Name: Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 32 pieces frozen cheese ravioli; 1 26 ounce jar spaghetti sauce: A good quality jarred sauce works perfectly. I prefer a tomato and basil flavor for a classic Italian taste, but your favorite variety will work just as well.; 3 ounces sliced pepperoni: This adds a wonderfully savory and slightly spicy kick. For a vegetarian option (you can simply omit it.); 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese: For the best melt and flavor; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella is also recommended here. It creates that irresistible

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I just made this Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe, and I can’t believe how simple and delicious it turned out. This recipe has become my go-to for busy weeknights when I crave a comforting, home-cooked meal without the fuss. It’s a one-dish wonder that layers rich sauce, savory pepperoni, and gooey cheese over tender ravioli.

The best part is that it requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor, making it a guaranteed family favorite. This is the kind of satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, especially when paired with hearty dinner ideas like the roasted garlic butter beef tenderloin recipe for special occasions.

Ingredients

This recipe comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients. Using high-quality components will make a noticeable difference in the final taste and texture of your baked ravioli.

32 pieces frozen cheese ravioli (approx. 1 pound): Using frozen ravioli is a time-saver, as there’s no need to boil them beforehand. They cook perfectly in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors as they bake.
1 (26 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce: A good quality jarred sauce works perfectly. I prefer a tomato and basil flavor for a classic Italian taste, but your favorite variety will work just as well.
3 ounces sliced pepperoni: This adds a wonderfully savory and slightly spicy kick. For a vegetarian option, you can simply omit it.
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese: For the best melt and flavor, grate your own Parmesan from a block. It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella is also recommended here. It creates that irresistible, stringy cheese pull that makes baked pasta dishes so satisfying.

Note: The ingredient quantities listed will yield approximately four servings.

Variations

One of the great things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try:

Make it meaty: Instead of pepperoni, try adding cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken to the sauce for a heartier meal, similar to how protein-forward dishes like the creamy tuscan shrimp linguine recipe balance richness and flavor.
Veggie-loaded: Boost the nutritional value by adding a layer of sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just be sure to cook them down first to release excess moisture.
Different cheeses: Feel free to experiment with the cheese blend. Provolone, fontina, or an Italian cheese blend would all be delicious additions.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce to give your baked ravioli a little extra heat.
Dairy-Free: You can substitute the cheeses with your favorite dairy-free mozzarella and parmesan alternatives.

Cooking Time

This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to assemble this easy casserole.

8×8 glass baking dish: This is the perfect size for layering the ingredients and ensuring even cooking.
Spoon or spatula: You’ll need this for spreading the sauce and ensuring the ravioli are well-coated.
Measuring cups: Use these for accurately measuring your cheese portions.
Aluminum foil: This is used to cover the dish while baking, which helps steam the ravioli and prevents the cheese from browning too quickly.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Ravioli

This recipe is all about simple layers and letting the oven do the work.

Preheat Your Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease your 8×8 glass baking dish to prevent the ravioli from sticking. This simple step makes serving and cleanup much easier later on.

Create the First Ravioli Layer

Arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli (about 16 pieces) in a single layer at the bottom of your prepared dish. Pour half of the spaghetti sauce over them and give it a gentle stir. Make sure all the ravioli are evenly coated in the sauce.

Add Pepperoni and Parmesan

Place the pepperoni slices in a single layer over the sauce-coated ravioli. Then, sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the entire dish. This creates a savory, cheesy middle layer that adds a ton of flavor.

Create the Second Ravioli Layer

Place the remaining ravioli on top of the Parmesan cheese, creating another single layer. Spoon the rest of the spaghetti sauce over this top layer. Take a moment to ensure all the ravioli are well-covered with sauce to help them cook through.

Top with Pepperoni and Mozzarella

Arrange the last of your pepperoni slices over the top layer of sauce. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire dish. This top layer of mozzarella will melt into a golden, bubbly crust.

Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. The foil traps steam, which cooks the frozen ravioli perfectly. During the last 5 minutes of baking, you can remove the foil if you prefer a more golden-brown cheese topping.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take this simple recipe from good to great.

I find that letting the baked ravioli rest for about 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven is a game-changer. This allows the layers to set, making it much easier to serve without it falling apart.
To prevent the top layer of mozzarella from sticking to the aluminum foil, I lightly spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray before covering the dish. It’s a simple trick that ensures all that cheesy goodness stays on your pasta.
Sometimes I mix a little minced garlic or Italian seasoning into the jarred spaghetti sauce to give it a more homemade flavor. It’s a small step that adds a surprising amount of depth.
If you have extra time, using fresh ravioli instead of frozen works too. You’ll just need to reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes, as it will cook faster.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Ravioli

This cheesy baked ravioli is a hearty meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple side dishes. For a classic Italian-American dinner, serve it with a side of garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. A simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette also provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the richness of the casserole. When serving, garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving for this recipe.

Calories: 450-550 kcal
Protein: 20-25 g
Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
Fat: 20-25 g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is fantastic for meal prep and stores wonderfully.

Storing

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and then cover it tightly or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked ravioli for a future meal. Once cooled, cover the dish with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of foil, or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the refrigerated or thawed casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this cheesy baked ravioli will become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Incredibly Easy: With just 5 minutes of prep time and no need to pre-boil the ravioli, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a hassle-free meal. Everything is layered in one dish, which also means minimal cleanup.
Perfect for Busy Nights: Since it’s ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish, this dish is an ideal solution for those hectic weeknights when you need to get a satisfying dinner on the table quickly.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of savory sauce, gooey cheese, and tender pasta is a classic that appeals to both kids and adults. It’s a comforting and reliable dish that the whole family will enjoy.
Easily Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. You can easily add vegetables, switch up the protein, or use different cheeses to make it your own.

Ash Tyrrell