Effortless Comfort: Simple Baked Cheese Ravioli Casserole – A Weeknight Family Favorite
Searching for an irresistibly delicious yet incredibly easy dinner solution? This Simple Cheese Ravioli Bake is your answer. It’s a quintessential comfort meal, offering warm, inviting layers of tender cheese ravioli, rich marinara sauce, healthy spinach, and gooey melted cheese. Imagine the delightful flavors of homemade lasagna, but without the extensive time commitment – this casserole comes together in just a fraction of the time! If you’re a fan of hearty, cheesy baked dishes like our Chicken Parmesan Casserole or savory Red Chili Chicken Enchiladas, then this baked ravioli recipe is destined to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire.
Enhance your meal with a delightful conclusion! Our No Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake offers the perfect light and refreshing dessert to complement this rich pasta bake.
This baked cheese ravioli casserole streamlines dinner prep, featuring a harmonious blend of marinara, fresh spinach, and a generous topping of mozzarella. It’s designed for busy lives, offering a family-friendly, comforting meal that’s ready to enjoy in less than an hour. Ideal for those hectic weeknights when you crave something wholesome and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Watch the Step-by-Step Recipe Video
Get Weekly Cooking Videos!
Explore Our Latest Recipes and Tips on YouTube!
Why You’ll Adore This Baked Ravioli Recipe:
This ravioli bake captures all the beloved flavors and comforting essence of a classic lasagna, but with an ingenious shortcut: store-bought ravioli! It’s designed for ease and maximum comfort, requiring minimal ingredients while delivering maximum flavor. Beyond its simplicity, this dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ravioli fillings. Plus, it’s wonderfully freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prepping or saving for a busy day.
- ⏰ Quick & Easy: Ready to serve in just 42 minutes, making it ideal for even the busiest weeknights.
- 🍂 Perfect For: Cozy family dinners, hassle-free entertaining, or efficient meal prep for the week ahead.
- 🛒 Key Ingredients: A short list featuring savory ravioli, rich marinara sauce, fresh spinach, and a decadent blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- 🍽️ Generous Servings: This recipe comfortably serves 4, making it perfect for small families or a gathering of friends.
- 👩🍳 Beginner-Friendly: Rated “Easy” in difficulty, so anyone can master this comforting dish.
- 🧊 Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly: Prepares beautifully in advance and freezes exceptionally well, ensuring delicious leftovers whenever you need them.
👉 Craving more delightful pasta dinners? You must try our Easiest One Pot Creamy Pasta for another simple, satisfying meal!
Made With Love,
Essential Ingredients for Your Simple Cheese Ravioli Bake
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this mouthwatering casserole. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor and texture that makes this dish so popular.
- Ravioli: The Heart of the Dish – While any flavor of ravioli works beautifully, classic cheese or spinach ravioli are our top recommendations for their creamy texture and complementary taste. Fresh ravioli will cook faster and yield a more tender result, but frozen works perfectly too.
- Marinara Sauce: The Flavor Foundation – A high-quality marinara sauce provides a rich, tangy tomato base that binds all the ingredients together. Choose your favorite brand for the best flavor.
- Spinach: The Nutrient Boost – Fresh spinach adds a touch of vibrant color and a healthy dose of nutrients. It subtly wilts into the dish, making it an excellent way to incorporate vegetables, especially for picky eaters who might not even notice it!
- Mozzarella + Parmesan: The Ultimate Cheesy Layers – These two cheeses are non-negotiable for achieving that irresistible melted, bubbly topping and savory depth. Mozzarella offers stringy goodness, while Parmesan adds a sharp, salty finish.
- Olive Oil: For Sautéing – A touch of olive oil is used to sauté the spinach, enhancing its flavor and helping it wilt down perfectly before being layered into the bake.
👉 For another cheesy family favorite that’s quick and easy, be sure to try my Fiesta Chicken Casserole – it’s a “dump and go” wonder!
Complete Ingredients List
Here’s the full list of ingredients you’ll need to create this fantastic cheese ravioli bake. Make sure to have these on hand for a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 20 oz package ravioli (fresh or frozen)
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for best flavor
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
🔒 For your convenience, the printable recipe card below includes the full ingredient list with exact amounts, along with detailed instructions. It’s perfect for saving or printing to keep handy in your kitchen.
How to Master the Simple Cheese Ravioli Bake
Creating this delicious casserole is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect, bubbling, cheesy bake every time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 400℉ (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even cooking and perfectly melted cheese from the moment your casserole goes in.
Step 2: Wilt the Spinach. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the fresh spinach, along with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until the spinach is thoroughly wilted. This step reduces the volume of the spinach and concentrates its flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Begin the Base Layer. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish. This creates a flavorful base and keeps the ravioli from sticking.
Step 4: Build the First Layer. Arrange half of your ravioli in a single layer over the marinara sauce. Don’t worry if they overlap slightly. Next, evenly spread the wilted spinach over the ravioli. Follow with half of the Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and then drizzle about ⅓ cup of marinara sauce over this layer.
Step 5: Complete the Layers. Place the remaining ravioli on top of the first layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the ravioli, ensuring good coverage. Finally, generously sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over the top, creating a beautiful, cheesy crust.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30–35 minutes. Covering helps the ravioli cook through and prevents the cheese from browning too quickly. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully bubbly, melted, and golden brown on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
🔒 Remember, the full step-by-step instructions are also conveniently available in the printable recipe card below — perfect for quick reference later!
Exciting Variations for Your Ravioli Bake
One of the best things about this simple cheese ravioli bake is its adaptability. Feel free to get creative and customize it to suit your tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand!
