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If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal, this Baked Ravioli with Marinara, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine tender cheese-filled ravioli bathed in rich, garlicky marinara sauce, layered generously with gooey mozzarella and topped with nutty Parmesan, all baked until bubbling and golden. It’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors that feels indulgent yet homey, making weeknight dinners or casual gatherings feel special in the best way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this baked ravioli irresistible. These basics come together beautifully without overwhelming your pantry or budget.
- 16 oz fresh or frozen cheese ravioli: The star of the dish; fresh adds tenderness while frozen offers convenience.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Provides a vibrant, tangy base rich with tomato goodness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create that signature cheesy stretch.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and beautiful golden crust.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: Brings bright, herbal notes that lift the entire dish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used to gently sauté garlic and infuse the sauce with depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and complements the tomato beautifully.
How to Make Baked Ravioli with Marinara, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is perfectly heated for baking, giving the ravioli a chance to cook evenly and the cheeses to melt just right. Meanwhile, lightly grease or prepare your baking dish for easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil and gently sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant and golden. This step unlocks the garlic’s sweet and savory flavor, forming a delicious foundation for the marinara sauce.
Step 3: Simmer the Marinara Sauce
Next, stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about five minutes. This simmering melds all the flavors together, allowing the garlic to infuse the sauce, making it richer and more aromatic for the baked ravioli.
Step 4: Start Layering
Spread a thin layer of the warm marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. This prevents sticking and creates a saucy base. Then, evenly layer half of the ravioli on top. Add half of the remaining sauce and sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring each ravioli gets a cozy blanket of cheese and sauce.
Step 5: Repeat Layers
Carefully repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Finally, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top. Parmesan adds a savory crust that becomes beautifully golden as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture, then bake for 25 minutes. After removing the foil, bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This step creates that irresistible, slightly crisp top layer while keeping the ravioli tender and saucy underneath.
How to Serve Baked Ravioli with Marinara, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs, especially chopped basil or a sprinkle of parsley, add a pop of vibrant green and fresh flavor that complements the melted cheeses beautifully. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also elevate the dish if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This baked ravioli pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette rounds out the meal with a satisfying crunch and a way to scoop up every last bit of marinara sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in small individual ramekins or cast-iron skillets for personal portions that stay warm at the table. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh herbs tableside to make every serving feel special and customized.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked ravioli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. Freezing after baking means you just need to reheat until warmed through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent the top from burning while allowing the inside to warm evenly. You can also microwave portions for a quicker option, though the oven method preserves the texture best.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! A good-quality store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly and saves time. If you prefer, you can jazz it up with extra garlic, herbs, or a splash of red wine for a homemade touch.
Is it better to use fresh or frozen ravioli?
Both options work wonderfully here. Fresh ravioli will have a tender texture, but frozen ravioli is incredibly convenient and will still be delicious after baking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This Baked Ravioli with Marinara, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Recipe is naturally vegetarian if you use cheese ravioli. For a vegan option, you can substitute dairy-free cheese alternatives and use a vegan-friendly marinara sauce.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute with a similar sharp flavor. Nutritional yeast also makes a nice dairy-free option with a cheesy taste.
How do I prevent the ravioli from sticking to the dish?
Spreading a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the dish before adding ravioli helps prevent sticking. You can also lightly grease the baking dish with olive oil before layering.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Ravioli with Marinara, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Recipe truly brings together comfort, ease, and deliciousness in every bite. It’s an effortless way to impress your family or friends with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself returning to this warm, cheesy, satisfying dish again and again—so gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy some seriously cozy Italian goodness!
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Baked Ravioli with Marinara, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Baked Ravioli recipe is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring layers of tender cheese ravioli baked in a rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and infused with fresh basil and garlic. Perfect as a hearty family meal or a delicious dinner party entrée.
Ingredients
Ravioli
- 16 oz fresh or frozen cheese ravioli
Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Cheese Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing or lining it to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Garlic: In a saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, careful not to burn it.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce with the garlic and let it simmer gently for about five minutes to enhance the flavors.
- First Layer: Spread a thin layer of the prepared marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange half of the ravioli in a single layer on top of the sauce. Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the ravioli and sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Second Layer: Repeat the layering with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Finish by sprinkling the freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to cook through and meld the flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, ensuring a deliciously crispy topping.
Notes
- Fresh or frozen ravioli can be used; if using frozen, no need to thaw before baking.
- Use good quality marinara sauce for the best flavor or make your own.
- To add a bit of spice, consider sprinkling red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce when simmering.
- Let the baked ravioli rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- You can substitute basil with fresh oregano or parsley if preferred.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free ravioli.
