This Ravioli Casserole recipe is a true game-changer, featuring just 5 core ingredients! It’s incredibly easy to prepare, deeply satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week. With frozen ravioli, a hearty pasta sauce, creamy cheese, savory onion, and lean ground beef, you’ll have a comforting meal on the table in no time.

An Effortless & Delicious Family-Friendly Ravioli Casserole Recipe

We are thrilled to share another remarkably simple yet incredibly satisfying supper recipe that will quickly become a staple in your household. This baked ravioli casserole stands out not only for its incredible flavor and comforting appeal but also for its minimal ingredient list – requiring only five essential items! The beauty of this pasta dish extends beyond its simplicity; it’s a meal that truly delivers. You’ll be delighted to know that any leftovers are just as delicious, if not more so, when reheated the next day. This makes it an ideal option for meal prepping or enjoying a quick lunch. For ultimate convenience, this casserole can even be prepared in advance and frozen, ready to bake whenever you need a quick and wholesome dinner solution.

The Magic of 5 Ingredients: Why This Casserole Works

In a world where meal preparation can often feel overwhelming, this 5-ingredient ravioli casserole offers a breath of fresh air. It strips away complexity without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious and hearty dish:

• Frozen Ravioli: The ultimate shortcut, offering a delicious pasta base without the need for boiling water or extensive prep.
• Pasta Sauce: Provides the foundational flavor and moisture for the casserole. A good quality jarred sauce makes all the difference.
• Ground Beef: Adds savory depth and makes the dish truly filling.
• Onion: Sautéed with the ground beef, it introduces aromatic sweetness and a layer of fundamental flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a gooey, irresistible topping that binds all the flavors together.

This minimalist approach ensures that even the most novice cooks can achieve fantastic results, making it an excellent recipe for those busy weeknights or when you simply crave comfort food without the fuss.

Essential Tips for Crafting the Perfect Ravioli Casserole:

While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few clever tips can elevate your ravioli casserole from great to unforgettable:

• Don’t Thaw the Frozen Ravioli: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for convenience. Using frozen ravioli directly from the freezer ensures they cook perfectly in the casserole, absorbing the sauce and becoming tender without turning mushy. Thawing them first can lead to overcooked, soft ravioli once baked. It’s a true time-saver! If you prefer, fresh ravioli can certainly be used, but adjust cooking time as fresh pasta cooks faster.
• Experiment with Ground Meat: Ground beef is classic, but don’t hesitate to switch things up. Ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy) will infuse your casserole with a rich, herbaceous flavor that complements the pasta sauce beautifully. You could also try a mix of beef and sausage, or even ground turkey for a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, consider using a plant-based ground crumble.
• Sneak in Some Vegetables: Casseroles are excellent vehicles for adding extra nutrients. Enhance the flavor and nutritional value by incorporating your family’s favorite vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms and diced green bell peppers are popular choices that blend wonderfully with the beef and sauce. Other great additions include:
  • Spinach: Wilt fresh spinach into the beef mixture before layering.
  • Zucchini: Grated or finely diced zucchini can be added directly to the meat sauce.
  • Carrots: Finely shredded carrots add a touch of sweetness and color.
  • Olives: Sliced black olives can add a briny kick.
• Spice It Up: A sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of garlic powder can enhance the overall flavor profile. Add these with the onion and ground beef.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need:

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a successful and stress-free cooking experience. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need for this fantastic ravioli casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef: Opt for a lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease.
• 1 large yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic base to the meat mixture.
• 24-ounce jar pasta sauce (divided use): Choose your favorite brand of marinara, traditional, or even a meat-flavored pasta sauce.
• 25-ounce package frozen cheese ravioli (divided use): Any brand of cheese-filled ravioli will work beautifully.
• 1 ½ – 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (to your preference): Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly, but pre-shredded works perfectly for convenience. Feel free to adjust the amount to your cheesy liking!

How to Assemble Your Irresistible Ravioli Casserole:

Follow these easy steps to bring this delightful ravioli casserole to life. It’s a layering process that builds flavor with every component.

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your casserole is ready to bake, leading to even cooking and a perfectly golden finish. While the oven preheats, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add your ground beef and diced onion, browning and crumbling the beef until it’s fully cooked and no pink remains. The onion will soften and become translucent, infusing the beef with its sweet aroma.

Step 2: Drain Grease and Prepare Baking Dish

Once the ground beef is thoroughly cooked, it’s crucial to drain any excess grease. This prevents the casserole from becoming oily and ensures a cleaner, more enjoyable texture. Carefully transfer the meat and onion mixture to a colander and let the grease drain away. While that cools slightly, spray an 11×7-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish generously with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step ensures that your delicious casserole won’t stick to the bottom, making serving and cleanup a breeze. Now, spread one cup of your chosen pasta sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. This forms the foundational layer of flavor and moisture.

Step 3: First Layer of Ravioli and Beef

Next, arrange half of your frozen ravioli in a single layer over the pasta sauce. There’s no need to thaw them – straight from the freezer they go! This helps them cook through beautifully without becoming waterlogged. Following this, spoon half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture evenly over the ravioli, creating a hearty layer of meat.

Step 4: Add the First Cheese Layer

No casserole is complete without a generous amount of cheese! Sprinkle half of your shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef layer. This will melt down to form a creamy, cheesy binder between the layers, adding richness and irresistible flavor.

Step 5: Repeat Layers for Fullness

To ensure a robust and satisfying casserole, repeat the layering process. Start by spreading another cup of pasta sauce over the cheese. Then, add the remaining frozen ravioli, followed by the rest of the beef and onion mixture. This layering technique ensures that every bite is packed with all the delicious components.

Step 6: Final Sauce and Cheese Topping

Finally, pour the remaining pasta sauce over the top layer, ensuring everything is well-covered. Then, generously sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire casserole. This top layer of cheese will bake into a beautiful, golden, bubbly crust that’s utterly delicious.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. A pro tip: spray the underside of the aluminum foil with a light coating of nonstick cooking spray. This simple trick prevents the cheese from sticking to the foil as it bakes, ensuring a perfectly cheesy top. Alternatively, you can use nonstick foil. Bake the covered casserole for 30 minutes. This initial covered baking period allows the ravioli to cook through and absorb the sauce without the cheese burning. After 30 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for another 8-10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is beautifully melted and golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

This Ravioli Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a few simple sides. For a classic Italian-American dinner, serve it alongside warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that savory sauce. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is also an excellent complement, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta and cheese. For a more elaborate meal, consider adding:

• Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans tossed with olive oil and garlic.
• Soup: A light minestrone or tomato soup.
• Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti or Merlot, or a crisp white like Pinot Grigio.

Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions: Your Future Self Will Thank You!

One of the best features of this ravioli casserole is its fantastic make-ahead potential. Whether you want to prep it for a busy weeknight or stock your freezer for future meals, it holds up beautifully.

Make-Ahead (Refrigerate):

Assemble the entire casserole as directed, up to the point of baking (Step 8). Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Bake as instructed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if still very cold, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Freezing (Unbaked):

Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe baking dish as described in the recipe. Cover tightly with two layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Label with the date and baking instructions. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, you can bake from frozen! Remove the plastic wrap, but keep the foil cover. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for approximately 60-75 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden. An instant-read thermometer should register 165°F (74°C).

Freezing (Baked):

If you have leftovers or want to freeze a completely cooked casserole, allow it to cool completely after baking. Divide into individual portions or leave whole in the baking dish. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Craving More Easy & Comforting Recipes? Give These a Try!

• Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
• Crock Pot Ravioli
• Easy Toasted Ravioli
• Pizza Hut Cavatini
• Little Caesar’s Crazy Bread
• Baked Spaghetti (Spasagna)
• Best Baked Ziti
• Crock Pot Lasagna
• Hobo Casserole
• 100 Ground Beef Recipes

Originally published: June 2012
Updated & republished: May 2020