Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Cheesy Ravioli Bake! It’s one of those magical meals that come together in no time flat and yet tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours. Seriously, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something hearty and comforting, but you don’t want to spend ages cooking. The best part? The cheesy goodness! Picture layers of tender cheese-filled ravioli, rich marinara sauce, and bubbling mozzarella that pulls apart beautifully with every scoop. It’s like a warm, cheesy hug in a baking dish. Trust me, once you dive into this dish, you won’t want to stop! Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, making it a hit with everyone around the dinner table. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cheese-filled ravioli: I like to use fresh or frozen ravioli, whichever I can grab quickly! The cheese filling brings a delightful richness.
- 1 jar marinara sauce: Go for your favorite brand or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous! It’s the perfect backdrop for all that cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This is where the magic happens! Mozzarella melts beautifully and creates that gooey, stretchy layer on top.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a lovely, nutty flavor. It’s like the cherry on top of this cheesy masterpiece!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a drizzle helps everything come together and adds a touch of richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because who doesn’t love a hint of garlic in their pasta? It elevates the whole dish!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This is my secret weapon! It infuses the bake with all those classic Italian flavors that make your taste buds dance.
How to Prepare Cheesy Ravioli Bake
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—preparing this fabulous Cheesy Ravioli Bake! It’s super straightforward, so don’t worry if you’re not a pro in the kitchen. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be amazed at how easily it all comes together!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: First things first, crank up that oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll want it nice and hot for the bake!
- Cook the ravioli: While the oven heats up, grab your cheese-filled ravioli and cook it according to the package instructions. Usually, it just takes a few minutes in boiling water. You want it al dente since it’ll continue cooking in the oven!
- Mix it up: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked ravioli with your jar of marinara sauce. Make sure every little ravioli is coated in that delicious sauce—this is where the flavor starts!
- Cheese it up: Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Oh, the cheesy goodness is already making me drool!
- Add some flavor: Drizzle olive oil over the top and give it a sprinkle of garlic powder and Italian seasoning. This will add a lovely aroma as it bakes!
- Bake away: Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You want it bubbling and golden brown on top. Trust me, the smell will be incredible!
- Cool and serve: Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This helps everything set up nicely, and you won’t burn your mouth on that melty cheese!
And voilà! You’ve just prepared a delicious Cheesy Ravioli Bake that’s sure to impress. Let’s dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Cheesy Ravioli Bake comes together in just about 45 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence.
- Deliciously Cheesy: With layers of gooey mozzarella and savory Parmesan, every bite is an indulgent treat that will satisfy your cheese cravings.
- Flavorful Marinara: The rich marinara sauce complements the ravioli beautifully, infusing each layer with mouthwatering Italian flavors.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This dish is a hit with everyone, including those who don’t eat meat, ensuring that all your guests will leave happy and full!
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite veggies like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor—endless possibilities!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Cheesy Ravioli Bake turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some handy tips for you! First off, be careful not to overcook the ravioli before mixing it with the marinara sauce—remember, it’ll continue cooking in the oven, so aim for that al dente texture. Also, don’t skimp on the cheese! More mozzarella means more gooeyness, and who wouldn’t want that? If you’re adding veggies, sauté them first to release extra moisture; this keeps your bake from getting soggy. And hey, let it cool for a few minutes after baking—that way, it sets nicely and is easier to serve. Trust me, these little tricks will elevate your cheesy masterpiece!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the Cheesy Ravioli Bake! Each serving is estimated to have about 400 calories, making it a hearty meal that won’t leave you feeling deprived. You’re looking at around 18 grams of fat, which includes 10 grams of saturated fat for that creamy richness. With 18 grams of protein, it’s sure to keep you satisfied! Carbohydrates come in at about 45 grams, and there’s 2 grams of fiber to help balance it out. Just a heads up—these values are estimates, so feel free to tweak the ingredients for your dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen ravioli? Absolutely! Frozen cheese-filled ravioli works perfectly in this Cheesy Ravioli Bake. Just follow the package instructions for cooking, and you’re good to go!
What if I don’t have marinara sauce? No worries! You can substitute with any tomato-based sauce you love, like arrabbiata or even a creamy Alfredo for a different twist!
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the bake a day in advance, just cover it and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, bake it straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through!
Is this recipe gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, just use gluten-free ravioli and ensure your marinara sauce is also gluten-free. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up your Cheesy Ravioli Bake, let’s talk about what to serve it with for the ultimate meal experience! A fresh, crisp salad is a perfect companion—think a simple arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. If you’re in the mood for something warm, garlic bread is a classic choice; it’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious marinara sauce! You could also serve it alongside some roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, to add a pop of color and nutrition to your plate. And don’t forget a light dessert, like a fruit sorbet or a slice of tiramisu, to round off your Italian-inspired dinner. Trust me, these pairings will take your cheesy dish to the next level!
For more delicious recipes, check out Cheesy Beef and Mushroom Pita Pockets or Creamy Tuscan Lobster Pasta!
Print
Cheesy Ravioli Bake: 7 Layers of Comforting Goodness
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious cheesy ravioli bake that is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cheese-filled ravioli
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ravioli according to package instructions.
- In a baking dish, mix cooked ravioli with marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- Use homemade marinara for more flavor.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Cheesy Ravioli Bake, Ravioli, Italian Bake, Easy Dinner