Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly simple because it uses ready-made ravioli, cutting down prep time while still delivering big flavor. It’s cheesy, saucy, and perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
refrigerated or frozen ravioli
marinara sauce
ground beef or sausage
onion
garlic
mozzarella cheese
parmesan cheese
salt
black pepper
italian seasoning
olive oil
Directions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned.
Stir in marinara sauce and season with salt, black pepper, and italian seasoning.
In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom.
Add a layer of ravioli.
Top with some of the meat sauce and sprinkle mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the final layer.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the top is melted and slightly golden.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: about 50–55 minutes
Variations
Use cheese or spinach ravioli for a vegetarian version.
Add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
Use alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy version.
Mix different cheeses for extra flavor.
Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli?
Yes, you can use it directly without thawing.
Do I need to cook ravioli first?
No, it cooks while baking in the sauce.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it and refrigerate before baking.
Can I freeze ravioli casserole?
Yes, freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
What sauce works best?
Marinara is classic, but other sauces can be used.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, skip the meat and add vegetables.
What cheese is best?
Mozzarella and parmesan work well together.
How do I prevent it from drying out?
Cover with foil while baking.
Can I add more layers?
Yes, layer as much as your dish allows.
How long should it rest before serving?
About 5–10 minutes.
Conclusion
Ravioli casserole is a simple, delicious dish that combines convenience with rich, comforting flavors. With layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese, it’s a perfect meal for any occasion.
PrintRavioli Casserole
A hearty ravioli casserole layered with tender pasta, rich marinara meat sauce, and melted cheese, baked until bubbly and golden. An easy, comforting dish perfect for busy nights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 20 ounces refrigerated or frozen ravioli
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned.
- Stir in marinara sauce and season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce in a greased baking dish.
- Add a layer of ravioli.
- Top with meat sauce and sprinkle mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers, finishing with cheese.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use cheese or spinach ravioli for a vegetarian option.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- Use alfredo sauce for a creamy variation.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Frozen ravioli can be used without thawing.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
