Please share!

Discover the ultimate weeknight dinner solution with this quick and easy, cheesy ravioli bake recipe. Budget-friendly and so delicious, it’s perfect for busy nights. 

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, finding the time and energy to whip up a yummy dinner for the whole family can be a real challenge. We often crave something comforting, delicious, and easy to prepare – a dish that not only satisfies our taste buds but also fits snugly into our busy schedules. Look no further, because here is the perfect solution for you: the cheesy ravioli bake you can prep in less than 10 minutes.

This delightfully easy weeknight dinner recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a mouthwatering meal that won’t break the bank or require hours in the kitchen. You can find the ingredients at any grocery store.

What I love about this easy recipe is that it is great for beginners if you follow the simple steps to create this delectable masterpiece. With just a handful of budget-friendly ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a hearty meal on your table that’s sure to impress. 

Whether you’re a busy parent trying to feed your family on a tight budget, a college student craving a taste of home, or simply someone who appreciates the joy of a comforting cheesy pasta dish, this cheesy ravioli bake is sure to become a household favorite. This easy recipe is also a great freezer meal. 

Ready to try one of my family’s favorite pasta dishes?

Quick and Easy Cheesy Ravioli Bake Recipe

​Prep time: 5-10  mins

Cook time: 25 min

Total: 30 min

Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients 

• 1 ½ pound ground meat (beef, chicken or turkey), cooked and drained
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 bag ravioli, fresh or frozen
• 1 can marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 2 cup shredded cheeses (I used an Italian blend that includes mozzarella cheese and parmesan)

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 400 F
• Cook meat, drain and season, then set aside
• Spray baking dish lightly with olive oil spray
• Add a layer of ravioli to the bottom of the dish
• Add a layer of cooked, drained and seasoned ground meat
• Top with a layer of sauce
• Lastly add cheese to the top
• Cover and bake for 20 mins
• Remove the foil and bake uncovered an additional 5-10 min until bubbly
• Serve and enjoy!

Tip: if using this recipe as a freezer meal, follow all the steps except the baking. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze up to 30-45 days. When ready to use, bake 20 min at 400 F covered and 10-15 minutes uncovered.

Step by step instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Season the cooked meat with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly spray your 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Layer the Ingredients: Begin assembling your ravioli bake in the prepared pan. Follow these layers:
   • Start with a layer of ravioli on the bottom of the dish.
   • Add a layer of the cooked, drained, and seasoned ground meat.
   • Top it with a layer of spaghetti or marinara sauce.
   • Lastly, generously sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
5. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Uncover and Finish Baking: After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking the dish uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once the Easy Cheesy Ravioli Bake is out of the oven, let it cool slightly, then slice and serve. Each bite will be a flavorful blend of cheesy goodness, tender ravioli, and savory meat.

Tip:

If you’re using non-frozen ravioli, consider adding 1 cup of hot water around the outside edge of the pan before baking. This will help prevent overcooking. This step is not necessary if you’re using frozen ravioli, as they release moisture during cooking.

Now that you have this incredibly easy dinner recipe in your arsenal, you can enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle.

What would you serve this ravioli bake with?

The cheesy ravioli bake is a satisfying and flavorful dish on its own, but you can enhance the meal by serving it with some complementary side dishes.

Here are some options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice! Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread or garlic knots to soak up the delicious sauce.
2. Green Side Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or ranch dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ravioli bake.
3. Steamed Vegetables: Consider steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans as a healthy side option. The veggies will add color, nutrition, and a nice contrast in texture to the meal.
4. Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and tangy dressing pairs wonderfully with the cheesy ravioli.
5. Antipasto Platter: Create a simple antipasto platter with olives, marinated vegetables, cheeses, and cured meats for a Mediterranean-inspired side.
6. Soup: A light soup, such as tomato basil or minestrone, can make for a comforting and complete meal when served alongside the ravioli bake.
7. Fruit Salad: A fruit salad with a variety of fresh, seasonal fruits can offer a sweet and refreshing contrast to the savory dish.
8. Grilled Vegetables: If you have access to a grill, consider grilling some zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant to serve alongside the ravioli.
9. Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with a balsamic glaze can provide a sweet and tangy side dish.
10. Herb-Roasted Potatoes: For a heartier side, prepare herb-roasted potatoes for a satisfying accompaniment.
11. Mozzarella Caprese Salad: A delicious companion to any Italian or pasta dish, the fresh tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese are always a perfect side dish.

Ultimately, the choice of side dish will depend on your personal preferences and the occasion. Whether you opt for something light and refreshing or hearty and comforting, these side dishes will complement the Easy Cheesy Ravioli Bake and make for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Easy variations to this recipe

Pasta bakes are always quite versatile, and this ravioli bake is no exception. Here are some easy variations to consider:

1. Vegetarian Ravioli Bake: For a meatless option, skip the ground meat and load up on your favorite vegetables instead. Sautéed mushrooms, frozen or fresh spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini make great additions. You can also use ground Impossible “beef.”
2. Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli: Swap out the regular cheese ravioli for spinach and ricotta-filled ravioli for an extra burst of flavor and a vegetarian twist.
3. Pesto Ravioli Bake: Instead of traditional marinara sauce, use pesto sauce for a fresh and herbaceous flavor. Top it with mozzarella and pine nuts for added richness and texture.
4. Three-Cheese Ravioli: Experiment with different cheese-filled ravioli options like three-cheese, four-cheese, or even lobster-filled ravioli for a more gourmet touch.
5. Spicy Ravioli Bake: Add a kick of spice by incorporating diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the meat or sauce.
6. Mediterranean Ravioli Bake: Use Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like feta cheese, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist on flavors.
7. Alfredo Ravioli Bake: Replace the marinara sauce with creamy Alfredo sauce for a luscious, indulgent version of the dish.
8. Tex-Mex Ravioli Bake: Incorporate Tex-Mex flavors by using taco-seasoned ground meat, black beans, corn, and a blend of Mexican cheeses. Top it with diced tomatoes, sour cream, and cilantro after baking.
9. Sausage and Mushroom Ravioli Bake: Substitute the ground meat with Italian sausage and sautéed mushrooms for a rich and savory flavor profile.
10. Customized Cheese Blend: Get creative with your cheese choices. Try a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar, or provolone for a unique cheesy experience.
11. Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the layers for a burst of aromatic flavor.
12. Baked Ravioli Lasagna: Layer the ravioli like lasagna sheets, alternating with meat, sauce, and cheese between each layer, and then bake as usual.

Feel free to mix and match these variations or come up with your own unique twists. The Easy Cheesy Ravioli Bake is a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity, making it a go-to recipe for satisfying your family’s cravings in a delightful and personalized way.

More easy pasta recipes

• Easy Pasta Alla Vodka Recipe
• Easy Stuffed Pasta Shells
• Delicious Cheesy Chicken-Stuffed Pasta Shells
• The Easiest Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Bow Tie Pasta
• Penne alla Vodka with Grilled Chicken

Please share!