layer.

Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8

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Description

A comforting, cheesy pasta bake that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients

• 2 packages (20 oz each) refrigerated cheese ravioli
• 2 jars (24 oz each) marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook ravioli 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain.
• Layer sauce, ravioli, and cheeses with seasonings in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
• Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes, then uncover and bake 10-15 minutes more until bubbly and golden.
• Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

For best results, slightly undercook the ravioli and allow the finished casserole to rest before serving. Can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes

Tips for the Best Cheesy Baked Ravioli

Don’t overcook the ravioli during the boiling stage—they’ll become mushy in the oven. That slightly undercooked pasta will absorb some of the sauce while baking and finish cooking to the perfect texture.

The cheese blend is important—mozzarella gives you that gorgeous stretch, while Parmesan adds deep flavor. I’ve tried using just one type, and it’s never quite as magical.

For an extra special touch, mix in some fontina or provolone with the mozzarella.

Always let the dish rest before serving. I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but those 10 minutes of waiting allow everything to set up properly so you get neat servings rather than a saucy mess.

Can I make Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to bake, just remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before to take the chill off, and you might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

My kids don’t like visible herbs. Can I still add flavor?

My youngest went through that phase too! Simply omit the Italian seasoning from the top layer and instead mix it directly into your sauce.

You get all the flavor without those “suspicious green specks” that some children avoid.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli pairs wonderfully with a crisp Caesar salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal.

For dinner parties, I serve smaller portions as a first course before a simple protein like roasted chicken.

In my home, we enjoy this casserole most on chilly evenings when comfort food is calling. It’s become our traditional “first day of school” dinner too—something the kids look forward to all day.

For a summer twist, I serve it with a side of fresh caprese salad using tomatoes from our garden.