Name: Baked Ravioli with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground Italian sausage; 1 cup diced yellow onion (about 1 medium onion); 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 (32-ounce) jar marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 (20-ounce) bag fresh cheese ravioli; 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese; Minced fresh parsley, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 74 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s both easy and impressive, this Baked Ravioli with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe is going to become one of your go-to meals. I absolutely love how the savory Italian sausage mingles with gooey mozzarella, all smothered in a creamy, flavorful marinara sauce baked to bubbly perfection. Trust me, it’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with the most inviting aromas and delights everyone at the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple yet impressive: You’ll cook everything in one pot before baking, making dinner both easy and fuss-free.
Hearty and comforting: The combination of Italian sausage, fresh ravioli, and creamy marinara hits that perfect cozy spot.
Family favorite: My family goes crazy for this—makes leftovers a welcome surprise every time!

The image shows an oval black cast iron dish filled with baked lasagna. The lasagna has a top layer of melted golden-yellow cheese with patches of red tomato sauce visible. The surface is sprinkled with chopped green herbs for color contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, next to a metal serving spoon with a worn handle and a small white bowl filled with more chopped herbs. The texture of the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned in places, while the tomato sauce appears thick and rich. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Ravioli with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella, Italian sausage baked pasta, cheesy ravioli bake, comforting Italian casserole, easy baked ravioli dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is a wonderful balance of rich and fresh. The ingredients all work together to create layers of flavor, from the savory sausage to the creamy sauce and melty mozzarella topping. Here are my go-to picks for success.

Flat lay of fresh ground Italian sausage, a medium yellow onion diced, four peeled garlic cloves, two small white ceramic bowls each with rich red marinara sauce and bright crushed tomatoes, a small white bowl with heavy cream, a handful of fresh flat cheese ravioli, a small white bowl filled with shredded mozzarella cheese, and a small pile of minced fresh parsley leaves, all arranged symmetrically in realistic proportions on simple white ceramic dishes placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Baked Ravioli with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella, Italian sausage baked pasta, cheesy ravioli bake, comforting Italian casserole, easy baked ravioli dinner

Ground Italian sausage: I always use sweet or spicy depending on my mood; fresh sausage really pumps up the flavor here.
Diced yellow onion: Adds that perfect base aroma and subtle sweetness.
Garlic cloves: Essential for that classic Italian fragrance—don’t skip or substitute lightly!
Marinara sauce: Store-bought is fine, but homemade makes a noticeable difference in freshness.
Crushed tomatoes: Gives the sauce a nice texture and brightness.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Italian seasoning: A blend is easiest, but fresh herbs work beautifully if you have them on hand.
Heavy cream: This is the secret weapon—it adds richness and balances acidity.
Fresh cheese ravioli: Using fresh ravioli instead of dried creates a tender, pillowy bite that’s simply irresistible.
Grated mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating that golden-bubbly crust.
Minced fresh parsley: A bright, fresh finish to cut through the richness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Baked Ravioli with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe is how easy it is to riff on. Whether you want it milder, meatier, or even vegetarian, you can tailor it just the way you like.

Swap the sausage for ground turkey or beef: If you want a leaner version, turkey works great; just season with extra Italian herbs.
Vegetarian option: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for an earthy, satisfying twist.
Cheese variations: Try adding Parmesan for a sharper bite or a blend of Italian cheeses for extra depth.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage if you like a little heat; my husband loves this variation!

How to Make Baked Ravioli with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the sausage, onion, and garlic until fragrant and cooked through

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage along with the diced onions and minced garlic. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You’ll know it’s ready when the sausage is no longer pink and the onions have softened nicely—about 10 minutes. This step builds a flavorful foundation, so don’t rush it. Stir occasionally to avoid burning the garlic.

