Ravioli Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ravioli Casserole is the perfect fusion of your favorite Italian comfort food and the ease of a one-dish bake. It’s loaded with flavors from the ravioli, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist. This dish is versatile—you can use any type of ravioli (cheese, meat, or vegetable) to suit your tastes, and it’s even easier to prepare if you use frozen ravioli. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a get-together, this casserole will quickly become a go-to favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 (25 oz) package frozen ravioli (cheese, meat, or spinach)

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

2. Layer the casserole: Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. Place a layer of frozen ravioli on top of the sauce (don’t thaw the ravioli). Then, spoon about 1 cup of marinara sauce over the ravioli and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all the ravioli are used up, ending with a final layer of sauce and cheese on top.

3. Add seasoning: Sprinkle the top layer with dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder for added flavor.

4. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is golden and bubbly on top.

5. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6

• Preparation time: 10 minutes

• Cooking time: 40 minutes

• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Meat lovers: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken between the layers for a heartier casserole.

• Vegetarian: Use a vegetable-based ravioli (such as spinach and ricotta) and top with extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

• Extra cheese: For even more cheesiness, add a layer of ricotta cheese or use extra mozzarella and Parmesan.

• Spicy option: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle over the top for a bit of heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover ravioli casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh ravioli instead of frozen. If using fresh ravioli, reduce the baking time by 5-10 minutes since fresh pasta cooks faster.

2. Can I make Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just cover it with plastic wrap or foil and bake it when needed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

3. Can I freeze Ravioli Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Once assembled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, or bake from frozen with additional time.

4. Can I use a different sauce?

Yes, you can use a different type of sauce, such as Alfredo sauce, pesto, or even a white cheese sauce, for a different flavor profile. Feel free to get creative with your sauces!

5. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes! You can add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers between the layers for added flavor and nutrition.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use a variety of cheeses such as provolone, gouda, or fontina. Just keep in mind that some cheeses melt better than others, so mozzarella is ideal for a stretchy, gooey texture.

7. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free ravioli and ensuring that your marinara sauce is gluten-free. There are many gluten-free ravioli options available, including ones made with rice flour or other gluten-free ingredients.

8. What can I serve with Ravioli Casserole?

Ravioli Casserole pairs perfectly with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for added veggies.

9. Can I add meatballs to this casserole?

Yes, you can add cooked meatballs to the casserole for extra protein. Simply place them between the layers of ravioli and sauce before baking.

10. How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too watery?

To prevent excess moisture, make sure to use enough sauce to cover the ravioli, but not too much that it makes the casserole soupy. Also, ensure the ravioli are fully frozen when assembling the casserole to avoid them releasing too much moisture during cooking.

Conclusion

Ravioli Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying on a cozy night in. With layers of ravioli, marinara sauce, and cheese, it’s a comforting meal that’s packed with flavor. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings, adding meat, vegetables, or extra cheese to make it your own. Whether you’re using store-bought ravioli or making it from scratch, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite!