Ravioli Lasagna Casserole

This easy and comforting ravioli lasagna casserole comes together with just four main ingredients – frozen ravioli, ground beef, pasta sauce, and cheese – along with garlic and Italian seasoning to create a flavorful dish. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Chef’s Tips

• Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole as instructed but stop before baking. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake; this is great for meal prep.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: For a creamier, meltier texture, grate fresh mozzarella instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
• Use Fresh Ravioli: If using fresh ravioli instead of frozen, reduce the baking time by 10–15 minutes.
• Add Vegetables: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.
• Boost Flavor: Top with fresh basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredients

• 25 oz frozen ravioli – Use any type you like, such as cheese, beef, or spinach-filled ravioli.
• 1 lb ground beef – You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for variety.
• 1½ cups mozzarella cheese – Freshly shredded is best for melting.
• 24 oz pasta sauce – Marinara or tomato basil works perfectly; choose your favorite.
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning – Enhances the Italian-inspired flavors.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – Adds depth and a hint of savory garlic flavor.

Substitutions

• Ravioli: Try using tortellini or even gnocchi as a substitute.
• Ground Beef: Use sausage, turkey, or plant-based protein.
• Mozzarella: Replace with provolone, cheddar, or an Italian cheese blend.
• Pasta Sauce: Opt for alfredo sauce for a creamy variation.
• Seasonings: Use fresh minced garlic and a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if you don’t have Italian seasoning.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, add the ground beef, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the meat, until no longer pink. Drain the grease and set aside.
3. Prepare the Casserole Dish: Spread ⅓ of the pasta sauce evenly across the bottom of an 8×8-inch casserole dish.
4. Layer Ravioli: Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.

5. Add Ground Beef: Sprinkle half of the cooked ground beef over the ravioli.
6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the ground beef.
7. Repeat Layers: Pour another ⅓ of the sauce over the cheese, then repeat the layers of ravioli, ground beef, and another ½ cup of cheese.
8. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Spread the remaining pasta sauce over the top layer and sprinkle with the final ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.

9. Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45–55 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the casserole is heated through. For a golden top, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
10. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

FAQs

This ravioli lasagna casserole is a delicious and easy alternative to traditional lasagna. It’s packed with hearty flavors, cheesy goodness, and a touch of Italian flair, making it a hit for any occasion!