This cheesy baked ravioli dish combines tender pasta with a rich marinara sauce and gooey cheese, making it a delightful meal for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a comforting family dinner.
The recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and cooking techniques. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins for added flavor.
Creating the Perfect Cheesy Baked Ravioli
Cheesy baked ravioli is a delightful dish that brings comfort to any meal. The combination of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese creates a satisfying experience for the palate.
With a straightforward preparation process, this dish is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. It can easily be customized with various vegetables or proteins, allowing for a personal touch that can cater to different tastes.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
The key to a successful cheesy baked ravioli lies in the quality of its ingredients.
Using frozen cheese ravioli simplifies the cooking process, ensuring that you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. The marinara sauce adds depth and flavor, while the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses create that irresistible cheesy topping.
Don’t forget the fresh basil for garnish, which not only enhances the dish’s visual appeal but also adds a fresh note that complements the rich flavors.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Preparing cheesy baked ravioli is a quick process that can be completed in about 30 minutes.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, spread a layer of marinara sauce in your baking dish. This base layer is essential for keeping the ravioli moist and flavorful.
Next, layer half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce, followed by more marinara and a generous amount of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a sprinkle of Parmesan and Italian seasoning on top.
Baking to Perfection
Once assembled, cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven.
Baking covered for the first 20 minutes helps steam the ravioli, ensuring they cook evenly. After removing the foil, allow the dish to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
This final step is crucial for achieving that perfect cheesy crust that everyone loves.
Serving Suggestions
After baking, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Pair your cheesy baked ravioli with a slice of garlic bread for a complete meal that is sure to please.
The rustic wooden table setting adds to the inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect dish for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home.
Enjoying the Experience
Cheesy baked ravioli is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together.
Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet night or serving it at a gathering, this dish is bound to create lasting memories.
So gather your loved ones, serve up this comforting dish, and enjoy the warm and inviting atmosphere it creates.
Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli
This baked ravioli features layers of ravioli smothered in marinara sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese, baked until bubbly and golden. The dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Layer the Ravioli: Place half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Top with half of the remaining marinara sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining ravioli, followed by the rest of the marinara sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 50g