Easy Baked Ravioli Casserole
Enjoy the cozy goodness of Baked Ravioli Casserole – it’s a tasty, budget-friendly weeknight go-to that’s simply delicious!
With layers of tender cheese ravioli, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is a guaranteed hit with minimal effort required!
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Why I love this baked cheese ravioli dish
Family-Friendly – Cheesy ravioli bake is loved by picky eaters. There’s nothing to scare them off. There are no hidden vegetables, and the sauce is not spicy.
Quick and Easy—With just a few simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you can make a hearty dinner the whole family will love. If you are a busy parent, you will especially love this recipe.
Great Freezer Meal – This recipe lends itself well to freezing. Making an extra casserole and popping one in the freezer is super simple.
Perfect For Entertaining – I love spending time with my guests, so this recipe is perfect. It’s an easy make-ahead recipe, and when served with a simple salad and bread, you won’t need to spend much time in the kitchen. And the super-easy clean-up is a bonus!
Ravioli casserole recipe ingredients
You will find the measurements for each ingredient in the recipe card below.
- Ground Beef – I like to use extra lean hamburger meat for this recipe, but whatever ground beef you have on hand will work. You could also combine ground beef with Italian sausage.
- Spaghetti Sauce – Use the brand you prefer from the grocery store, or try making this homemade marinara sauce.
- Spices: Oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Italian Seasoning is a good substitute for the basil and oregano.
- Minced Garlic – If using minced garlic from a jar, use about three teaspoons to equal three cloves of garlic.
- Half and Half – Heavy cream will work as well.
- Frozen Cheese Ravioli – I used ricotta ravioli. There are many options, and all will work. There is no need to boil or thaw the frozen ravioli.
- Mozzarella cheese – I prefer to shred the cheese because I think it melts better, but you could also purchase pre-shredded cheese to save time.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and parmesan cheese.
How to make baked ravioli casserole
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil.
Brown Beef: Brown ground beef in a large skillet. Drain the grease and return the beef to the pan. Add the marinara, oregano, basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Add the half and half and remove from the heat.
Layer the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish (about ¼ cup). Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer on top of the sauce.
Add sauce and cheese: Add ½ of the ground beef mixture over the top of the ravioli and sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over the beef mixture.
Repeat the Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (spray the foil with no-stick cooking spray to keep the cheese from sticking) and bake for 30 minutes.
Uncover and Bake Again: After 30 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish and continue baking for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and slightly crispy on top.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked ravioli casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
What if I use refrigerated ravioli instead of frozen cheese ravioli
If you use refrigerated ravioli instead of frozen for your ravioli recipe, the bake time will need to be reduced. Cook covered for 25 minutes, remove the foil, and broil at 450 degrees until the cheese begins to brown. Watch closely; it won’t take long.
Can I make the casserole with a different type of ravioli
Yes, you can make this casserole with a different type of ravioli like spinach, mushroom, or meat filled ravioli.
Kitchen supplies to make easy baked ravioli casserole
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Tips for baking ravioli in the oven
Cover with Foil: During the first part of the baking time, cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Remove the foil for 15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and bubble.
Layering Technique: When layering the ingredients in the casserole dish, start with a thin layer of sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Then, add a layer of ravioli followed by sauce, cheese, and any additional ingredients. Repeat the layers until the dish is filled, ensuring that each layer is evenly distributed.
Allow to Rest: After removing the baked ravioli casserole from the oven, rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to cut and serve without falling apart.
Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs such as basil or parsley over the top of the casserole to add brightness and freshness to the dish.
Additions and substitutions
- Make a blush sauce by adding 1 cup of alfredo sauce instead of half and half.
- Add vegetables like onion, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or fresh spinach.
- Add a crunchy topping. Mix 1/8 cup of melted butter with 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs and add to the top of the casserole. The breadcrumbs will brown once you remove the foil for the second part of the baking process.
- Want extra meat? Use meat-filled ravioli.
Storage, make-ahead, and reheating directions
Fridge: Leftover ravioli casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: I love to make a double batch of the recipe and throw one in the freezer.
Follow the directions on the recipe card until you are told to bake. Cover tightly, label with a date and the recipe’s name, and freeze for up to three months.
When ready to cook, remove from the freezer and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Set the casserole on the counter for 30 minutes before baking, or add 10 – 15 minutes to the baking time.
Reheat: Reheat leftover ravioli in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through. You can also put the casserole in the oven at 300 degrees until warmed through.
What to serve with baked ravioli
A dish like baked ravioli needs little accompaniment, but I always like to serve a simple side salad and this stuffed garlic bread with pasta dishes.
More casserole recipes
Easy Ravioli Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 24 ounces Marinara Sauce
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Basil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 cup Half and Half
- 20 ounces Frozen Cheese Ravioli
- 8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese
- Optional Red Pepper Flakes
- Optional Parsley Flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees f. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Drain the grease and return the meat to the pan. Add the marinara, oregano, basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Stir in the half-and-half and remove from the heat.1 pound Ground Beef, 24 ounces Marinara Sauce, 3 cloves Garlic, 1 teaspoon Oregano, 1 teaspoon Basil, 1/2 teaspoon Salt, 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, 1/2 cup Half and Half
- Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish (about ¼ cup). Arrange half of the ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Add half the sauce over the ravioli and top with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.20 ounces Frozen Cheese Ravioli, 8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (spray the foil with no-stick cooking spray to keep the cheese from sticking) and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish and continue baking for 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and slightly crispy on top.
- Remove the baked ravioli casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes.Optional Red Pepper Flakes, Optional Parsley Flakes
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