Easy Cheesy Ravioli Casserole Recipe: Family Dinner Winner

Whipping up a comforting easy ravioli casserole can transform weeknight dinners from mundane to magnificent.

Cheese and pasta lovers will adore this simple, hearty dish that comes together faster than most complicated meals.

Layers of tender ravioli meld perfectly with rich marinara and melted mozzarella, creating a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can have a delicious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Crispy edges and gooey center make every bite a delightful experience that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Families and friends will rally around this irresistible comfort food that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to become a new household favorite.

Ravioli Casserole Comfort in a Dish

• Cheese-loaded layers create an irresistible dish that appeals to kids and adults, making dinnertime stress-free and enjoyable for everyone.
• Swap marinara for different sauces, add proteins like ground beef or sausage, or include extra vegetables to personalize this versatile recipe according to your family's taste preferences.
• Uses affordable, accessible ingredients like frozen ravioli and basic pantry staples, delivering a hearty dinner without breaking the bank or requiring complex cooking skills.

Ravioli Casserole Ingredients You Need

• Frozen Ravioli: A convenient and delicious pasta that forms the core of this easy casserole.

• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy cheese that adds rich texture and moisture to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Classic Italian cheeses that provide melty, golden toppings with a savory flavor.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor to the casserole.
• Cooking Spray, Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a light coating to the baking dish.
• Fresh Basil: An optional garnish that brings a fresh herb touch to the finished dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the casserole during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

Crafting the Perfect Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Dish

Warm up your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with cooking spray or a light brush of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Delicious Layers

Start building your casserole masterpiece by spreading a generous base of marinara sauce across the bottom of the dish.

Next, arrange a single layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce.

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, dollop ricotta cheese across the ravioli.

Sprinkle a hearty layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Repeat these layers until you’ve used all your ingredients, making sure to finish with a crowning layer of cheese.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil, creating a cozy little cheese tent.

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.

After the initial baking time, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven.

Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes – this helps it set and makes serving easier.

If you want to add a fresh touch, sprinkle some chopped basil on top.

Dive in and enjoy your comforting, cheesy creation!

Insider Tricks for Flawless Ravioli Casserole

• Add fresh garlic or Italian herbs to the marinara sauce for a more robust taste profile.
• Thaw ravioli slightly before layering to reduce excess moisture in the casserole.
• Substitute part-skim mozzarella and ricotta to reduce overall fat content without sacrificing creaminess.
• Replace meat-filled ravioli with cheese or spinach-filled options for a vegetarian-friendly meal.
• Use no-boil ravioli to save time and simplify the cooking process.

Keeping Ravioli Casserole Warm and Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before transferring to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese top.

Best Sides to Serve with Ravioli Casserole

• Pair with Crisp Italian White Wine: Select a Pinot Grigio or Soave to cut through the rich, cheesy casserole and refresh your palate with its light, citrusy notes.
• Create Herbal Salad Companion: Toss together a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heavy texture and add a bright, peppery contrast.
• Match with Rustic Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up extra marinara sauce and provide a crunchy texture that complements the soft ravioli layers.
• Complement with Red Zinfandel: Choose a medium-bodied Zinfandel with fruity undertones to stand up to the robust cheese and tomato flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Fun Twists on the Classic Ravioli Casserole

• Gluten-Free Ravioli Casserole: Swap traditional wheat ravioli with gluten-free cheese or spinach ravioli. Use gluten-free marinara sauce and ensure all cheese brands are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Replace meat-filled ravioli with cheese or spinach ravioli. Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and roasted bell peppers between layers for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute ravioli with roasted cauliflower florets. Use low-carb marinara sauce and add extra cheese to maintain creamy texture. Top with crispy bacon bits for added crunch.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella alternatives made from cashews or almond milk. Choose plant-based ravioli and dairy-free Parmesan cheese to accommodate lactose-intolerant diets.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh ravioli works perfectly. Just reduce the baking time by 5-10 minutes to prevent overcooking.

• Is ricotta cheese mandatory for this recipe?

No, ricotta is optional. You can skip it or substitute with cottage cheese if preferred.

• What type of marinara sauce works best?

Any store-bought or homemade marinara sauce will work. Choose a sauce you enjoy, as it will significantly impact the casserole’s overall flavor.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the initial baking time when cooking from cold.

Easy Ravioli Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering Ravioli Casserole that combines cheesy goodness with hearty pasta layers. Packed with rich flavors and simple ingredients, this dish offers a quick weeknight meal that will satisfy hungry families and bring smiles around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 package (24 ounces / 680 grams) frozen cheese ravioli
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Garnish:

• Fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking vessel by lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Preheat the oven to a consistent 375°F (190°C).
2. Create the initial foundation by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of the dish, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Arrange the first layer of frozen ravioli directly onto the sauce, positioning them carefully to maximize space efficiency.
4. Distribute ricotta cheese evenly across the ravioli layer, creating a creamy intermediate barrier between pasta and sauce.
5. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the ricotta, providing a rich and flavorful coating.
6. Repeat the layering process: sauce, ravioli, ricotta, and cheese layers until all ingredients are incorporated, ensuring the final top layer consists of mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Securely cover the casserole with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment for initial cooking.
8. Bake the covered casserole for 25 minutes, allowing the ingredients to heat thoroughly and meld together.
9. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and cool slightly.
11. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic and visual enhancement before serving.

Notes

• Choose low-sodium marinara sauce to control salt intake and create a healthier version of this comfort dish.
• For a gluten-free option, select gluten-free frozen ravioli and verify all cheese ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Swap traditional cheese ravioli with vegetable or spinach-filled ravioli to increase nutritional value and add more plant-based goodness.
• Add protein-rich ground turkey or lean ground beef between layers for a hearty, protein-packed meal that satisfies hunger longer.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg