Name: Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ medium onion, chopped; 1 pound extra lean ground beef; 3–4 cloves garlic, minced; Salt & pepper, to taste; 3 cups marinara sauce (about 24 oz jar), divided; 20 oz uncooked cheese ravioli (refrigerated); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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This baked ravioli dish is hearty, cheesy, and fuss-free. It layers cheese ravioli, a savory ground beef and marinara mix, plus mozzarella and Parmesan for a “lazy lasagna” that cooks entirely in the oven—no pre-boiling the pasta required. Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love that the ravioli cooks straight in the baking dish—it cuts down the steps and saves time. The cheesy, meaty filling makes it feel indulgent yet still practical enough for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ medium onion, chopped
1 pound extra lean ground beef
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt & pepper, to taste
3 cups marinara sauce (about 24 oz jar), divided
20 oz uncooked cheese ravioli (refrigerated; frozen may need extra baking time)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and position the rack in the top third.
In a skillet, sauté the oil and onion over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes.
Add ground beef and garlic; cook until beef is browned, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, then season with salt and pepper.
Stir in 2 cups of marinara into the beef mixture.
Spread remaining 1 cup of sauce in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Layer half the ravioli, half the beef mixture, and half the cheeses. Repeat to make a second layer, ending with cheese on top.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and broil a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden—watch closely. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Serves: 6

Variations

I like that this recipe is flexible and easy to adapt. Sometimes I use frozen ravioli and just bake it a little longer. Ground turkey makes a tasty swap for beef. Different cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar change up the flavor, and using Alfredo instead of marinara gives it a creamy twist.

Storage / Reheating

I usually keep leftovers in the fridge for a few days. To reheat, I cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven, finishing with a quick broil if I want the top bubbly again. Microwaving works when I need something faster, but I avoid freezing leftovers since the ravioli texture doesn’t hold up well.

FAQs

How can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

I assemble the layers, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. If I want to freeze it, I thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.

Can I use frozen ravioli instead of refrigerated?

Yes, I just bake it 10–15 minutes longer to make sure it cooks through.

Does the ravioli need to be boiled beforehand?

No, the ravioli cooks right in the oven, which makes this recipe super simple.

What dishes pair well with baked ravioli?

I like to serve it with garlic bread, dinner rolls, or a crisp side salad for balance.

Can I substitute ingredients?

Yes, I switch up the meats, try different ravioli fillings, experiment with other cheeses, or even use another pasta sauce for variety.

Conclusion

This baked ravioli is cozy, cheesy, and perfect for when I need a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dinner. It’s one of those meals I know I’ll keep coming back to again and again.

Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli