Name: Easy Baked Ravioli Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds bulk Italian sausage; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 (25 oz) jars marinara sauce; 2 (18 oz) bags frozen cheese ravioli; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil leaves

Introduction

This easy baked ravioli recipe combines savory Italian sausage with gooey cheese ravioli and marinara sauce for a comforting family meal. It’s a simple, no-fuss casserole that delivers big flavor and cheesy goodness in every bite.

A clear glass dish contains a baked lasagna with multiple layers visibly packed inside. The bottom layer is thick with red tomato sauce mixed with ground meat, partly seen through the glass. Above this, there are wide flat pasta sheets covered by more red sauce and browned ground meat pieces. The top layer is generously covered with melted white cheese that has a slightly golden-brown tint in spots, sprinkled with small green basil leaves for color. The dish is set on a white cloth, all placed on a white marbled surface with a small bunch of fresh green basil in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds bulk Italian sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 (25 oz) jars marinara sauce
2 (18 oz) bags frozen cheese ravioli
3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and chopped onion. Break the sausage apart and cook until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 4: Spread 1 cup of the sauce mixture over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Arrange a single layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce. Pour one-third of the remaining sauce over the ravioli, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella evenly on top. Repeat layering with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and cheese.
Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based alternative.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Use fresh ravioli if available; adjust baking time as needed since fresh pasta cooks faster.
Top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness before baking.

Storage

Store any leftover baked ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Microwaving is fine for quicker reheating but may soften the ravioli more.

How to Serve

The image shows a white square plate holding four ravioli pieces covered in thick red meat sauce with visible small bits of ground meat, and a light sprinkle of grated cheese. The ravioli are golden yellow with a smooth, slightly shiny texture. On top of the ravioli is a small bunch of fresh green basil leaves. To the top right of the plate, there is a silver fork and knife resting parallel on the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred green basil leaf in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?

Yes, you can use sweet Italian sausage, hot sausage, or even turkey sausage depending on your preference. Just adjust the seasoning to taste.

Do I need to thaw the frozen ravioli before baking?

No, you can layer the frozen ravioli directly into the casserole. The baking time allows them to cook through while the sauce simmers.

Easy Baked Ravioli Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 587 reviews

This Easy Baked Ravioli recipe is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired casserole featuring layers of flavorful Italian sausage, marinara sauce, cheese ravioli, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it combines the simplicity of frozen ravioli with rich homemade sausage sauce and a golden cheesy topping.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Sauce

1 1/2 pounds bulk Italian sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 (25 oz) jars marinara sauce

Pasta and Cheese

2 (18 oz) bags frozen cheese ravioli
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside for assembling the ravioli layers.
Cook Sausage and Onion: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bulk Italian sausage and chopped onion. Break the sausage apart with a spatula and cook until the meat is no longer pink and onions are softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to reduce greasiness.
Add Garlic and Simmer Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce along with the Italian seasoning, then simmer the sauce mixture for about 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Layer Sauce in Baking Dish: Spread 1 cup of the prepared sausage and marinara sauce mixture evenly on the bottom of the sprayed baking dish to create a flavorful base layer.
Assemble Ravioli Layers: Place a single layer of the frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce. Pour one-third of the remaining sauce mixture over the ravioli, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Repeat this layering process two more times with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and cheese, ending with cheese on top.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
Bake Uncovered for Browning: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes to melt and brown the mozzarella cheese, giving it a golden, appetizing finish.
Garnish and Serve: Take the baked ravioli out of the oven and sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

You can substitute ground beef or turkey for the Italian sausage if preferred.
Fresh ravioli can be used, but adjust baking time accordingly as frozen ravioli needs longer to cook through.
For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before the final baking step.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
To make it vegetarian, omit the sausage and use vegetable marinara sauce.

Keywords: baked ravioli, Italian sausage casserole, easy baked meal, cheesy ravioli bake, Italian comfort food