Easy 5 Ingredient Baked Cheese Ravioli Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a fuss-free, flavor-packed meal that feels indulgent but comes together with barely any effort—this Easy 5 Ingredient Baked Cheese Ravioli is about to become your new weeknight favorite. It’s creamy, cheesy, saucy, and everything you want from a comforting pasta bake, but made with just five simple ingredients and minimal prep. Perfect for busy evenings when you want something warm and satisfying without hovering over the stove.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ridiculously Easy: Seriously, if you can open a jar and layer ingredients, you’ve got this recipe covered. No boiling, no sautéing, just assemble and bake.
• Only 5 Ingredients: No long shopping list, no complicated steps. Just five basic ingredients that deliver big, cozy flavors.
• Comfort in Every Bite: Between the gooey cheese, tender ravioli, and rich marinara, this is comfort food in its purest form.
• Family-Friendly: Kids adore it, adults can’t stop eating it, and leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of ingredients, but each one plays an important role in making this dish deliciously complete:

• Cheese Ravioli: Fresh or frozen ravioli works—just choose your favorite cheese-filled kind. No need to pre-boil; it cooks right in the sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: Go with a quality jarred sauce that you love. It brings the flavor, so don’t skimp. You can also use homemade if you have some on hand.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For that golden, melty top layer. Use whole milk mozzarella for the best gooey, stretchy results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth and helps the top crisp up beautifully.
• Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of this blend gives the whole dish an herby, aromatic boost.

Variations

Want to mix it up? This recipe is incredibly forgiving. Try one of these twists:

• Add Protein: Brown some ground beef, sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken and layer it in with the ravioli.
• Go Veggie: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for an extra veggie boost.
• Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste for a spicy kick.
• Different Cheese: Try ricotta dollops or swap mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a richer flavor.

How to Make Easy 5 Ingredient Baked Cheese Ravioli

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep things from sticking.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of cheese ravioli, then spoon more marinara over the top. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with plenty of cheese on top.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes it easier to scoop.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Over-Sauce: A little goes a long way. Too much sauce can make it watery. Just enough to coat the ravioli is perfect.
• Bake Covered First: Covering helps steam the ravioli so they cook through evenly without drying out.
• Use Frozen Ravioli Directly: No need to thaw—just layer them in frozen. The bake time will take care of the rest.
• Let It Rest: Don’t skip the resting step! It allows the layers to settle and meld, giving you cleaner slices and more concentrated flavor.

How to Serve

This baked ravioli is super versatile, but here are a few pairing ideas to round out the meal:

Garnishes:

Top with fresh basil, parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil just before serving for a fresh touch.

Side Dishes:

Serve with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad to balance out the richness.

Add Crunch:

Pair with roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or green beans to bring in some texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Assemble the entire dish and freeze it unbaked. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 375°F for 45-50 minutes, covered, then uncover and bake another 10-15 minutes.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly.

FAQs

Can I use meat ravioli instead of cheese?
Absolutely! Beef, sausage, or even mushroom-stuffed ravioli will work just as well. Adjust the flavors of your sauce accordingly to complement the filling.

Do I need to cook the ravioli first?
Nope! That’s the beauty of this recipe. The ravioli cook right in the sauce as the dish bakes, saving you an extra step and keeping everything easy.

What if I don’t have marinara sauce?
You can use any tomato-based pasta sauce you enjoy—arrabbiata for some spice, or even vodka sauce for a creamy twist.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free ravioli in the freezer section and double-check your sauce and seasoning blend to ensure they’re gluten-free too.

Final Thoughts

This Easy 5 Ingredient Baked Cheese Ravioli is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make a mouthwatering, satisfying meal. It’s warm, cozy, cheesy, and guaranteed to hit the spot. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need something simple on a Tuesday night, this recipe delivers every single time. Give it a try—you’ll be making it on repeat!

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