Cheesy Ravioli Bake: 1 Easy Recipe Tempts

Name: Cheesy Ravioli Bake: 1 Easy Recipe Tempts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 24 oz marinara sauce; ½ cup half and half; 2 cups baby spinach; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided; 20 oz refrigerated ravioli, uncooked; Fresh basil leaves to garnish; ¾ lb ground beef; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Posted on 7 October 2025

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Cheesy ravioli bake has been my go-to comfort food for years, especially when I need a quick and satisfying meal on a busy weeknight. I remember the first time I made this easy cheesy ravioli casserole; the aroma of bubbling marinara sauce and melting mozzarella filled my kitchen, and my family devoured it in minutes! It’s one of those dishes that just makes everyone happy, with its perfectly tender ravioli nestled in a rich, savory sauce. This recipe is simple enough for beginners but delivers a flavor that feels like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones – let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ravioli Bake

This dish is a game-changer for weeknight dinners! Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:

Incredibly Easy to Make: Seriously, it’s a lifesaver on busy nights.

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Everyone from picky eaters to adults adores this comforting meal.
Quick Prep Time: You can have this easy ravioli casserole bake ready for the oven in under 20 minutes.

Minimal Cleanup: It’s practically a one-pan wonder, making post-dinner tidying a breeze.
Versatile: Easily adaptable to your favorite meats or vegetables.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This easy ravioli casserole bake holds up beautifully for leftovers.

Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ravioli Bake

Gathering these few simple ingredients is all it takes to create this amazing cheesy ravioli bake. The magic happens with the combination of quality components, especially the rich marinara and creamy additions. You’ll find these cheesy ravioli bake ingredients are common pantry staples, making this a super accessible meal.

1 lb ground beef – browned and drained
1 small yellow onion, diced – about ½ cup
3 cloves garlic, minced – for that aromatic base
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – dried herbs add depth
½ teaspoon garlic powder – extra garlic punch!
½ teaspoon onion powder – for savory notes
¼ teaspoon red chili flakes – adjust for your preferred spice level
24 oz marinara sauce – your favorite jarred sauce works perfectly for the cheesy ravioli bake sauce

½ cup half and half – makes the sauce wonderfully creamy
2 cups baby spinach – wilts down beautifully and adds nutrients
3 cups mozzarella cheese, divided – for that gooey, cheesy topping

20 oz refrigerated ravioli, uncooked – choose your favorite filling!
Salt and pepper, to taste – essential for seasoning
Fresh basil leaves to garnish – adds a pop of freshness

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How to Make Cheesy Ravioli Bake

This recipe for cheesy ravioli bake is surprisingly simple, making it perfect for any night of the week. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish; this is where all the magic will happen.
Step 2: Season the ¾ lb ground beef with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook it in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s nicely browned, about 3-5 minutes. Drain off any excess grease – we want flavor, not fat!
Step 3: Toss in the 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes, and the 1 small yellow onion, diced. Sauté everything together for another 5-6 minutes until the onion starts to soften.

Step 4: Add the 3 cloves garlic, minced to the skillet. Cook for just about 1 minute until you can smell its wonderful aroma – don’t let it burn!
Step 5: Spread about ¾ cup marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. This creates a nice base layer for our cheesy baked ravioli recipe.
Step 6: Stir the remaining 24 oz marinara sauce, ½ cup half and half, and 2 cups baby spinach into the skillet with the meat mixture. Cook for about 2 minutes, just until the spinach begins to wilt. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 7: Now, let’s build this delicious casserole! Layer half of the 20 oz refrigerated ravioli, uncooked over the marinara sauce in the dish. Spoon half of the meat and sauce mixture on top of the ravioli. Sprinkle with ½ cup mozzarella cheese.
Step 8: Repeat the layers: add the remaining ravioli, followed by the rest of the sauce mixture. Finish by topping everything with the remaining 1½ cups mozzarella cheese.
Step 9: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil. Bake for 35 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly underneath.

Step 10: For that perfect golden-brown finish, uncover the dish and place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn! This step really elevates the cheesy ravioli bake. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Ravioli Bake

I’ve made this cheesy ravioli bake countless times, and a few tricks really elevate it from good to amazing. Follow these tips for a truly restaurant-worthy dish!

Don’t overcook the ravioli before baking; they cook further in the oven.

Use a good quality marinara sauce – it’s the backbone of the flavor.
Ensure your spinach is fresh and not waterlogged for the best texture.
Letting the bake rest for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven makes it much easier to slice and serve.

What’s the secret to perfect Cheesy Ravioli Bake?