Step 2: Stir in marinara, crushed tomatoes, seasonings, and cream

Once the sausage mixture is cooked, add the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes directly to the pot. Sprinkle in the salt and Italian seasoning, then pour in the heavy cream. Give everything a good stir to combine, letting the sauce come together and heat through for about 3 minutes. I discovered this trick with the cream— it really softens the acidity from the tomatoes, creating a silky sauce that’s downright addictive.

Step 3: Mix in the fresh ravioli and transfer to a baking dish

Gently stir the fresh cheese ravioli into the sauce, making sure each piece gets coated. Once evenly mixed, pour everything into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. This is where your casserole starts to come alive, catching all those delicious juices as it bakes.

Step 4: Top with mozzarella, cover, and bake

Sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly on top. Then, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to keep the moisture locked in as it bakes. Pop it in your preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes. This gives the ravioli time to cook fully in the sauce, letting the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Broil for a golden bubbly finish

Remove the foil and switch your oven to broil. Return the dish uncovered and broil for about 3 minutes, or until the mozzarella is just lightly browned and bubbling. Keep a close eye here—you want that golden bubbly top without burning. Let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken a bit, making it easier to dish out.

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Ravioli with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe

Use fresh ravioli: Fresh ravioli cooks tenderly and absorbs the sauce better—dried ones might not soften the same way during baking.
Don’t overcook the sausage: Cook it just until done to keep it juicy and flavorful, as it will cook slightly more in the oven.
Gentle stirring: When mixing ravioli into the sauce, fold carefully to avoid tearing the delicate pasta.
Watch the broiler: Cheese can burn quickly; keep the oven door slightly open and check frequently during broiling.

How to Serve Baked Ravioli with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe

The image shows a black oval baking dish filled with baked ravioli layered in tomato sauce with melted, bubbly cheese on top. The ravioli are round with crimped edges, covered with thick, rich red tomato sauce mixed with some bits of meat. The cheese is golden and slightly browned in spots, melted evenly across the whole dish. Small green parsley flakes are sprinkled over the cheese for color. A silver spoon scoops out a portion from the middle, showing the soft, saucy ravioli inside. The dish sits on a white marbled surface next to a small white bowl of chopped parsley and a gray checked cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Ravioli with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella, Italian sausage baked pasta, cheesy ravioli bake, comforting Italian casserole, easy baked ravioli dinner

Garnishes

I like to finish my baked ravioli with a sprinkle of fresh minced parsley. It adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes I toss in a little crushed red pepper flakes if we want an extra kick. Freshly grated Parmesan on the side is always a winner too.

Side Dishes

For sides, my family loves a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a simple crusty baguette is my top choice for soaking up all those delicious sauce leftovers.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner guests or special occasions, I like serving this recipe in individual ramekins instead of one big dish. It looks elegant and lets everyone enjoy their own bubbly, personalized baked ravioli portion. You can also layer in some roasted veggies between the ravioli for added color and nutrition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens nicely overnight, making reheating even tastier.

Freezing

This baked ravioli freezes wonderfully. I portion it out before baking into freezer-safe dishes. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual. It’s perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F to maintain that baked texture and melty cheese. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of the fresh-baked quality.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ravioli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen ravioli, but I recommend thawing it first before mixing into the sauce to ensure even cooking during baking. Fresh ravioli tends to yield the best texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the ravioli for a gluten-free version and double-check that your marinara sauce and sausage are gluten-free. Many stores carry gluten-free fresh ravioli nowadays that work well.
How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on the sausage you choose. Using sweet Italian sausage makes it mild, while hot sausage adds a nice kick. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes if you like it spicier.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the sausage and sauce mixture a day in advance, then assemble and bake when ready. This cuts down on last-minute cooking time and flavors deepen even more overnight.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Ravioli with Italian Sausage and Mozzarella Recipe has truly become a staple in my kitchen—and I hope it becomes a favorite in yours too. It’s one of those meals that feels special but is easy enough for busy nights. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, it delivers comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor every time. Go ahead and make it your own with your favorite tweaks, and enjoy sharing a fabulous meal that feels just like a warm Italian hug.