Cheesy baked ravioli casserole with ground beef, marinara, and mozzarella—simple comfort food that’s easy, cozy, and perfect for busy nights.
You know how some recipes just happen when you’re standing in front of the fridge, completely uninspired? That’s exactly how this baked ravioli casserole was born in my kitchen.
It was one of those what’s-for-dinner kind of nights when everything felt too complicated. I found a pack of cheese ravioli, some ground beef, and a half-used jar of marinara sauce—basically a pasta night waiting to happen. But instead of the usual spaghetti, I thought, Why not bake it all together like a lazy lasagna?
The result? Pure comfort food magic. My husband literally went back for seconds before I even sat down, and my kids? No complaints, which is a miracle in itself.
Now, it’s become my go-to for those hectic weeknights when I want something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, it’ll win your family over too.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ravioli Casserole Recipe?
- No Boiling Required: Yep, you read that right! The ravioli cooks perfectly right in the sauce.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Just a handful of simple pantry staples.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Quick prep, bake, and done!
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Layers of cheesy, saucy goodness that everyone loves.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze for those “what’s-for-dinner?” moments.
Ingredient Notes:
This casserole proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something incredible.
- Cheese Ravioli: I prefer the refrigerated kind for the best texture, but frozen works too—just no need to thaw!
- Ground Beef: Use lean beef to keep it rich but not greasy. Or swap it for ground turkey if you want to lighten it up a bit.
- Marinara Sauce: A good jarred sauce works perfectly. Want to make it extra special? Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Because you can never have enough cheese. Freshly shredded melts better, but pre-shredded is fine too!
- Half & Half: Adds a creamy twist to the sauce—totally optional but so good.
- Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic, paprika, and basil give it that cozy Italian flair.
- Worcestershire Sauce: It’s a secret weapon for adding a deep, savory note without overpowering.
- Hot Sauce: Trust me, it doesn’t make it spicy—just adds a subtle depth of flavor.
How To Make Baked Ravioli Casserole?
This is one of those dump-and-bake recipes you’ll keep making again and again.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 3 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Add the onion powder, basil, oregano, mustard powder, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir well, letting the flavors blend.
Toss in the diced onion and cook for another 5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for just a minute more.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Pour ¾ cup marinara sauce into the bottom of the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Back in the skillet, stir the rest of the marinara sauce and half and half into the beef mixture. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for a minute before removing from heat.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Now the fun part—layering!
Want To Save This Recipe?
- Spread half the ravioli at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spoon over half the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle with ½ cup mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers one more time, finishing with a final layer of cheese because extra cheese just makes everything better.
Step 5: Bake & Broil
Cover the dish with foil (pro tip: spray the foil with non-stick spray so the cheese doesn’t stick).
Bake for 35 minutes, then remove the foil and switch the oven to broil for 2 minutes. Keep a close eye—it can go from golden to burnt fast.
Step 6: Let It Rest
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers settle so you get the perfect cheesy bite every time.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through or zap it in the microwave.
Variations and Substitutions:
This recipe is so versatile—try mixing things up:
- Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a twist.
- Ravioli Options: Spinach, mushroom, or even lobster ravioli would be amazing here.
- Cheese: Add Parmesan or ricotta for extra layers of richness.
- Vegetarian: Skip the beef and add sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a hearty meat-free option.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for a little heat!
What to Serve with Baked Ravioli Casserole?
This dish is so rich and satisfying, but if you want to round out the meal:
- Garlic Bread: Because carbs on carbs are a vibe.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp, tangy, and perfect with the cheesy casserole.
- Roasted Veggies: Try broccoli or green beans for some balance.
- A Glass of Red Wine: Because comfort food deserves a cozy glass of cabernet.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use frozen ravioli?
Yes! No need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
How do I make this vegetarian?
Skip the ground beef and add mushrooms, lentils, or even extra spinach ravioli for a meat-free version.
This Baked Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—simple, cheesy, and just the kind of cozy meal that makes you feel good inside. It’s become a regular in my house, and I know you’ll love it too.
Try it out this week and let me know—what’s your favorite comfort food twist? Drop a comment below!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Easy Baked Ravioli Casserole
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 tsp. each: onion powder dried basil, dried oregano, mustard powder, salt
- 1 tsp. hot sauce doesn't make it spicy
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 24 oz. marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese divided
- 20 oz. refrigerated ravioli uncooked
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Take a skillet. Place it over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it into pieces until it turns brown, which should take around 3 minutes.
- Now include onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano mustard powder, salt, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and onions, into the skillet. Continue cooking for 5 minutes. Afterward, add minced garlic. Cook for one minute. If you notice any grease in the skillet tilt it to remove it. Then lower the heat to a low setting.
- Spread 3/4 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a casserole dish measuring around 9x13 inches. Add the remaining marinara sauce to the skillet with cooked ground beef. Pour in half and half while stirring everything together. Remove from heat once combined.
- It's time for layering! Start by arranging half of the ravioli at the bottom of your casserole dish. On top of that layer spread half of your meat sauce mixture evenly. Finally, sprinkle around 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Continue layering by adding another batch of ravioli followed by pouring in all remaining meat sauce mixture on top distributed across all layers. Finish this layering process by sprinkling any remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover your casserole dish, with a lid or aluminum foil before placing it inside your preheated oven for 35 minutes. If you're using foil make sure to apply non-stick cooking spray on one side to prevent the cheese from sticking while baking.
- To finish off switch the oven to broil mode at 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius), after baking. Broil, for 1 to 2 minutes keeping an eye on it until the top has a slight golden brown color.
- Out of the oven allow the casserole to cool briefly before serving this cheesy delight while it's still hot. Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
