Easy Baked Ravioli Casserole – Looking for a dish that’s both simple to make and bound to become a favorite, among your loved ones? Our Easy Baked Ravioli Casserole is the perfect choice. This delightful fusion of Italian flavors brings together the richness of ground beef, aromatic spices, and tender ravioli all baked to gooey perfection. In less than an hour, you can present a comforting course that’s ideal for gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
I came across this recipe on one of those days when I needed a satisfying meal for my family. I didn’t have expectations. As soon as my husband and child took their first bites I knew I had discovered something special. Their eyes lit up with joy. They both asked for seconds. That’s when I realized this dish was a keeper. Now it’s a feature on our dinner table. I’m excited to share it with you.
What makes this Easy Baked Ravioli Casserole truly exceptional?
This Easy Baked Ravioli Casserole is truly exceptional as it effortlessly combines convenience with flavor. With 10 minutes of prep time and simple steps, it’s a lifesaver, during busy days. What truly sets it apart is the mouthwatering taste. The blend of ground beef, aromatic spices, creamy and half and gooey mozzarella cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re throwing a get-together or looking for a family meal this casserole provides comfort and contentment. Moreover, it’s perfect, for kids making it a reliable option to satisfy the pickiest eaters. Why not give it a shot? You’ll find that it’s a crowd-pleaser that effortlessly enhances your weekday dinners.
What You Need To Make This Easy Baked Ravioli Casserole Recipe?
Ground Beef: Choosing ground beef is important, for this Easy Baked Ravioli Casserole. Opt for lean ground beef to reduce fat and prevent it from getting too greasy when cooked. Lean beef will nicely complement the flavors of the dish without overpowering them.
Spices: To enhance the taste a blend of spices is used in this recipe including onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, mustard powder and salt. These seasonings add layers of flavor to the ground beef infusing it with savory notes that perfectly match the richness of marinara sauce and cheese.
Hot Sauce: Don’t worry about the sauce listed in the ingredients; it’s not meant to make the casserole spicy. Instead, it serves to enhance the flavor profile by providing a kick without overwhelming your taste buds. This makes it suitable for those who prefer milder flavors.
Worcestershire Sauce: The secret ingredient in this recipe is Worcestershire sauce, which adds depth and umami to the meat mixture. It plays a role in elevating the taste and ensuring that your casserole bursts, with savory goodness.
Onion and Garlic: To further enhance its flavor diced onions and minced garlic are added to infuse aromas into the dish. The onions add a touch of sweetness and texture while the garlic gives an important kick. By cooking them with the meat mixture their flavors blend together. Become a part of the dish.
Mozzarella Cheese: The mozzarella cheese, in this casserole has two roles. Firstly it brings that gooey and cheesy goodness that everyone enjoys in a dish. Secondly, it helps hold the layers resulting in a satisfying texture.
Ravioli: To ensure the success of this recipe it is vital to choose the ravioli. I recommend opting for refrigerated ravioli preferably filled with cheese as they cook perfectly in the casserole while maintaining their tenderness and flavor. Additionally, they absorb all the sauce and seasonings, for a taste experience.
Steps To Make Easy Baked Ravioli Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: In a frying pan, over medium-high heat add the ground beef. Crumble it for 3 minutes. Then include the onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, mustard powder, salt, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and diced onions and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. After that add the garlic. Cook for an extra minute. Tilt the frying pan slightly to remove any grease. Reduce the heat to low.
Step 3: Spread a layer of 3/4 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish measuring 9×13 inches. Add the remaining marinara sauce to the frying pan with the meat. Pour in half and half cream. Stir everything together. Remove from heat.
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Step 4: Arrange half of the ravioli on top of the marinara sauce in the casserole dish. Top it with half of the meat sauce mixture. Sprinkle ½ cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 5: Add all remaining ravioli, onto this layer followed by pouring over all remaining meat sauce mixture and sprinkle with all remaining mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Cover the dish. Bake it for 35 minutes. If you are using foil to cover it while baking make sure to spray one side with non-stick cooking spray beforehand to prevent it from sticking to the cheese.
Step 7: Once you finish baking take off the cover. Put it under the broiler at 450 degrees, for around 1 to 2 minutes until the top turns brown. Be sure to keep a watch during this broiling period.
Step 8: Take it off the heat. Serve this cheesy dish that’s bubbling and irresistible!
Tip:
To enrich the taste and add a whiff of freshness you can scatter some chopped basil or parsley on top of the baked ravioli casserole before serving. This will carry a gush of color and a slight herbal taste that perfectly complements the savory taste of the dish. It’s an upsurge that upgrades the presentation of your casserole and makes it more appealing, to all your senses.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use other types of pasta instead of ravioli?
While ravioli is the best choice, for this recipe you can certainly try using pasta varieties. However please note that cooking times may vary.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily switch out the ground beef for a plant-based alternative. Still achieve a creamy and cheesy casserole.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you have the option to assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve simply follow the instructions. Bake it until it’s heated through and has a bubbly texture.
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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!
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!
