Cheesy Ravioli Delight Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite Goodness

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this irresistible ravioli delight casserole that captures hearts at first bite.

Layers of tender cheese ravioli meld seamlessly with rich, bubbling marinara sauce and melted cheese.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and gooey cheese that’ll make mouths water.

Simple ingredients come together to create something truly magical in this one-pan wonder.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to dig in.

Grab your baking dish and get ready to wow your dinner companions with this mouthwatering meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 560 kcal

Servings: 7

Ravioli Casserole: Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein base, choose lean cut for less grease.
• Onion: Adds sweet depth and aromatic foundation, select firm, bright white onions.
• Garlic: Delivers robust flavor complexity, look for firm, plump cloves without sprouts.

• Frozen Ravioli: Convenient time-saving base, select cheese or meat-filled varieties.
• Marinara Sauce: Delivers classic Italian tomato essence, choose authentic brand with minimal preservatives.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Adds rich texture and brightness, opt for San Marzano variety if possible.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creates creamy smooth filling, select whole milk version for richer taste.
• Sour Cream: Enhances tangy moisture, choose full-fat for best texture.
• Cream Cheese: Adds luxurious richness, select soft, room temperature block.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides classic stretchy melting quality, use freshly shredded for best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp nutty finish, select freshly grated wedge.

Tools for Baking Ravioli Casserole

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for mixing ricotta, sour cream, and cream cheese.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Ideal size for layering and baking the casserole.
• Aluminum Foil: Needed to cover the dish during initial baking.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for grating Parmesan cheese if not pre-shredded.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Assemble Ravioli Casserole Quickly

• Meat Foundation Crafting the base flavor profile by browning ground beef with aromatic onions and garlic in a skillet. Cook until beef is fully done and vegetables are soft, then drain any extra liquid.
• Sauce Symphony Stirring marinara and crushed tomatoes into the beef mixture, allowing ingredients to dance together and develop deep, rich flavors during a gentle simmer.
• Creamy Cheese Blend Whisking ricotta, sour cream, and cream cheese into a silky smooth mixture that will provide luxurious texture throughout the dish.
• Layering Magic Creating delicious layers by spreading a thin meat sauce base, then carefully placing frozen ravioli across the dish. Generously spread cheese mixture, sprinkle mozzarella, and repeat the process.
• Baking Transformation Covering the casserole with foil and baking at 350°F for 30 minutes. Removing foil and continuing to bake until cheese turns golden and bubbly, allowing flavors to meld perfectly.

Tips to Enrich Ravioli Flavor in This Bake

• Sneak in extra nutrition by mixing chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms into the meat sauce or cheese mixture for added texture and flavor complexity.
• Kick the heat by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne, or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce for those who love a spicy twist on the classic recipe.
• Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pop it directly into the preheated oven and add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Serving Ravioli Casserole Comfort-Style

• Serve with Crisp Salad: Toss a fresh green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Pair with Garlic Bread: Warm up some crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious meat sauce and add a complementary crunch to the meal.
• Wine Companion: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot to enhance the robust flavors of the beef and tomato sauce.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top to add a bright, fresh note and elevate the dish's visual appeal.

Storage Advice for Ravioli Casseroles

• Maximize Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring the seal prevents moisture and maintains flavor quality.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 20-25 minutes until heated through completely.
• Quick Portion Control: Divide remaining casserole into individual serving sizes in separate containers. This strategy simplifies meal prep and makes grab-and-go lunches a breeze.

Cheesy Ravioli Delight Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Home cooks discover this Ravioli Delight casserole blending Italian pasta comfort with hearty flavors. Cheesy layers and robust marinara create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 pkg (25 oz/709 g) frozen cheese ravioli
• 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (226 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 pkg (8 oz/226 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 jar (24 oz/680 g) marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to ensure easy release.
2. Meat Sauce Creation: In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onions and garlic over medium heat until meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent. Drain excess grease, then blend in marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes, simmering for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
3. Cheese Mixture: Whisk ricotta, sour cream, and cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, creating a rich binding layer for the casserole.
4. Layering Foundation: Spread a thin base of meat sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then arrange the first layer of frozen ravioli in a uniform pattern.
5. Cheese and Sauce Application: Distribute the cheese mixture evenly over the ravioli, sprinkle with mozzarella, then add another layer of meat sauce. Top with the remaining ravioli, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Final Topping: Generously cover the top layer with remaining meat sauce, then lavishly scatter mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface.
7. Baking Process: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until cheese turns golden and begins to bubble.
8. Resting and Serving: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing layers to set and making it easier to slice and serve.

Notes

• Prevent Meat Burning: Stir ground beef constantly while cooking to avoid scorching and ensure even browning.
• Drain Fat Completely: Use a colander to remove excess grease, preventing a greasy, heavy casserole texture.
• Cheese Mixture Smoothness: Whisk cheese ingredients at room temperature for a silky, lump-free blend that spreads easily.
• Layering Technique: Create uniform layers to guarantee every bite has balanced flavors and textures.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 880 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg