Baked Ravioli Casserole

Baked Ravioli

Baked Ravioli is a game-changer for anyone looking for a delicious, hassle-free meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; there's no need to boil the ravioli before baking. Packed with a generous amount of savory sauce, the ravioli are nestled and baked, absorbing the rich flavors as they cook. This method not only saves time but also elevates the taste and texture of the ravioli, ensuring they come out perfectly tender without the risk of them splitting or falling apart.

✅ Ravioli Bake Ingredients

• Ground Beef (¾ lb.): Provides a rich, meaty base for the casserole. You can opt for lean ground beef for a healthier option or a fattier Italian sausage for more flavor.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the beef and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. Adjust according to your taste.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): This blend of dried herbs typically includes oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary, adding a classic Italian flavor to the casserole.
• Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Adds a mild, sweet garlic flavor.
• Onion Powder (½ tsp): Provides a subtle onion flavor.
• Red Chili Flakes (¼ tsp): Adds a slight heat, balancing the richness of the cheese and meat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
• Yellow Onion (1 small, diced): Sautéing it first enhances its flavor, contributing to the sauce's complexity.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a pungent, zesty taste that garlic powder can't match, infusing the sauce with aromatic depth.
• Marinara Sauce (24 oz.): Choose a high-quality marinara sauce for the best taste, or make your own for an even fresher flavor. You can also use pasta sauce.
• Half and Half (½ cup): You can substitute with heavy cream for a thicker sauce or milk for a lighter version.
• Baby Spinach (2 cups): Spinach wilts down significantly, so don't worry if it seems like a lot at first.
• Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, divided): Adds a gooey, melty texture. Part of the cheese is mixed in, while the rest is sprinkled on top for a bubbly, golden crust.
• Refrigerated Ravioli (20 oz.): The star of the dish. Refrigerated ravioli cooks perfectly in the casserole, absorbing the sauce and flavors. Choose your favorite filling to customize the dish to your liking.

🔪 How to Make Baked Ravioli Casserole

To make this delicious Baked Ravioli Casserole, follow these steps. For specific ingredient quantities and complete instructions, refer to the recipe card below this post.

Prep and Cook the Meat Mixture

• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, diced onions, seasonings, and minced garlic over medium heat.

• Once the beef is thoroughly cooked and the onions are soft, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
• To the skillet, add 2 + ¼ cups of marinara sauce, the half and half and spinach. Stir everything together until well combined. Once mixed, cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble the Casserole

• Preheat your oven to the temperature specified in the recipe card.
• Spread ¾ cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. This layer of sauce helps prevent the ravioli from sticking to the dish and adds flavor.
• Place half of the ravioli over the sauce layer in the dish. It's okay if they overlap slightly, but try to make an even layer.
• Over the first layer of ravioli, spread half of the meat sauce mixture you prepared. This will ensure each bite is packed with flavor.
• Sprinkle ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce. Cheese in between the layers will add a gooey texture.
• Arrange the remaining ravioli on top of the cheese layer. This adds another layer of pasta goodness to your casserole.
• Pour the rest of the meat sauce over the second layer of ravioli, ensuring the pasta is well-covered.
• Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. This will create a deliciously golden and bubbly top layer when baked.

Baking the Casserole

• Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning and to help cook the ravioli evenly.
• Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 35 minutes. The covering helps steam the ravioli, making them perfectly tender.
• After 35 minutes, remove the cover and increase the oven temperature to 450°F. Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese on top turns golden and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.

👨‍🍳 Expert Tips

Maximize the flavor and success of this casserole with these professional tips:

• Choice of Ravioli: While we often use Rana 4-cheese ravioli found in the refrigerated section, don't hesitate to explore different fillings to suit your taste. Frozen ravioli is also an option; just remember to add an extra 15 minutes to the baking time.
• Marinara Sauce Selection: A good quality marinara sauce like Rao’s can significantly enhance the dish's flavor. If you're a fan of saucy casseroles or planning for leftovers, consider increasing the sauce by up to 1 additional cup (32 oz. in total) since ravioli absorbs a lot of sauce during and after cooking.
• Cheese Matters: Opt for low moisture, whole milk mozzarella cheese for that perfect melt and taste. Shredding the cheese off a block rather than buying pre-shredded cheese avoids additives and ensures better melting.
• Meat Variations: Feel free to mix up the meats. A combination of ground beef, pork, and/or sausage adds a rich depth of flavor.

How to Make Ahead

The baked ravioli casserole is an excellent choice for those who love to plan and prepare meals ahead of time.

• For refrigeration, simply assemble the casserole as directed, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or if you're in a hurry, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time directly from the fridge.
• If you prefer to freeze, the assembled and tightly covered casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours prior to your meal, then allow it to sit for 30 minutes at room temperature before baking, or adjust the baking time accordingly.