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If you are craving classic pizza flavors but want a cozy pasta bake, my cheesy pizza ravioli delivers all the comfort and fun of pizza in an easy weeknight dish. Tender cheese ravioli gets baked in rich marinara and layered with mozzarella, Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and pepperoni for a crowd pleasing family favorite.
My kids light up every time I make this dish and there are never leftovers. I first baked this on a Friday night when we needed a break from our usual pizza routine and now it is in our monthly dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- Frozen cheese ravioli: Cheese filled pasta that soaks up all the sauce and bakes up perfectly. Choose a good quality brand for the best texture.
- Italian sausage: Brings savory flavor with a little spice. Choose one with robust seasoning or swap for mild sausage or ground beef if you prefer.
- Marinara sauce: The backbone of pizza flavor in the dish. Use a jarred sauce you love or make your own with ripe tomatoes.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the sausage and onions for deeper flavor. Look for extra virgin for richer taste.
- Yellow onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and foundation of flavor. Pick firm onions with shiny skins.
- Italian seasoning: Delivers classic pizza herb notes like oregano and basil. Rub it between your fingers to release the aromas before adding.
- Onion powder: Gives a boost of onion taste without extra chopping. Choose a fresh jar for the brightest flavor.
- Garlic powder: Lends mild garlicky warmth. Avoid any that smells musty or clumped together.
- Black pepper: Enhances all the other flavors.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey bubbly perfection as the topping. Shred your own for the best melt.
- Chopped bacon: Adds smoky crispy bits. Use cooked bacon for best texture.
- Pepperoni: Slices in classic rounds over the top for signature pizza style. Choose one with a firm texture and balanced seasoning.
How To Make Cheesy Pizza Ravioli
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large oven safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add diced yellow onion and cook gently for two to three minutes until translucent and just soft. The onions should be fragrant and starting to turn slightly golden.
- Brown the Meat:
- Add Italian sausage to the pan. Cook by breaking it apart with a spoon until it is entirely no longer pink. Carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine so the spices coat the meat thoroughly.
- Stir in the Sauce and Ravioli:
- Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the seasoned sausage and onions. Add in chopped bacon and as many pepperoni slices as you love. Place the frozen cheese ravioli right into the skillet. Gently stir until everything is mixed well and all ingredients are nestled in sauce.
- Layer on the Cheese and Extras:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese in an even thick layer over the ravioli mixture. Scatter more bacon and pepperoni on top for extra flavor and crunch. This is the time to add other pizza toppings your family enjoys.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil. Place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for twenty to twenty five minutes, until cheese is thoroughly melted and sauce is bubbling at the edges. Remove foil and broil for two to three minutes until the top is golden and crisp at the edges. Serve hot.
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My favorite part is using fresh hand shredded mozzarella. It melts into the best gooey layer. I have fond memories of my kids proudly sprinkling the cheese on top and crowding by the oven to watch it bubble and brown.
Storage Tips
Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing. Place portions into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. You can freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not eat pork, use ground chicken or turkey Italian sausage instead. For a vegetarian option, swap the sausage and bacon for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. Vegan mozzarella and plant based sausage also work well if you prefer a dairy free version. Use gluten free ravioli for a gluten free bake.
Serving Suggestions
We enjoy this with a bright green side salad and garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. It pairs well with roasted vegetables or a simple tomato cucumber salad. For a fun kid meal, serve with mini cups of ranch or marinara for dipping the ravioli.
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Cultural and Historical Context
Baked pasta dishes often originated as comforting, family style meals in Italian American homes and restaurants. Combining pizza and pasta flavors brings together two beloved favorites for a dish that feels familiar yet exciting. Over the years, this type of recipe has grown in popularity for busy cooks craving nostalgia and convenience.
Commonly Asked Questions
- → Can I use different ravioli flavors?
Absolutely! Spinach or meat-filled ravioli work well if you want to mix up the flavors.
- → What’s the best cheese for topping?
Freshly shredded mozzarella gives the best melt, but you can add provolone or cheddar for extra richness.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives are tasty additions for extra texture and flavor.
- → How do I prevent soggy pasta?
Bake uncovered for the last few minutes to let moisture evaporate and create a bubbly, golden crust.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Cool completely, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and reheat in the oven or microwave.