Do Share Recipe

Cheesy Baked Ravioli Recipe | Gooey, Savory & Delicious

I just made this cheesy baked ravioli Recipe the other night and wow, it turned out so comforting and satisfying. I love how the cheese melts into every layer and the sauce seeps into the ravioli for a gooey, lasagna-style bake. It felt like an easy, cozy dinner that warmed me up from the inside out.

If you want something simple yet indulgent to feed family or friends, this bake is a winner. You could also enjoy similar chicken flavors in the Fajita Stuffed Chicken Breast for another hearty dinner option. I promise once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil — helps sauté onions and beef nicely without burning.
1/2 medium onion, chopped — adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
1 pound extra-lean ground beef — gives the baked hearty protein and rich, meaty flavor.
3–4 cloves garlic, minced — boosts aroma and taste; garlic really warms up the dish.
Salt & pepper, to taste — to season the meat-sauce base just right.
3 cups marinara sauce (about one 24 oz jar), divided — forms the tangy, tomatoey base that keeps the ravioli moist and flavorful.
20 ounces uncooked cheese ravioli — refrigerated ravioli works best and cooks perfectly in the oven.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese — melts beautifully and gives that stretchy, cheesy goodness.
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese — for sharpness, extra richness, and a flavorful topping.

Note: several servings (this recipe makes about 6 servings)

Variations

Here are some great swap-outs and add-ins you can try:

Use ground turkey or pork instead of beef for a lighter or different flavor.
Swap the cheeses for dairy-free options to make the recipe fully lactose-friendly.
Tortellini can replace ravioli — though you may need to adjust bake time slightly.
Try different sauces, like creamy tomato or a blend of marinara and Alfredo.
Add herbs, red pepper flakes, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour

Equipment You Need

Skillet — used to sauté onions and brown the ground beef.
9×13-inch baking dish — perfect for layering the ravioli, sauce, and cheese.
Cheese grater — fresh-grated cheese melts and tastes better.
Aluminum foil — keeps the dish moist while baking.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Ravioli

Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F and move the rack to the upper third. At the same time, grate your cheeses and keep them ready for layering.

Sauté Onions, Garlic & Beef

Warm the olive oil in your skillet and sauté the chopped onion until soft. Add garlic and ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once brown, season with salt and pepper.

Build the Sauce

Stir 2 cups of marinara sauce into the cooked beef and let it warm through. You should have a thick, hearty meat sauce.

Layer the Dish — First Layer

Spread the remaining 1 cup of marinara on the bottom of the baking dish. Add half the ravioli in an even layer. Spread on half the meat sauce and top with half the mozzarella and Parmesan.

Layer the Dish — Second Layer

Repeat the layering: ravioli, meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Make sure the top is well-covered with cheese.

Bake & Broil

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and broil briefly until the top becomes golden and bubbly. Serve hot for the best cheesy texture.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are a few things I personally do when making this dish:

I always grate my cheese fresh — pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
I sometimes add an extra spoonful of marinara on top to keep everything moist.
Assembling the dish the night before makes busy evenings so much easier.
Letting the bake rest for 5 minutes before cutting helps the layers stay intact.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Ravioli

Serve this dish right out of the oven while it’s still bubbling. Pair it with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables. For presentation, top with fresh basil or parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. A slight drizzle of olive oil also boosts flavor.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving:

Calories: ~658
Protein: ~47 g
Carbohydrates: ~48 g
Fat: ~31 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can assemble the entire dish ahead of time and freeze it unbaked for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake normally — you may need a few extra minutes to heat it fully.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers for a few days. Reheat in the oven, covered with foil, so it warms evenly and stays moist. You can also microwave individual portions, though the cheese browns better in the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s what makes this recipe a favorite:

Super easy to prepare: No boiling ravioli — everything cooks in the oven.
Comforting and hearty: Layers of cheese, sauce, and pasta make every bite satisfying.
Flexible and customizable: Swap meats, sauces, or cheeses to suit preferences.
Great for gatherings: The recipe feeds around six people generously.
Rich flavor and texture: It tastes like a shortcut lasagna with even less effort.

Ben Carraoli