The secret to a truly perfect best cheesy ravioli bake lies in the balance of creamy sauce and melted cheese, plus not overcooking the ravioli initially. Using a good quality marinara and letting it rest before slicing are key.

Can I make Cheesy Ravioli Bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire cheesy ravioli bake up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. For more make-ahead meal ideas, check out these tips.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Ravioli Bake?

The biggest pitfall is making it too dry. Ensure you use enough sauce and don’t skimp on the half-and-half. Also, avoid overmixing when layering, as this can make the ravioli break apart. For more cooking advice, you can explore this resource.

Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Ravioli Bake

This rich and comforting cheesy ravioli bake is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides to make it a complete cheesy ravioli bake family dinner. For a classic Italian-American experience, I love serving it with a crisp green salad. A simple vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheese and pasta perfectly.

Another fantastic option is some crusty garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on the plate. If you want to add some greens without a separate salad, a side of steamed or roasted broccoli with a squeeze of lemon is also a wonderful choice. These simple additions complement the hearty flavors of the bake wonderfully. For more side dish inspiration, consider these ideas.

Nutrition Facts for Cheesy Ravioli Bake

This cheesy ravioli bake is a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for a family dinner. While it’s packed with flavor, it also comes with a good dose of protein and carbs to keep you fueled. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving, based on the recipe as written. Remember that these are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use for your baked ravioli cheese recipe.

Calories: 620 kcal
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: (Data not provided)
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: (Data not provided)
Sodium: (Data not provided)

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on general nutrition, you can refer to Nutrition.gov.

How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Ravioli Bake

Leftovers of this amazing cheesy ravioli bake are just as delicious as the original! To store, make sure the bake has cooled down completely. This is important to prevent condensation, which can make leftovers soggy. Once cool, transfer any remaining portions into an airtight container. This will keep your cheesy ravioli bake quick and easy to enjoy later. Stored properly in the refrigerator, leftovers should stay fresh and tasty for about 3 to 4 days.

If you need to keep it even longer, freezing is a great option. After cooling, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place them in freezer-safe bags. This method helps prevent freezer burn. Your frozen cheesy ravioli bake will be good for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, or bake a larger portion in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, until heated through and bubbly. For tips on proper food storage, consult USDA guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Ravioli Bake

Can I use different types of ravioli in this cheesy ravioli bake recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses refrigerated cheese ravioli, feel free to experiment. Whether you prefer spinach, mushroom, or meat-filled ravioli, they will all work wonderfully in this baked ravioli cheese recipe. Just ensure they are uncooked when you layer them in, as they finish cooking in the oven.

What if I don’t have marinara sauce? Can I use something else for the cheesy ravioli bake?

You can definitely substitute! If you don’t have marinara, a good quality pasta sauce or even a simple tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs will work. For a richer flavor, you could even use a creamy tomato sauce. The key is to have about 24 ounces of a flavorful tomato-based sauce to create that delicious base for your cheesy ravioli bake.

How do I make this a vegetarian cheesy ravioli bake?

Making this a vegetarian delight is super simple! Just omit the ground beef entirely. You can replace the beef with extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or even some canned, drained chickpeas for added texture and protein. Ensure your marinara sauce is also vegetarian-friendly, and you’ll have a delicious meat-free cheesy ravioli bake.

Can this cheesy ravioli bake be made into a one-pan meal?

This recipe is already quite close to a one-pan meal! The cooking of the ground beef happens in a skillet, and then everything is combined and baked in a single casserole dish. So, aside from the initial skillet, it’s essentially a one-dish wonder, making cleanup a breeze after enjoying your hearty baked ravioli cheese recipe.

Variations of Cheesy Ravioli Bake You Can Try

This versatile cheesy ravioli bake is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious twists! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Cheesy Ravioli Bake Vegetarian: For a meat-free version, simply omit the ground beef. You can boost the veggie power by adding sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or even some hearty lentils or chickpeas to the sauce mixture. Ensure your marinara sauce is vegetarian-friendly for a delicious meatless meal.

Cheesy Ravioli Bake Ground Beef Deluxe: If you love the classic, amp it up! Add some Italian sausage along with the ground beef for a richer flavor. You could also stir in some extra veggies like chopped carrots or celery with the onions and garlic for added depth and nutrition.
Spicy Cheesy Ravioli Bake: Craving a little heat? Increase the red chili flakes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even stir in some diced jalapeños with the onions. A spicy sausage would also lend a nice kick to this dish.
Creamy Cheesy Ravioli Bake: For an even more decadent experience, swap out some of the marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce or add a dollop of ricotta cheese directly into the sauce mixture before layering. This creates an incredibly rich and luxurious pasta bake.

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