If you’re after a hearty, homemade dish that comes together easily but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, you’re going to love this Easy Ravioli Lasagna Casserole Recipe. It’s like all the best parts of lasagna, but way quicker and less fussy, using frozen ravioli as the “pasta” layer. Trust me, this has become a go-to comfort food in my house when I want something fuss-free but crowd-pleasing. Keep reading because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and will soon be a staple in your rotation too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick Prep: Using store-bought frozen ravioli means no fuss with boiling pasta – perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comfort Food Vibes: It hits all the cozy notes of traditional lasagna without the multi-step layering nightmare.
- Family Favorite: My kids and guests always ask for seconds – it’s ridiculously tasty and filling.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can customize the sauce, cheese, or add veggies easily to suit your taste or pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is how simple but flavorful the ingredients are. The ground beef and savory Italian seasonings blend perfectly with the melty mozzarella and rich spaghetti sauce to create layers of deliciousness. Using frozen ravioli saves tons of time but still delivers lots of comforting pasta flavor.
- Ground beef: I use 80/20 for juiciness and flavor, but lean works too if you prefer less fat.
- Minced garlic: Fresh garlic gives such a great punch; add it early to brown with the beef for extra aroma.
- Garlic powder: Layering garlic flavor is key – it deepens the savory profile without overpowering.
- Salt: Season well to pull out all the flavors from the beef and sauce.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked is my go-to—gives a nice mild heat.
- Italian seasoning: I usually mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme for a classic taste.
- Spaghetti sauce: Pick a good-quality jar or homemade sauce for that rich tomato base.
- Frozen square ravioli: Cheese-filled ravioli works beautifully – no need to cook beforehand!
- Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts best and adds that perfect gooey topping.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh sprinkle brightens up the dish at the end.
Variations
One of the things I adore about this Easy Ravioli Lasagna Casserole Recipe is how adaptable it is. I’ve played around with a few additions and swaps that you might want to try depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.
- Vegetarian option: Swap ground beef for sautéed mushrooms and spinach—it still packs a meaty flavor and keeps it satisfying.
- Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños when browning the beef for a little heat that wakes up the flavors.
- Cheese variety: Mixing in some Parmesan or provolone with the mozzarella adds depth and richness.
- Veggies added: I sometimes layer in roasted zucchini or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
How to Make Easy Ravioli Lasagna Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef with Seasonings
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and browning the ground beef with the minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This step really builds the base flavor. Make sure to break the beef into small pieces so it cooks evenly. Once it’s browned and fragrant, drain any excess fat—this keeps the casserole from getting greasy but preserves the tasty bits stuck on the pan.
Step 2: Add Spaghetti Sauce and Prepare the Dish
Reserve one cup of the spaghetti sauce to use later, then stir the rest into the browned beef. Let it warm through so all those flavors marry together. In the meantime, spray your 8×8 baking dish with non-stick spray—this part is crucial to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and releases easily. Then spread about half a cup of that reserved sauce evenly on the bottom. This small layer keeps the ravioli from sticking to the dish as the casserole bakes.
Step 3: Layer the Ravioli, Beef, and Cheese
This is where the magic happens. Start by laying down one-third of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. No need to thaw—just place them right from the freezer. Next, spoon half of your beef and sauce mixture evenly over the ravioli. Sprinkle about half a cup of shredded mozzarella on top to start the melty layers. Then repeat: one layer of ravioli, then remaining beef, and another half-cup of mozzarella cheese. Finish with the last third of ravioli on top.
Step 4: Add Final Sauce and Cheese Topping, Then Bake
Spread the remaining half-cup of reserved sauce over the top layer of ravioli, then generously sprinkle the remaining one cup of mozzarella cheese. This final cheesy topping browns beautifully in the oven. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges. If your oven tends to brown faster, you can loosely cover with foil for the first 20 minutes to keep the cheese from burning.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Ravioli Lasagna Casserole Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd Ravioli Layers: Lay them side by side without overlapping too much for even cooking and easier serving.
