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Easy Baked Ravioli 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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