Baked Ravioli

1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce

1 (25-ounce) bag frozen ravioli, cheese or mushroom

1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese

1 cup sliced pepperoni

Italian sausage, to taste (optional; see Note)

Vegetables, to taste (optional; see Note)

1 (16-ounce) package mozzarella cheese

Sprinkle of Italian seasoning

Sprinkle of garlic powder

Sprinkle of ground pepper

Fresh shredded Parmesan cheese, to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In baking or casserole dish make single layers of ingredients. Start with a thick spread of marinara, add a single layer of ravioli, then teaspoon-sized dollops of ricotta, followed by a generous layer of pepperoni and/or sausage or vegetables, if using. Cover with a couple of handfuls of mozzarella cheese. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, pepper and a dusting of Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers as desired or until you run out of ingredients, ending with cheese on top. Don't skimp on the cheeses or meat. If in doubt, add more sauce.

Cover with foil, bake 1 to 11/2 hours or until bubbly and hot in the middle. Uncover and brown top if desired.

Note: If desired, include a layer of cooked mild sweet Italian sausage or replace meats with vegetables for vegetarian diets.

Makes 12 servings.

Approximate nutritional values per serving: 440 calories, 27 g protein, 21 g carbohydrate, 2 g dietary fiber, 29 g fat, 90 mg cholesterol, 1520 mg sodium.