- Drain Beef Fat Thoroughly: This avoids a greasy casserole and helps the sauce cling nicely to the meat.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting.
- Reserve Sauce for Top and Bottom Layers: This keeps the ravioli moist and prevents sticking to the pan.
How to Serve Easy Ravioli Lasagna Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. It adds a burst of color and a fresh hint that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil right before serving for silkiness. If you’re feeling fancy, a grating of Parmesan cheese on top also elevates the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the cheesy richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. Roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or a simple sautéed spinach also complement the meal nicely and add freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve baked individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation. You can also sprinkle extra herbs or a pinch of chili flakes on top for a splash of color and flavor. Serving it family-style on a big platter with fresh basil leaves scattered around makes it look restaurant-worthy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
My family is rarely left with leftovers, but when we do, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for up to 3 days and the flavors even intensify a bit overnight, making for a delicious second meal.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole before with great success. Just cool it completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil before placing in the freezer. When you want to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding extra heating time to warm through. Fresher taste and texture are always better, but this recipe holds up surprisingly well.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop individual servings into the microwave covered loosely with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. If you want that crispy top again, a few minutes under the broiler after microwaving works wonders. You’ll get that fresh-from-the-oven vibe every time.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen for this casserole?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli will cook a bit faster, so you might want to shorten the baking time slightly or keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. The texture may be softer and creamier too, which can be delicious.
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Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and keep it refrigerated. When ready, just bake as directed, though it may need a few extra minutes in the oven since it will be cold.
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What type of cheese works best for the topping?
Mozzarella is classic for that melty, stretchy texture, but mixing in Parmesan or provolone can add lovely depth and nutty flavors. Avoid overly processed cheeses to ensure good melt quality.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! For vegetarian, swap the ground beef for hearty mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives. For vegan, use dairy-free cheese substitutes and check that your pasta and sauce are vegan-friendly. The layering method works great with these adjustments.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Easy Ravioli Lasagna Casserole Recipe brings comfort and ease together in one dish. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how quickly it came together and how everyone devoured it. It’s the kind of recipe I recommend to friends when they want lasagna vibes without the effort of rolling pasta or multiple sauce steps. So if you’re craving a cozy, cheesy meal that feels special but won’t have you sweating over the stove for hours, give this one a whirl! I promise it’ll become one of your kitchen favorites too.
Print
Easy Ravioli Lasagna Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Ravioli Lasagna Casserole is a delicious and easy take on traditional lasagna, using frozen ravioli layered with seasoned ground beef, spaghetti sauce, and mozzarella cheese baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together quickly and requires minimal prep.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce and Cheese
- 24 ounces jar spaghetti sauce, divided
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
Other
- 16 ounces square frozen ravioli
- Chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole layer.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a medium skillet, brown the ground beef with minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Sauce to Beef: Reserve one cup of spaghetti sauce and set aside. Add the remaining spaghetti sauce to the browned beef and stir to combine, heating through.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spread ½ cup of the reserved spaghetti sauce evenly over the bottom.
- Layer Ravioli and Beef: Create the first layer with one-third of the ravioli, spreading them in a single layer over the sauce. Spoon half of the ground beef mixture on top.
- Add Cheese and More Ravioli: Sprinkle ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the beef layer, then add another single layer of ravioli over the cheese.
- Add Remaining Beef: Spoon the rest of the ground beef mixture on top of the ravioli layer.
- More Cheese and Final Layer: Sprinkle another ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the beef, then place the final one-third of ravioli on top.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Spread remaining ½ cup of reserved spaghetti sauce over the top ravioli layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the dish.
- Bake: Bake the casserole at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, optionally garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Leftovers can be frozen and reheated in the microwave when ready to eat.
- Using fresh or homemade spaghetti sauce can add more depth to the flavor.
- For extra flavor, consider sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- Using whole milk mozzarella will give a creamier melt; part-skim is good for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8th casserole)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg