Description
Creamy, cheesy 3-ingredient ravioli bake delivers comfort on a plate, blending simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. Cheesy layers and quick preparation make this dish perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious and hassle-free.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 21 ounces (595 grams) frozen or fresh ravioli
- 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara sauce
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a temperature of 375°F, preparing a baking dish for the ravioli layers.
- Create a foundational base by spreading a delicate film of marinara sauce across the bottom of the baking vessel.
- Carefully arrange the first stratum of ravioli directly atop the sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously distribute a blanket of shredded cheese over the initial ravioli layer.
- Continue the stratification process, alternating between ravioli and cheese until all ingredients are incorporated, ensuring the final layer consists of cheese.
- Envelop the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a protective seal to retain moisture during initial cooking.
- Transfer the covered dish to the preheated oven and allow it to bake for approximately 20 minutes, enabling the ravioli to heat thoroughly and the flavors to meld.
- Carefully remove the foil, exposing the cheese layer to direct heat, and return the dish to the oven.
- Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, monitoring until the cheese transforms into a golden, effervescent crust.
- Extract the baked dish from the oven and permit it to rest for 5 minutes, allowing the ingredients to settle and cool slightly.
- Optional: Enhance the presentation by sprinkling freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top before serving.
Notes
- Customize the cheese selection by mixing different varieties like mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone for a more complex flavor profile.
- Transform this dish into a gluten-free option by using gluten-free ravioli and checking marinara sauce ingredients for gluten-free certification.
- Enhance protein content by adding cooked ground meat or plant-based crumbles between ravioli layers for a heartier meal.
- Prevent soggy texture by using refrigerated or freshly made ravioli instead of frozen, which can release excess moisture during baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg