Layered Ravioli Bake was a recipe born out of my love for comfort food . One chilly evening, I was rummaging through my pantry and found a bag of frozen ravioli, a jar of marinara sauce, and some leftover ricotta cheese. That’s when the idea of Layered Ravioli Bake struck me. It felt like lasagna’s quicker, cozier cousin. The moment I started layering the ravioli with cheese and sauce, I knew it was going to be something special. I couldn’t wait to see how it would come together in the oven.
Experimenting with Flavors
As the Layered Ravioli Bake baked away, I kept peeking into the oven like a curious kid. The bubbling cheese and rich aroma filled my kitchen, making it hard to wait. To give it a little twist, I added some fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan just before serving. It was incredible how the simple ingredients came together to create something so flavorful. That night, my family couldn’t stop raving about how satisfying it was.
A Dish for Everyone
What I love most about Layered Ravioli Bake is how versatile it can be. Sometimes, I’ll use spinach and cheese ravioli for a vegetarian version, or add cooked sausage to make it extra hearty. It’s one of those dishes that can be adjusted for anyone’s taste or whatever you have on hand. My kids love it because it feels like a treat, and I love it because it’s so easy to put together after a busy day.
Sharing the Warmth
Now, Layered Ravioli Bake has become my go-to dish for potlucks or when someone needs a little cheering up. It’s always a hit, and I enjoy sharing the story of how I came up with it. Cooking this dish reminds me of how comforting food can be, and how even the simplest recipes can bring so much joy. Each time I make it, it feels like a warm hug on a plate, and that’s something I’ll never get tired of.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Layered Ravioli Bake
- Browning the Sausage: Be sure to brown the sausage thoroughly for maximum flavor. A caramelized crust on the sausage adds depth to the dish.
- Layering Tip: Spread the sauce evenly in each layer to ensure every bite has the perfect balance of ravioli, cheese, and meat sauce.
- Cheese Distribution: Reserve a portion of mozzarella for the top layer to get that irresistible golden, bubbly finish.
- Ravioli Placement: Lay the ravioli in a single layer, ensuring even cooking. Overlapping ravioli may lead to uneven textures.
- Time Saver: Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add 10 minutes to the bake time if chilled.
- Fresh Basil: Add the basil after baking to retain its fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Broiling Safety: When broiling, watch carefully to avoid burning the cheese. A golden top is all you need.
Layered Ravioli Bake
4
servings15
minutes45
minutes1600
kcal1
hourDive into this irresistible Layered Ravioli Bake, a perfect blend of hearty Italian sausage, savory marinara, and gooey cheeses. Inspired by the comforting flavors you’d expect from a top-tier Italian kitchen, this dish combines the convenience of frozen ravioli with the rich textures of classic lasagna. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, this bake is sure to impress with its robust flavors and satisfying layers. Quick to prepare and straightforward to assemble, it’s an ideal choice for weeknight dinners that don’t compromise on taste or quality. Elevate your home-cooking repertoire with this sumptuous and easy-to-make Layered Ravioli Bake!
Ingredients
- Proteins
1 pound Italian ground sausage
- Vegetables
1 small white onion finely chopped
4 large garlic cloves minced
- Sauces & Cheeses
2 cans (28 oz each) premium marinara sauce
1 package (15 oz) ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Fresh basil leaves chopped
- Pasta
2 packages (25 oz each) frozen ravioli
- Other
Cooking spray for greasing
- lternative Ingredients:
Ground Italian Sausage: Substitute with ground turkey or beef for a different protein option.
Marinara Sauce: Use homemade tomato sauce or a gluten-free marinara for dietary preferences.
Frozen Ravioli: Opt for fresh ravioli or gluten-free ravioli alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Ricotta Cheese: Replace with cottage cheese or a dairy-free ricotta alternative for lactose intolerance.
Shredded Mozzarella: Use vegan mozzarella to make the dish dairy-free.
Parmesan Cheese: Omit or use nutritional yeast as a vegan topping option.
Directions
- Preheat and Prep – Begin by setting your oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a 9 x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic – Retain about 1 tablespoon of the sausage grease in the pan, discarding the rest. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Combine Sauce and Sausage – Pour in the marinara sauce and return the cooked sausage to the pan. Stir the mixture to ensure everything is well combined. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Add Final Layers and Cheese – Top with the remaining meat sauce and finish with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Lasagna – Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
- Broil for Golden Perfection – For a bubbly, golden top, turn on the broiler and broil the lasagna for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve and Garnish – Allow the lasagna to cool slightly before serving. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil on top. Serve warm to enjoy the gooey, melted cheese.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- casserole dish
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 1600kcal
- Fat: 90g
- Saturated Fat: 35g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
- Sodium: 2400mg
- Potassium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 70g
- Vitamin A: 1500IU
- Vitamin C: 30mg
- Calcium: 600mg
- Iron: 5mg
FAQs- Layered Ravioli Bake
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Layered Ravioli Bake up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, and bake as instructed, adding 10 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Assemble the bake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
What type of ravioli works best?
Any type of frozen ravioli works, but cheese-filled ravioli or spinach-ricotta are classic choices. You can also use meat-filled ravioli for added protein.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms. Use a vegetarian marinara sauce to keep it meat-free.
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh ravioli can be used, but reduce the baking time by 10-15 minutes since fresh pasta cooks faster.
