Ravioli Lasagna Casserole Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of a bubbling casserole wafting through the kitchen. It often evokes memories of family gatherings, laughter echoing against warm walls, and the simple joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. When it comes to easy, crowd-pleasing dinners, the Ravioli Lasagna Casserole stands out as a go-to recipe that’s ready to delight anyone who takes a bite. Not only does it combine the flavors of traditional lasagna, but it also cuts down on prep time by utilizing frozen ravioli. Let me take you on a culinary journey where convenience meets comfort in a dish that’s sure to impress.

Recipe Timing

• Prep Duration: 15 minutes
• Active Cooking: 25 minutes
• Total Duration: 40 minutes
• Portion Size: Serves 4-6
• Complexity: Simple

Nutritional Recipe

• Calories per portion: Approximately 400 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fats: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg

Why You’ll Love This Ravioli Lasagna Casserole Recipe

Imagine layers of tender ravioli, a rich and savory ground beef mixture, and gooey melted cheese all baked to perfection. This Ravioli Lasagna Casserole is everything you adore about traditional lasagna, but it comes together in a fraction of the time! This dish is a perfect weeknight meal, ideal for potlucks, or simply an indulgent family dinner. Plus, the use of frozen ravioli means no noodle boiling is necessary, making it super easy to prepare.

The Complete Cooking Journey

From browning ground beef to the golden bubbly cheese on top, each step is a delightful experience. You won’t just follow a recipe; you’ll discover how delightful it can be to layer flavors that meld beautifully in the oven. Here’s how to create your own delicious masterpiece!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 24 ounces jar spaghetti sauce, divided
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
• 16 ounces square frozen ravioli
• Chopped parsley (optional)

Method:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the casserole.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Continue to cook until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Reserve 1 cup of the spaghetti sauce and set aside for later use. Add the remaining spaghetti sauce to the browned ground beef in the skillet, stir to combine, and heat through until hot.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly spray an 8×8 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spread ½ cup of the reserved spaghetti sauce evenly over the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.

Step 5: Layer the Ravioli

Place one-third of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.

Step 6: Add the Beef Mixture

Next, top the ravioli with half of the ground beef mixture evenly spread out.

Step 7: Sprinkle the Cheese

Sprinkle ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the beef.

Step 8: Repeat the Layers

Then, layer another one-third of the ravioli over the cheese in a single layer.

Step 9: Add More Beef

Top this second layer of ravioli with the remaining half of the ground beef mixture.

Step 10: Add More Cheese

Sprinkle another ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the beef.

Step 11: Final Ravioli Layer

Place the final one-third of ravioli on top to complete the layers.

Step 12: Top with Sauce

Spread the remaining ½ cup of reserved spaghetti sauce over the top layer of ravioli.

Step 13: Final Cheese Sprinkle

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over everything.

Step 14: Bake

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, golden, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.

Step 15: Garnish & Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and optionally garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

To elevate your meal experience, serve the Ravioli Lasagna Casserole alongside a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread is also a fantastic addition to soak up the delicious sauce. For a touch of elegance, a glass of red wine pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the casserole.

Storage & Leftovers Guide

This casserole stores wonderfully! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

• Preventing a Greasy Casserole: Always drain excess fat after browning the beef.
• Make it Vegetarian: Swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms or spinach and add ricotta for a meatless version.
• Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t have frozen ravioli, you can use cooked lasagna noodles—just layer them as you would ravioli.

Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Feel free to experiment! Add sautéed vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, for an extra health boost. You could also explore different cheeses such as provolone or an Italian blend for diverse flavors.

Reader Questions & Solutions

1. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
   Absolutely! Fresh ravioli can be cooked as directed on the package before assembling the layers.

2. What can I use instead of ground beef?
   You can swap for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

3. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Choose gluten-free ravioli and ensure your spaghetti sauce is gluten-free as well.

4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

5. My cheese didn’t melt properly, what happened?
   Ensure that your oven is properly preheated and avoid opening it while baking, as this can lower the temperature.

Wrapping Up

Crafting this Ravioli Lasagna Casserole not only fills your home with tantalizing scents but also brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. It’s a perfect recipe for anyone looking for a satisfying meal that requires minimal effort. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual gathering with friends, this elegant yet simple dish is bound to earn rave reviews. So gather your ingredients, embrace your inner home chef, and get ready to dish up a plate of deliciousness that everyone will love! Happy cooking!

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