Cheesy Baked Ravioli
Cheesy baked ravioli layered with tender cheese-filled ravioli, a rich homemade Italian sausage meat sauce, and melted mozzarella, then baked until bubbly and broiled to golden perfection. An easy, comforting oven-baked pasta dish perfect for busy nights.
WHAT MAKES THIS CHEESY BAKED RAVIOLI STAND OUT
Quick Without Sacrificing Quality
This recipe comes together in under an hour but still delivers a hot, hearty, high-quality meal. It’s proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to get bold flavor, comfort, and a dish that feels homemade and satisfying.
Perfect for Busy Schedules
Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or a packed calendar, this recipe fits right in. It’s simple enough for hectic weeknights yet filling and flavorful enough that it doesn’t feel rushed or thrown together.
Beginner-Friendly & Foolproof
No advanced techniques or special equipment required. The steps are straightforward, forgiving, and easy to follow, making this an ideal recipe for beginners who want confidence in the kitchen without sacrificing taste.
STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHEESY BAKED RAVIOLI
Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F so it’s fully heated and ready by the time the ravioli is assembled.
Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, if using, and cook until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté briefly, just until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
Brown the sausage
Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until fully browned and cooked through, allowing the fat and flavor to develop.
Build the pasta sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, parsley, basil, sugar, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors come together.
Prepare the baking dish
Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. Spoon a thin layer of the meat sauce across the bottom to create a flavorful base.
Layer the ravioli
Arrange a single layer of ravioli over the sauce. Spoon more meat sauce on top, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Continue layering ravioli, sauce, and cheese until everything is used, finishing with sauce and a generous layer of cheese on top.
Bake
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake until the ravioli is heated through and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
Broil
Remove the foil and place the dish under the broiler. Broil briefly, watching closely, until the cheese becomes golden and lightly browned.
Rest & serve
Allow the baked ravioli to rest for a few minutes before serving so the layers can set. Spoon onto plates and enjoy warm.
- Whipped Honey Butter
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Chili Crisp Crunch Oil
- Cheeseburger Skillet
- Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits
This recipe can easily be upgraded into a baked ravioli lasagna by adding a creamy ricotta layer. The ricotta mixture adds richness and structure, turning this dish into a more classic, hearty baked pasta.
Ricotta Mixture (for layering)
In a bowl, combine 16 oz ricotta cheese, 1½ oz shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, ⅛ cup freshly chopped parsley, and ⅛ cup whole milk. Mix until smooth and well combined. Spoon the ricotta mixture between the ravioli and sauce layers before baking, then continue layering as usual and bake until bubbly and golden.
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Cheesy Baked Ravioli
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced shallots and minced garlic.
- Sauté until soft, translucent, and fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Italian sausage to the skillet.
- Cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, parsley, basil, sugar, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
- Simmer uncovered 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Add a single layer of ravioli over the sauce.
- Top with more meat sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and heated through.
- Remove foil and broil 2–4 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is golden and lightly browned.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.