Baked ravioli is the epitome of a simple, satisfying, and comfort-filled meal. With just four basic ingredients, this dish packs all the cheesy, saucy goodness of classic Italian comfort food without any hassle. The combination of frozen cheese ravioli, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs creates an irresistible baked casserole that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner solution or a crowd-pleasing dish, this 4-ingredient baked ravioli delivers every time.
Ingredients:
– 1 (25 oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
– 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 tablespoons dried Italian herb blend (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and parsley)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), ensuring it’s hot and ready for the casserole to bake.
Step 2: Grease the baking dish
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent the ravioli from sticking during baking.
Step 3: Arrange the ravioli Take your frozen ravioli and arrange them in a single layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. The ravioli can be slightly overlapping, but make sure they are evenly spread out.
Step 4: Add the marinara sauce
Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the ravioli. Make sure all the ravioli are coated with the sauce, creating a rich, flavorful layer.
Step 5: Sprinkle cheese & herbs
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the sauced ravioli with the dried Italian herb blend. This will add a wonderful aroma and a burst of flavor that compliments the cheese and sauce perfectly. The cheese will melt and become wonderfully golden and bubbly as it bakes.
Step 6: Cover and bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
Step 7: Remove foil and continue baking
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and the sauce is bubbly.
Step 8: Rest and serve
Once baked, let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to firm up slightly and makes it easier to serve.
FAQs:
1. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh ravioli instead of frozen. Just reduce the baking time slightly, as fresh ravioli will cook faster than frozen.
2. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add in vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to sauté them beforehand to remove any excess moisture.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake it as instructed when you’re ready to eat, adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled.
4. Can I freeze the baked ravioli casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen! Once it has cooled, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake it from frozen for about 45-50 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes, feel free to swap the mozzarella for other cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, or provolone for a different flavor profile.
