There are days when you just want something bubbling, cheesy, and comforting — the kind of dinner that feels indulgent but doesn’t take forever to make. That’s exactly what this Cheesy Pizza Ravioli Bake delivers.
It’s everything you love about pizza night and pasta night rolled into one skillet: tender ravioli layered with smoky bacon, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, pepperoni, and a mountain of melted mozzarella. It’s rich, hearty, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell incredible.
The first time I made this, it was one of those “throw it together and hope it works” weeknight meals. I had frozen ravioli, a jar of marinara, and some leftover pepperoni from pizza night. By the time it came out of the oven, the cheese was perfectly golden, the sauce was bubbling, and the whole family was hovering around the skillet. That’s when I knew — this was a keeper.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (shred from a block for best results)
- ½ cup chopped bacon (thick-cut preferred)
- Pepperoni slices, as desired
- 25 ounces frozen cheese ravioli
Optional Add-Ins
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup diced bell peppers or mushrooms
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you plan to serve directly from the skillet, make sure it’s oven-safe.
Place the skillet over medium-high heat, then add olive oil and diced onions. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant — this step gives your dish a sweet, savory foundation.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Add Italian sausage directly to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Let it brown for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until no pink remains.
Tilt the skillet to drain excess grease, then sprinkle in Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine — this helps the spices bloom in the hot fat, adding that signature pizza flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Sauce and Ravioli
Pour in the marinara sauce, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze all those flavorful bits. Mix in the chopped bacon and add a few pepperoni slices for extra smoky depth.
Now scatter the frozen cheese ravioli evenly over the sauce mixture. Gently fold everything together until the ravioli are well coated but still layered.
Step 4: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top, covering every bit of ravioli. Add more pepperoni or bacon if you’d like, or sprinkle in your favorite pizza toppings like sliced olives or bell peppers.
Cover the skillet tightly with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the ravioli are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Remove the foil, switch your oven to broil on high, and broil for 2–3 minutes until the top turns golden and slightly crisp. Keep a close eye on it — this step goes from perfect to burnt fast.
Step 5: Serve
Carefully remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve straight from the skillet for that cozy, family-style vibe. Each spoonful delivers gooey cheese pulls, savory sausage, and the comforting flavors of pizza in pasta form.
Tips for the Best Pizza Ravioli Bake
- Brown the sausage deeply: Don’t rush this step. The caramelization adds incredible flavor to the whole dish.
- Shred your own mozzarella: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent melting smoothly. A block of fresh mozzarella melts beautifully.
- Always broil at the end: That short burst of heat gives your dish the perfect crispy, browned top.
- Make it ahead: Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.
- Add vegetables: Sneak in diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition without losing the comfort-food magic.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes. Fresh ravioli works perfectly, but reduce the baking time by about 5 minutes since it cooks faster than frozen.
What other pizza toppings can I use?
Feel free to get creative — sliced olives, green peppers, mushrooms, onions, or extra cheese all work great.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave with a damp paper towel to keep them moist, or warm the entire skillet covered in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) until hot.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Assemble the dish without baking, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding about 15 minutes to the cooking time.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Definitely. Skip the sausage and bacon, then double up on veggies like roasted peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives for a similar texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Pizza Ravioli Bake is what weeknight dreams are made of — fast, hearty, and full of gooey, pizza-style goodness. It’s one of those recipes that makes everyone at the table happy, from picky kids to grown-ups craving something warm and cheesy.
Serve it with a crisp side salad and garlic bread, and you’ve got yourself a dinner that feels like an Italian feast without the fuss. Whether it’s a family dinner, potluck, or game night, this dish never disappoints — just be ready for everyone to ask for seconds.
