🥟🍝 Baked Ravioli with Meatballs and Marinara
This is a quick and hearty Italian-inspired casserole using frozen ravioli, meatballs, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
🥣 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 package (about 9–12 oz) frozen cheese or meat ravioli
- 1 package (about 12 oz) frozen cooked meatballs
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Set to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare meatballs:
- If frozen, thaw according to package instructions or heat in the oven/microwave briefly.
- Layer ingredients:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer.
- Place meatballs evenly over the ravioli.
- Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat with remaining ravioli, sauce, and cheese. Sprinkle Parmesan on top if using.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake 25–30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Let cool 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
🔥 Tips & Variations
- Extra vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms between layers.
- Cheese variation: Mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina for extra flavor.
- Quick stovetop version: Simmer ravioli, meatballs, and sauce together in a skillet, then sprinkle with cheese before serving.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara or sprinkle cayenne over the top.
This dish is simple, comforting, and cheesy, making it a perfect family-friendly meal.
I can also give a 30-minute “dump-and-bake” shortcut version using frozen ingredients for even faster prep. Do you want me to do that?
