Baked Ravioli with Marinara Sauce Recipe: This One-Pan Meal Will Change Your Dinner Routine
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please, this Baked Ravioli with Marinara Sauce is exactly what you need. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a cheesy, saucy, and satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this tasty baked ravioli:
- 1 (25-ounce) package of frozen ravioli (cheese, meat, or your favorite filling)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, but adds great flavor)
- Fresh basil or dried oregano (optional for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your oven is nice and hot when it’s time to bake the ravioli, helping everything melt together beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly with olive oil. This will prevent your ravioli from sticking and ensure a nice golden crust on the edges.
Step 3: Layer the Ravioli
Start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then, add a layer of frozen ravioli to the sauce and another generous layer of marinara sauce. Continue layering ravioli and sauce until you’ve used everything, ensuring the top layer is sauce.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Now for the good stuff: top everything with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Then, sprinkle on some grated Parmesan for a cheesy, flavorful kick.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes to let the cheese bubble up and get a golden finish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the ravioli is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute. If you like, sprinkle on some fresh basil or dried oregano for a little extra flavor and color.
Tips and Variations
- Want a crispy top? Pop the dish under the broiler for a couple of minutes at the end of baking to get that golden, bubbly crust.
- Add protein: Add cooked sausage, ground beef, or chicken to the marinara sauce for some extra protein.
- Make it veggie-friendly: Swap the meat for roasted veggies or even some fresh spinach in the marinara sauce.
- Homemade marinara sauce: Want to take it up a notch? Whip a quick marinara with crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. It’s easier than you think and tastes fantastic!
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty enough to stand independently, but it pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. And, if you’re feeling fancy, a glass of red wine makes it feel even more special.
Conclusion
This Baked Ravioli with Marinara Sauce is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, saucy, and satisfying, all in one dish. Plus, it’s super easy to make, which means more time enjoying your meal and less time spent in the kitchen. Whether feeding a crowd or looking for a quick family dinner, this dish covers you. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every bite!
FAQs
Can I use different types of ravioli? Absolutely! You can use cheese ravioli, meat-filled ravioli, or even a veggie version—whatever you love.
Can this dish be made ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble it earlier, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven to bake.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?No worries! Dried oregano or basil works just as well. You can also leave it out if you prefer a simpler flavor.
That’s your go-to recipe for a warm, comforting meal that’s ready in no time. Enjoy!
