Delicious Baked Ravioli made with frozen cheese ravioli, Italian sausage, onions, garlic, marinara, and oodles of mozzarella, and Parmesan Cheese all baked to golden perfection. Enjoy this quick and easy pasta bake that tastes like you spent hours making it. It is always a huge hit with friends and family and perfect for a large crowd.
How to make Baked Ravioli
Start by browning the Italian Sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. When it is about halfway through the browning process add the onion and cook until the sausage is browned and the onion is soft. Then reduce the heat to low and add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Then remove from the heat and drain any excess grease.
Now spread a couple of tablespoons of marinara in a large baking dish. Add a layer of frozen ravioli, followed by more marinara, half the sausage mixture, and half the shredded mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining frozen ravioli, more marinara, the remaining sausage mixture, the remaining mozzarella, and the parmesan.
Then cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned and the ravioli are cooked through. If desired sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. For best results serve promptly.
Baked Ravioli recipe notes and helpful tips
- Sweet or hot Italian Sausage works well in this casserole. Ground beef or ground turkey can be substituted for the sausage.
- Don’t risk dropping the ground sausage in the sink to drain the fat. Simply tilt the pan and use a paper towel to absorb the grease.
- Use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains anticaking agents that inhibit melting.
- The ravioli are layered in the casserole frozen. There is no need to boil them first.
- You can use refrigerated ravioli but reduce the cooking time by 10 minutes with the foil on and 10 minutes with the foil off.
- Use your favorite jarred marinara sauce. However if you have the time Homemade Marinara Sauce really takes this recipe over the top.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Double wrap and freeze as a whole casserole prior to baking. Freeze for up to 2 months. Remove from the freezer 30 minutes prior to baking to let the dish warm. Follow the baking instructions as written but It may require a few minutes extra baking time.
- Freeze leftovers in a sturdy airtight freezer container for up to 2 months.
Recipe variations
- Vegetables – add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sausage onion mixture.
- Cheese – add provolone, provel, Romano, Fontina, or Asiago cheese for more flavor
- Sauce – try making it with Alfredo sauce or pesto sauce.
- Herbs – use small amounts of oregano, marjoram, basil, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, or crushed red pepper.
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Baked Ravioli
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Italian Sausage sweet or hot
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 24 ounce jar marinara sauce or pasta sauce
- 1 22 ounce bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon fresh Italian Parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Brown the Italian Sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. When it is about halfway through the browning process add the onion and cook until the sausage is browned and the onion is soft. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and drain any excess grease.
- Spread 2 tablespoons marinara in the prepared baking dish. Add half the ravioli in a single layer, followed by half of the remaining marinara, half the sausage mixture, and half the shredded mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining frozen ravioli, the remaining marinara, the remaining sausage mixture, and the remaining mozzarella. Sprinkle the top with the parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned and the ravioli are cooked through. If desired sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. For best results serve promptly.
Notes
- Sweet or hot Italian Sausage works well in this casserole. Ground beef or ground turkey can be substituted for the sausage.
- Don’t risk dropping the ground sausage in the sink to drain the fat. Simply tilt the pan and use a paper towel to absorb the grease.
- Use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains anticaking agents that inhibit melting.
- The ravioli are layered in the casserole frozen. There is no need to boil them first.
- You can use refrigerated ravioli but reduce the cooking time by 10 minutes with the foil on and 10 minutes with the foil off.
- Use your favorite jarred marinara sauce. However if you have the time Homemade Marinara Sauce really takes this recipe over the top.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Double wrap and freeze as a whole casserole prior to baking. Freeze for up to 2 months. Remove from the freezer 30 minutes prior to baking to let the dish warm. Follow the baking instructions as written but It may require a few minutes extra baking time.
- Freeze leftovers in a sturdy airtight freezer container for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
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dorry lyn
This was so yummy! Thanks for the easy recipe. We loved it.
Myyellowapron
I love ravioli. This one looks pretty easy to prepare. It can be a favorite of both kids and adults. I should try this recipe and let you know how it goes.
Rose Ann Sales
Oh my! This was such a really amazing recipe! It was really easy to prepare and we all enjoyed it. I will make it again.
Tweenselmom
Oh it’s been a while since I had some baked ravioli! Would love to make this again, thanks for the recipe 🙂
Subarna
This was so delicious. Never tried Ravioli this ways! It was delicious. Thanks for sharing!!
Heather
I’m so glad I found this. I’m making it for dinner tonight. My family loves baked ravioli!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Heather! Enjoy!!
Amy W
Can’t wait to try I for next weekend
Beth Pierce
Thanks! Enjoy!!
Karin
What do you mean when you say don’t risk dropping sausage in the sink to drain the fat? You’re not sending grease down the drain I hope! Yikes.
Beth Pierce
You can send a small amount of grease down the drain if you follow it up with very how water. I have never had any trouble as long as I follow it up with a rinse of hot hot water.
Catalina
What a wonderful idea! My family will go crazy over it!
Sandra
Everyone at my house really loved it! Quickly became a family favorite!
Amanda
My kids love this baked ravioli! And I love how easy it is.
Beth Pierce
Thank you Amanda!
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes
Such a fabulous meal!! Everyone loved it!! YUM!
katerina @ diethood.com
This looks incredibly delicious! My family would love, LOVE it!
Juliane
Woah! This is SOOOO good! My mom liked it!
Amanda
OH my goodness this looks fantastic! I will be making it next week!
Nyxie
This was absolutely delicious! Thanks for the great recipe!!