Ravioli Casserole Recipe brings together the best of comfort food with ease and flavor. Picture a warm, cheesy dish that’s packed with savory marinara sauce, ground beef, and tender ravioli. It’s like serving love in a baking dish! Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe has you covered. Easy to prepare, it requires minimal fuss while still delivering maximum flavor, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
What I love about this dish is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to impress your loved ones. Instead, you can rely on straightforward ingredients and simple steps to create something special. My favorite part? Layering the ravioli and sauce feels like a delicious game. So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s make this fantastic Ravioli Casserole Recipe together. You’ll soon see why this dish is bound to become a household favorite!
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of this Ravioli Casserole Recipe lies in its balance of flavors and textures. Combining soft, cheesy ravioli with a rich and hearty sauce creates harmony on your plate. Furthermore, the simmering sauce allows the ingredients to blend magnificently, enhancing the overall taste. Plus, it’s designed to be easy and quick, making it perfect for busy evenings.
As the dish bakes, the ingredients meld beautifully, and the cheese creates a golden crust, ensuring each bite is packed with delightful flavor. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also looks wonderful when served, even making guests think you spent hours in the kitchen. This recipe showcases how simple ingredients can create a memorable meal without the hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Ravioli Casserole Recipe
This Ravioli Casserole Recipe is a winner for several reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly versatile; you can switch up ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, or looking for a different flavor, this casserole adapts easily.
Secondly, it’s family-friendly. Children and adults alike enjoy the familiar flavors of ravioli and cheese, making dinner much easier. Additionally, this recipe can be made ahead of time, allowing for convenient weeknight meals. You can prepare the casserole and bake it when everyone is ready to eat, minimizing stress in the kitchen.
Lastly, it’s a dish that encourages togetherness. As it bakes, the comforting aroma fills your home, drawing family and friends to the table. Sharing delicious food fosters connection and conversation, making any gathering special.

Ingredients Needed for Ravioli Casserole
To whip up this delicious Ravioli Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 25 oz marinara sauce
- 14.5 oz petite diced tomatoes (1 can)
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 30 oz refrigerated ravioli
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, grated
Having these ingredients on hand makes this recipe straightforward. As you gather your supplies, you’ll feel the excitement of bringing this tasty dish to life!
How to Make Ravioli Casserole

Let’s get to the fun part: making the Ravioli Casserole! Follow these simple steps for a fantastic meal.
Prepare the Sauce
Start by spraying a large, nonstick skillet with cooking spray and placing it over medium heat. Next, add the diced onion and ground beef. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. As the meat browns, break it apart with a spatula.
Once the meat is fully browned, it’s time to add the marinara sauce, petite diced tomatoes, and cold water. Season with additional salt, pepper, and the dried basil and oregano. Bring this flavorful mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for at least 10 minutes. Don’t worry if the sauce looks a little watery—this is just right since the ravioli will soak up this moisture.
Layer the Ravioli
Preheat your oven to 375°F while the sauce simmers. While waiting, take a moment to spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray to keep everything from sticking.
Begin layering by placing 15 oz of the refrigerated ravioli at the bottom of the pan. Spoon half of the sauce mixture over the ravioli, then sprinkle half of the grated mozzarella cheese on top. Take the remaining ravioli and layer them on next. Pour the rest of the sauce over this layer, followed by the remaining cheese.
This is the part where your excitement builds—seeing those layers take shape gives you a sense of accomplishment!
Bake the Casserole
Time to bake! Cover the baking dish with lightly greased foil to avoid the cheese from clinging. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it—it should turn a lovely golden brown on top.
If you want that extra crispy finish, you can pop it under the broiler for 1 minute. Let the baked ravioli rest for about 10 minutes before digging in. This rest period lets the flavors settle, ensuring everyone enjoys every delicious bite.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your Ravioli Casserole is ready, how do you serve it? For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a fresh garden salad or some warm garlic bread. These sides balance the richness of the casserole nicely.
If you’re looking to add a nutritious touch, steamed vegetables on the side enhance the meal without taking away from the deliciousness of the casserole. Feel free to get creative with your presentation—a sprinkle of fresh herbs can brighten the dish visually, too!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Ravioli Casserole turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Make sure the meat is well-browned for richer flavor.
- Don’t rush the simmering process, as it helps meld the flavors beautifully.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking; this will help with serving and enhance the flavors.
By following these simple tips, you’ll elevate your dish and impress everyone at your table!
Variations
If you’re in the mood to experiment, here are some fantastic variations to consider:
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a flavorful twist.
- For a vegetarian option, use plant-based meat or load it up with your favorite veggies like zucchini or spinach.
- Add some spice! Red pepper flakes can bring a nice kick to your casserole if you like things a little heated.
These variations ensure that the dish never feels stale or boring, making it a meal you can enjoy time and time again.
Storage Tips
After enjoying your delicious Ravioli Casserole, you might have some leftovers. To keep them fresh, store any uneaten portion in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This casserole also freezes well! Just ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to reheat, it will still taste fantastic after a quick bake. It’s always wonderful to have home-cooked meals on hand for those busy days.

FAQs
1. Can I use frozen ravioli?
Yes! Frozen ravioli works perfectly; just add a few extra minutes to your baking time.
2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace ground beef with your favorite plant-based meat or load it with additional vegetables to create a hearty vegetarian casserole.
3. How do I reheat leftovers?
Simply reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, roughly 20-25 minutes.
4. Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to increase the amount of cheese for a gooier texture.
5. Is it okay to make this in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time; just assemble and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
This Ravioli Casserole Recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Picture a cozy dinner where everyone gathers to enjoy heaping servings of cheesy, comforting goodness. Enjoy the journey of making it and setting it on your table, and get ready for smiles all around!
Print
Ravioli Casserole
This Ravioli Casserole is a comforting delight, featuring tender ravioli layered with ground beef and marinara sauce. It’s simple, quick, and family-friendly, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 25 oz marinara sauce
- 14.5 oz petite diced tomatoes (1 can)
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 30 oz refrigerated ravioli
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, grated
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the onion and ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add marinara, tomatoes, and water. Season and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
- Layer half the ravioli, half the sauce, and half the cheese. Repeat layers.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes, uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Brown the meat well for richer flavor.
Do not rush the simmering process for the best taste.
Let the casserole rest after baking for optimal serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg






