Why Make This Recipe
Ravioli Lasagna Casserole is a great choice for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. It combines the flavors of traditional lasagna with the ease of using frozen ravioli. This meal is hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a hit for both kids and adults. Plus, it’s straightforward to prepare, allowing you to serve up a delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Ravioli Lasagna Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 24 ounces jar spaghetti sauce, divided
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
- 16 ounces square frozen ravioli
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Continue to cook until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Reserve 1 cup of the spaghetti sauce and set it aside for later use. Add the remaining spaghetti sauce to the browned ground beef in the skillet, stir to combine, and heat through until hot.
- Lightly spray an 8×8 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spread ½ cup of the reserved spaghetti sauce evenly over the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Place one-third of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Next, top the ravioli with half of the ground beef mixture evenly spread out.
- Sprinkle ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the beef. Then, layer another one-third of the ravioli over the cheese in a single layer.
- Top this second layer of ravioli with the remaining half of the ground beef mixture.
- Sprinkle another ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the beef. Place the final one-third of ravioli on top to complete the layers.
- Spread the remaining ½ cup of reserved spaghetti sauce over the top layer of ravioli. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over everything.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, golden, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and optionally garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot.
How to Serve Ravioli Lasagna Casserole
Serve the Ravioli Lasagna Casserole hot from the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs on top to enhance the flavor.
How to Store Ravioli Lasagna Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Ravioli Lasagna Casserole
- Try using different types of ravioli, such as cheese, spinach, or mushroom for a unique twist.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
Variation
You can add layers of fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms in between the ravioli layers for added flavor and nutrition. Experiment with different cheeses like ricotta or provolone to change up the taste.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh ravioli. Just adjust the cooking time as fresh ravioli cooks quicker than frozen.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have mozzarella cheese?
You can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend of your favorite cheeses. Just make sure it melts well!
Ravioli Lasagna Casserole
A hearty and cheesy casserole that combines the ease of frozen ravioli with the flavors of traditional lasagna, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Meat-Based
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 24 ounces jar spaghetti sauce, divided
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
- 16 ounces square frozen ravioli
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Reserve 1 cup of spaghetti sauce for later. Add remaining sauce to the ground beef mixture and heat through.
- Lightly spray an 8×8 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Spread ½ cup of reserved spaghetti sauce over the bottom.
- Layer one-third of the frozen ravioli over the sauce, followed by half of the ground beef mixture and ½ cup mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat with another one-third of ravioli, remaining beef mixture, and another ½ cup mozzarella cheese.
- Finish with the final one-third of ravioli, remaining spaghetti sauce, and top with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
Try using different types of ravioli or substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
