Name: Baked Ravioli Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 package frozen cheese ravioli; 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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It was one of those nights when I had a craving for something hearty but didn’t want to spend too much time fussing in the kitchen. I peeked into the fridge, saw a package of ravioli and some leftover meat sauce, and inspiration struck. That’s how this baked ravioli casserole came to life – a dish that feels like lasagna’s easygoing cousin and quickly became a staple in my weeknight dinner rotation.

Now, anytime I need a quick comfort meal that’s still full of flavor and guaranteed to please everyone at the table, I turn to this recipe. It’s cheesy, saucy, and wonderfully satisfying. Plus, it comes together with minimal effort and maximum payoff – just layer, bake, and enjoy.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Cheese ravioli – The star of the dish, bringing tender pasta and creamy filling in one bite.
Ground beef – Adds savory richness and makes the casserole heartier.
Onion – Adds depth and sweetness to the meat sauce.
Garlic – Enhances the flavor of the sauce with bold aroma.
Marinara sauce – The rich, tomato-based layer that brings everything together.
Mozzarella cheese – Melts to a bubbly, golden finish on top.
Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty punch to the layers.
Olive oil – Used for sautéing the aromatics and beef.
Italian seasoning – Brings in classic herb flavor.
Salt and pepper – Essential for balanced seasoning.
Fresh parsley – Optional, but adds a nice color and fresh finish.

Tools You’ll Need

Skillet – For cooking the beef and building the sauce.
Baking dish – Where all the ravioli magic happens.
Wooden spoon – Perfect for mixing and layering the ingredients.
Mixing bowl – If you want to combine cheese toppings or herbs.
Aluminum foil – Keeps everything moist during the first part of baking.

Instructions

Step 1:

I preheat the oven to 375°F to get things ready.

Step 2:

In a skillet, I heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion and garlic until they’re fragrant and soft.

Step 3:

I add ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked. Then I season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 4:

Once the meat is cooked, I stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 5:

In a greased baking dish, I spread a layer of meat sauce, then a layer of frozen cheese ravioli, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 6:

I repeat the layers until everything is used up, ending with a generous layer of cheese on top.

Step 7:

I cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 8:

I let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley and serving.

Tips

When I want to mix it up, I use spinach or mushroom ravioli instead of cheese. If I’m in a rush, I’ll use jarred marinara, but I sometimes blend in a spoonful of pesto or red pepper flakes to boost the flavor. And if I have extra time, I let the casserole rest for 10 minutes so it cuts cleanly.

Ways to Serve

This baked ravioli casserole is great on its own, but I love to serve it with a crisp green salad or garlic knots. For a heartier meal, pair it with roasted vegetables or a bowl of minestrone soup. It also makes fantastic leftovers the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this baked ravioli casserole so easy?

This baked ravioli casserole skips the need to pre-boil pasta or make separate cheese layers – just layer the ravioli straight from the freezer with sauce and cheese, then bake!

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, you can! Just reduce the baking time slightly and make sure the sauce covers everything so it doesn’t dry out.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just leave out the beef and use a veggie marinara or mix in sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for added flavor.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this baked ravioli casserole a try! It’s one of my favorite shortcuts to a delicious, satisfying dinner with all the cozy vibes of a classic Italian bake. Let me know how it turned out and if you added your own creative twist!

Happy Cooking!