This Cheesy Baked Ravioli is simple, cheesy, and perfect for busy parents, professionals coming home late, or anyone who loves comfort food without a lot of fuss.

This dish is saucy, melty, and slightly crisp on top. Soft cheese ravioli soak up marinara, ground beef adds hearty flavor, and a crown of mozzarella and parmesan turns it into a family-friendly casserole. It’s special because it feels like comfort food but comes together fast with pantry-friendly ingredients.

Top reasons to make this: it’s quick to assemble, great for feeding a crowd, and uses simple ingredients you likely already keep on hand. If you love baked pasta dishes, you might also enjoy this cheesy baked tortellini casserole for another tasty weeknight option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in about 45 minutes from start to finish
Uses pantry staples and frozen ravioli for fast prep
Feeds a crowd and reheats well for leftovers
Comforting, cheesy, and kid-approved

Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Ravioli

1 lb cheese ravioli, fresh or frozen
1 lb ground beef, lean
3 cups marinara sauce, your favorite jarred or homemade
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or 1 tbsp fresh chopped basil)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions of Cheesy Baked Ravioli

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked beef and simmer 2–3 minutes to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Toss the ravioli with half of the meat sauce in a large bowl so they’re evenly coated. If using frozen ravioli, no need to thaw first.
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a single layer of sauced ravioli to the dish.
Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the ravioli, sprinkle with half the Parmesan and half the mozzarella. Repeat with the rest of the ravioli, sauce, and cheeses.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
If desired, broil 1–2 minutes to brown the top watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

Use fresh or frozen ravioli frozen cooks well straight from the package.
Don’t over-sauce the bottom layer; a thin base prevents sogginess.
Let the dish rest 5 minutes after baking so slices hold together.

Substitutions & Variations of Cheesy Baked Ravioli

To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ravioli and plant-based ground crumbles, swap marinara that’s labeled gluten-free, and use vegan mozzarella and parmesan-style shreds.
Variations:

Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, turkey, or plant-based crumbles.
Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrients.
Add dollops of ricotta between layers for a creamier texture or swirl in pesto for a flavor boost.

Storage Instructions of Cheesy Baked Ravioli

Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Freezer: Assemble in a freezer-safe dish (cover tightly) and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F add 15–20 minutes to the baking time and keep covered until heated through.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day ahead, keep covered in the fridge, and bake when ready. This saves time after a long day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Cheesy Baked Ravioli

Can I use frozen ravioli without thawing?
Yes frozen ravioli works fine. Toss with sauce and bake as directed; you may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

How do I reheat leftovers so they don’t dry out?
Add a splash of water or marinara, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Can I make this without meat?
Absolutely. Skip the beef and use extra vegetables, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Baked Ravioli is an easy, satisfying meal that fits busy nights and family dinners. It’s cheesy, warm, and forgiving swap ingredients to suit your pantry or diet and still get a comforting result. If this recipe made your weeknight easier, leave a comment and a star rating to let others know your feedback helps the next cook feel confident trying it.

Cheesy Baked Ravioli

Print Recipe

A comforting and easy-to-make baked ravioli dish that satisfies the whole family, perfect for busy weeknights.

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb cheese ravioli, fresh or frozen
1 lb ground beef, lean
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked beef and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Toss the ravioli with half of the meat sauce in a large bowl until evenly coated.
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a single layer of sauced ravioli to the dish.
Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the ravioli, and sprinkle with half the Parmesan and half the mozzarella. Repeat with the rest of the ravioli, sauce, and cheeses.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes to brown the top. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use fresh or frozen ravioli. Let the dish rest after baking for slices to hold together. For vegan/gluten-free options, use appropriate substitutes.

Author: soukaina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Beef