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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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).
- Create the initial foundation by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of the dish, ensuring complete coverage.
- Arrange the first layer of frozen ravioli directly onto the sauce, positioning them carefully to maximize space efficiency.
- Distribute ricotta cheese evenly across the ravioli layer, creating a creamy intermediate barrier between pasta and sauce.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the ricotta, providing a rich and flavorful coating.
- 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.
- Securely cover the casserole with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment for initial cooking.
- Bake the covered casserole for 25 minutes, allowing the ingredients to heat thoroughly and meld together.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and cool slightly.
- 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