Cheesy Pizza Ravioli Bake

Sometimes, comfort food is all that one needs on a night—A food that is sticky, heavy, and full of taste. For me, this is the Cheesy Pizza Ravioli Bake. It is like the combination of lasagna and pizza, which results in something really enchanting. A person experiences the stretchy mozzarella pull, saucy richness, and the nostalgic taste of the favorite and beloved pizza that was ordered on Fridays—all these make the whole thing a layered ravioli.
What Is Cheesy Pizza Ravioli Bake?
Think of layers of ravioli stuffed with soft cheese and mixed with pizza sauce, melting mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs sandwiched on top. Baked to the point where bubbles form and golden color is achieved on top, the lingering aroma would be so nice that it could easily turn every member of the household into a sucker for the oven.
The recipe transforms the classic pizza flavors—tomato, cheese, and pepperoni—into an easy pasta-baking process that gives you an even feeling of indulgence. It is guest-friendly, approved for weekdays, and has a taste of a meal that you only get in an upscale Italian restaurant.
Why This Recipe Is Special
The most amazing thing that is associated with this dish, in my opinion, is that it offers the satisfaction of homemade pizza without having to do any of the hard work, like kneading dough or rolling out. The ravioli serves as the crust, the sauce provides that tangy balance, and the cheese is the one that unites all. Moreover, it is a universal favorite—melted cheese and carbs are never turned down by anybody.
The dish can be as basic or as difficult as the cook prefers: adding veggies, swapping meats, or just using their favorite ravioli. And the best part? Only a couple of minutes of assembly would be needed before the oven does the rest.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pizza and pasta in one bite – It’s the best of both worlds!
- Easy to make – No need to boil pasta or prep dough. Just layer and bake.
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or sausage.
- Kid-approved – It’s cheesy, saucy, and fun to eat.
- Perfect for leftovers – It reheats beautifully for next-day lunches.
Tools You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the few simple tools you’ll use:
- 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish – The perfect size to layer everything evenly and get those golden edges.
- Mixing bowl – For combining sauce and seasonings.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To keep your flavor balance just right.
- Spatula or large spoon – For spreading sauce and scooping servings later.
- Aluminum foil – Keeps things from over-browning while baking.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need, along with both US and metric measurements:
- 24 oz (680 g) frozen cheese ravioli – You can also use fresh if you prefer.
- 2 cups (480 ml) pizza sauce or marinara – Go for your favorite brand or homemade.
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese – Because more cheese = more happiness.
- ½ cup (50 g) shredded cheddar or provolone – Adds a nice flavor depth.
- 20–25 slices pepperoni – Or more if you like it extra meaty.
- 1 tsp (5 g) Italian seasoning – Optional, but adds that pizza-shop aroma.
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan – For that salty, nutty finish.
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil – To lightly grease your dish.
- Optional toppings: chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or cooked sausage.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to the above-stated temperature of 375°F (190°C). This assures that your oven is well-heated when the dish is ready to be layered.
2. Prep the Baking Dish
A thin layer of olive oil should be spread over the surface of your 9×13-inch dish. This will prevent sticking and also provide a lusciously subtle flavor.
3. Spread the First Layer
Pour approximately one-third of the pizza sauce into the base and distribute it evenly.
4. Add Ravioli
Spreading the ravioli like a single layer over the sauce is fine. In case they overlap a bit, don’t worry as it is rustic cooking, not rocket science.
5. Add Cheese and Toppings
Over the ravioli, sprinkle a large handful of mozzarella and cheddar, and put a few pieces of pepperoni beside them. If you like, you can throw in some veggies also.
6. Repeat Layers
Put one more layer of sauce, ravioli, and cheese until you are out of them. I generally finish with a thick cover of mozzarella and pepperoni on top.
7. Bake Covered
Wrap it with aluminum foil and put it in the oven for 20 minutes. This will make the heat penetrate the dish without over-browning the top.
8. Bake Uncovered
Take off the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
9. Let It Rest
This is a crucial step: allow the bread to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. It helps everything to set and makes serving less cumbersome.
Serving Ideas
You can serve this Cheesy Pizza Ravioli Bake with:
- This Cheesy Pizza Ravioli Bake can be paired with: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping.
- A drizzle of chili oil or red pepper flakes if you love a little heat.
Variations and Customizations
- Vegetarian version: Just omit the pepperoni and fill it up with mushrooms, spinach, or roasted veggies.
- Meat lover’s twist: Incorporate cooked Italian sausage or ground beef in between layers.
- Different ravioli: For variety add spinach and ricotta or beef-filled ravioli.
- White pizza version: Substitute Alfredo sauce for marinara and crown with chicken and spinach.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- To make ahead: Assemble the bake, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready.
- To freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- To store leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
Pro Tips (From My Kitchen to Yours)
- Use frozen ravioli straight from the bag—no need to boil it first. It cooks perfectly in the sauce.
- Mix a little Parmesan into the sauce before layering for extra umami.
- If your cheese starts browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Don’t skip the resting time—trust me, it makes slicing so much neater.
- Want that pizzeria feel? Add a light sprinkle of oregano or crushed red pepper before serving.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading with sauce: Too much sauce can make it soupy instead of layered.
- Skipping the foil step: The top cheese can burn before the inside cooks through.
- Not greasing the pan: It’ll stick like crazy.
- Serving immediately: It’ll fall apart if you don’t give it a few minutes to set.
Quick Recipe Info
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 21g | Carbs: 33g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 3g
Final Thoughts
If there’s one recipe that guarantees smiles around the dinner table, it’s this Cheesy Pizza Ravioli Bake. It’s comfort food done right—no fuss, no stress, just pure, cheesy satisfaction. So next time you’re craving pizza but don’t want the mess, give this a try.
Cheesy Pizza Ravioli Bake
4
servings10
minutes35
minutes420
kcalThink of layers of ravioli stuffed with soft cheese and mixed with pizza sauce, melting mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs sandwiched on top. Baked to the point where bubbles form and golden color is achieved on top, the lingering aroma would be so nice that it could easily turn every member of the household into a sucker for the oven.
Ingredients
24 oz (680 g) frozen cheese ravioli – You can also use fresh if you prefer.
2 cups (480 ml) pizza sauce or marinara – Go for your favorite brand or homemade.
1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese – Because more cheese = more happiness.
½ cup (50 g) shredded cheddar or provolone – Adds a nice flavor depth.
20–25 slices pepperoni – Or more if you like it extra meaty.
1 tsp (5 g) Italian seasoning – Optional, but adds that pizza-shop aroma.
¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan – For that salty, nutty finish.
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil – To lightly grease your dish.
Optional toppings: chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or cooked sausage.
Directions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to the above-stated temperature of 375°F (190°C). This assures that your oven is well-heated when the dish is ready to be layered.
- Prep the Baking Dish
- thin layer of olive oil should be spread over the surface of your 9x13-inch dish. This will prevent sticking and also provide a lusciously subtle flavor.
- Spread the First Layer
- Pour approximately one-third of the pizza sauce into the base and distribute it evenly.
- Add Ravioli
- Spreading the ravioli like a single layer over the sauce is fine. In case they overlap a bit, don’t worry as it is rustic cooking, not rocket science.
- Add Cheese and Toppings
- Over the ravioli, sprinkle a large handful of mozzarella and cheddar, and put a few pieces of pepperoni beside them. If you like, you can throw in some veggies also.
- Repeat Layers
- Put one more layer of sauce, ravioli, and cheese until you are out of them. I generally finish with a thick cover of mozzarella and pepperoni on top.
- Bake Covered
- Wrap it with aluminum foil and put it in the oven for 20 minutes. This will make the heat penetrate the dish without over-browning the top.
- Bake Uncovered
- Take off the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Let It Rest
- This is a crucial step: allow the bread to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. It helps everything to set and makes serving less cumbersome.
Notes
- Pro Tips (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Use frozen ravioli straight from the bag—no need to boil it first. It cooks perfectly in the sauce.
Mix a little Parmesan into the sauce before layering for extra umami.
If your cheese starts browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Don’t skip the resting time—trust me, it makes slicing so much neater.
Want that pizzeria feel? Add a light sprinkle of oregano or crushed red pepper before serving.
Mistakes to Avoid
Overloading with sauce: Too much sauce can make it soupy instead of layered.
Skipping the foil step: The top cheese can burn before the inside cooks through.
Not greasing the pan: It’ll stick like crazy.
Serving immediately: It’ll fall apart if you don’t give it a few minutes to set.