Crispy Baked Ravioli Extravaganza Recipe

Tasty Baked Ravioli Delight Recipe: A Comfort Food Gem

Pasta lovers rejoice as this mouthwatering baked ravioli delights the senses with its rich, cheesy goodness.

Layers of tender ravioli nestled in a robust tomato sauce create a comforting meal that sparks joy at the dinner table.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of classic Italian flavors and home-cooked warmth.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish that feels like a culinary embrace.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the melted mozzarella and parmesan that blanket each delicate pasta pocket.

Simple yet impressive, this baked ravioli stands ready to become your new weeknight favorite.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible, bubbling masterpiece straight from the oven.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 389 kcal

Servings: 7

Baked Ravioli Ingredient

For Base Layer:
  • Marinara Sauce: Vibrant tomato sauce that creates a rich, tangy foundation for the dish, choose a high-quality jarred sauce or homemade version for best flavor.
  • Frozen Ravioli: Convenient pasta pockets filled with delicious stuffing, select a high-quality brand with robust filling for maximum taste impact.
For Cheese Blend:
  • Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy companions that melt into a luxurious blanket of cheesy goodness, look for fresh, high-quality cheeses with smooth textures and rich flavors.
  • Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herb blend that infuses the cheese mixture with classic Mediterranean warmth, opt for a freshly ground mix for maximum flavor punch.
  • Garlic Powder: Subtle flavor enhancer that adds depth without overwhelming the dish, choose a pure, finely ground variety.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning duo that balances and elevates the overall taste profile, use freshly ground black pepper for optimal zest.
For Finishing Touch:
  • Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Bright green herbs that add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous note, select vibrant, crisp leaves with no wilting.

Kitchen Tools for Easy Ravioli

  • Oven: Essential for baking the ravioli dish to golden perfection.
  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for layering and creating delicious casserole-style meal.
  • Aluminum Foil: Helps cover and protect the dish during initial baking stage.
  • Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining ricotta cheese and seasonings.
  • Cheese Grater: Useful for preparing fresh Parmesan cheese topping.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately portion out seasonings and spices.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for spreading sauce and mixing cheese mixture.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for chopping fresh basil or parsley garnish.

How to Bake Ravioli with Golden Tops

  • Oven Warmup

Get your kitchen ready by firing up the oven to a toasty temperature. Grab a big baking dish and give it a quick spray to keep everything from sticking.

  • Sauce Foundation

Pour a silky layer of marinara across the bottom of your dish. Spread those frozen ravioli in a cozy blanket over the sauce.

  • Creamy Cheese Layer

Whip together a dreamy blend of ricotta with some zesty seasonings. Dollop this creamy mixture generously over the pasta, then sprinkle a snowy layer of mozzarella on top.

  • Baking Transformation

Cover your masterpiece with foil and slide it into the hot oven. After a short wait, unveil the dish and let the cheese turn golden and bubbly.

  • Final Touch

Pull your ravioli from the oven and let it rest for a moment. Scatter some fresh herb confetti across the top to give it that restaurant-quality finish.

Ideas for Sauces to Try with This Dish

  • Swap frozen ravioli with fresh or homemade varieties for a gourmet twist and enhanced flavor profile.
  • Incorporate cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken between layers to transform this dish into a heartier meal with extra protein.
  • Elevate nutrition by adding roasted vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers between ravioli layers for color, texture, and added vitamins.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations such as fontina, provolone, or goat cheese to create unique flavor dimensions and personalize the recipe.
  • Prepare the entire dish in advance, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

How to Serve Baked Ravioli with a Side

  • Pair with Crisp Salad: Toss together a light mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a zesty Italian vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy ravioli.
  • Serve with Garlic Bread: Toast slices of crusty Italian bread brushed with garlic butter and herbs for a perfect complementary side that soaks up the delicious marinara sauce.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the robust flavors of the baked ravioli and enhance the overall dining experience.
  • Create a Family-Style Feast: Bring the baking dish directly to the table and let everyone serve themselves, creating a warm and inviting communal meal atmosphere.

Store Raviolis for Another Meal

  • Maximize Meal Prep: Prepare the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld beautifully before baking.
  • Freeze for Future Feasts: Assemble the ravioli casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store frozen for up to 3 months for quick weeknight dinners.
  • Refrigerate Leftovers Smartly: Store remaining baked ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of extra marinara sauce to maintain moisture.
  • Portion and Pack Perfectly: Divide cooled leftovers into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. These meal-prepped portions stay fresh and delicious, making busy days a breeze with a tasty homemade meal ready to enjoy.
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Crispy Baked Ravioli Extravaganza Recipe

Crispy Baked Ravioli Extravaganza Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Classic Baked Ravioli Delight merges Italian comfort with rich flavor profiles. Cheese-filled pasta layers with marinara and melted mozzarella create a simple yet satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (25 oz / 709 g) frozen cheese ravioli
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375°F (190°C) and anoint a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to deter sticking.
  2. Foundation: Ladle a gossamer layer of marinara sauce across the dish’s base, creating a moisture-rich canvas for the ravioli.
  3. Initial Layer: Arrange frozen ravioli across the sauce, establishing a uniform first tier that promises delectable coverage.
  4. Seasoning Blend: Whisk ricotta with Italian herbs, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper into a harmonious, fragrant mixture.
  5. Cheese Integration: Distribute half the seasoned ricotta over the ravioli, then cascade mozzarella across the surface in an appetizing blanket.
  6. Secondary Construction: Repeat the layering ritual – another marinara veil, remaining ravioli, and residual ricotta mixture – building depth and complexity.
  7. Crowning Glory: Lavish the top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, transforming the dish into a golden, tempting masterpiece.
  8. Initial Baking: Drape aluminum foil over the dish and nestle into the heated oven for 25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
  9. Final Transformation: Unveil the foil and continue baking 15-20 minutes until the cheese achieves a burnished, bubbling perfection with crisp edges.
  10. Resting Period: Extract from oven and permit 3-5 minutes of tranquil cooling, allowing layers to stabilize and prevent palate-scorching temperatures.
  11. Finishing Touch: Scatter freshly chopped basil or parsley, introducing a vibrant, aromatic flourish that elevates the entire composition.

Notes

  • Cheese Selection Matters: Choose full-fat mozzarella and fresh ricotta for richer, creamier texture and deeper flavor profile.
  • Prevent Soggy Layers: Pat frozen ravioli slightly dry before layering to reduce excess moisture and maintain structural integrity.
  • Seasoning Boost: Adjust Italian seasoning and garlic powder quantities based on personal taste preferences, ensuring balanced flavor complexity.
  • Foil Covering Technique: Tent aluminum foil slightly above cheese surface to prevent direct contact and sticking during initial baking phase.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 389
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 830 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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