- Boost the Protein: For a more substantial meal, consider using meat-filled ravioli, such as beef or sausage ravioli. Alternatively, brown some Italian sausage or ground beef, drain any excess fat, and stir it into the marinara sauce before layering.
- Creamy Indulgence with Alfredo: If you’re looking to switch up the flavor profile from classic tomato, substitute half or all of the marinara sauce with a rich Alfredo sauce. This creates a decadent, creamy pasta bake that’s equally comforting.
- Add More Veggies: Beyond spinach, you can easily incorporate other vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or even a handful of chopped kale would be delicious additions. Make sure to cook them down slightly before adding to prevent excess moisture.
- Ricotta for Extra Creaminess: For an even creamier, lasagna-like texture, stir about ½ cup of ricotta cheese into your sautéed spinach layer. This adds a lovely dimension and richness to the dish.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes layered with the sauce or sprinkled on top can add a pleasant kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
👉 Love cheesy pasta bakes and looking for something new? You might also enjoy our innovative Chicken Cordon Bleu Pockets!
My Pro TipS
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Ravioli Bake
- Choose Your Ravioli Wisely: While fresh ravioli offers the fastest cooking time and a tender bite, frozen ravioli works perfectly. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw it beforehand; just add about 5 extra minutes to the initial baking time to ensure it cooks through properly.
- Prevent Cheese Stickage: When covering your baking dish with aluminum foil, lightly grease the underside of the foil with a little cooking spray or olive oil. This simple trick prevents the melted cheese from sticking to the foil, ensuring a beautiful, intact cheesy topping.
- Enhance the Flavor: Don’t hesitate to add a pinch of garlic powder or dried oregano to your marinara sauce for an extra layer of Italian flavor. A swirl of fresh basil pesto on top before baking can also elevate the dish.
- Achieve Golden Perfection: For that irresistible golden-brown, bubbly cheese crust, make sure to remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking. If your oven has a broiler, a quick 1-2 minutes under the broiler (watch carefully!) can give it an even more beautiful finish.
Recipe FAQs – Simple Cheese Ravioli Bake
Absolutely! This casserole is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meal prep. You can assemble the entire dish, including all the layers, up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to cook, you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.
Yes, this recipe freezes beautifully, both before and after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with foil and then an additional layer of plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, possibly adding extra baking time. To freeze after baking, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly before freezing. Reheat from frozen or thawed.
Certainly! If fresh spinach isn’t available, frozen spinach is a perfectly acceptable substitute. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before adding it to the casserole. This step is crucial to prevent your bake from becoming watery.
No, that’s the beauty of this shortcut recipe! Both fresh and frozen ravioli cook perfectly in the sauce and cheese layers directly in the oven. This saves you an entire pot and a significant amount of prep time.
Any good quality marinara sauce you enjoy will work well. Whether it’s a store-bought jarred sauce for convenience or your favorite homemade recipe, the key is to choose one with a flavor profile you love, as it forms a significant part of the dish’s taste.
Perfect Serving Suggestions for Your Ravioli Bake
Elevate your simple cheese ravioli bake into a complete and memorable meal with these complementary serving suggestions:
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: The ultimate companion! Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra marinara sauce and adding a satisfying crunch.
- Simple Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta bake. It adds brightness and a healthy balance to the meal.
- Roasted Veggies: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a fantastic side. Their slightly caramelized flavors and tender-crisp texture beautifully complement the cheesy pasta.
- Berry Cobbler for Dessert: Conclude your meal on a sweet note with a comforting Berry Cobbler. Its fruity warmth is a delightful end to a savory dinner.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Tips
This casserole is a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious food with minimal effort on busy days. Here’s how to manage it:
- Fridge Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the dish is completely cooled before storing.
- Freezer Storage: This bake freezes wonderfully, whether you freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil and then plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. If freezing after baking, allow the casserole to cool completely, then portion into individual servings or freeze the entire dish. Wrap well to prevent freezer burn and store for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Instructions:
- From Fridge: To reheat a whole casserole, cover it with foil and bake at 350℉ (175°C) until thoroughly heated through (approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on the amount). For individual portions, microwave until hot, stirring halfway through.
- From Freezer (Baked Casserole): For a full frozen casserole, bake covered at 350℉ (175°C) for 60-90 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. For individual frozen portions, reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
👉 For more delightful, cozy baked dishes, don’t miss our classic Chicken Parmesan Casserole.
Explore More Great Pasta Recipes
All Recipes
EASIEST One Pot Creamy Pasta
Oven Baked
Baked Feta Pasta
Sides
Summer Pasta Salad
Oven Baked
Lasagna Casserole
📌 If you prepare this delightful recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Please consider giving it a rating — your feedback helps other home cooks discover and enjoy the best recipes!
Simple Cheese Ravioli Bake
Pin Recipe
Comment
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 20 oz package ravioli (fresh or frozen)
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉ (200°C).
- In a skillet, sauté spinach with olive oil, salt, and pepper until completely wilted (2-3 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom.
- Layer half the ravioli, followed by the wilted spinach, half the Parmesan, half the mozzarella, and drizzle with ⅓ cup of marinara sauce. Repeat with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and cheeses for the top layer.
- Cover the dish with foil (lightly greased on the underside) and bake for 30–35 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Video Tutorial
Chef’s Notes
- Feel free to use any flavor of ravioli you prefer; cheese or spinach are excellent choices.
- For added protein and a heartier meal, incorporate cooked Italian sausage or ground beef into the marinara layer.
- This casserole freezes beautifully before baking, making it a perfect dish for future meal planning.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on ingredients used and portion sizes.