Ground Beef Ravioli Casserole

Introduction

Ground Beef Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate family-friendly comfort food that’s hearty, cheesy, and easy to make. Imagine layers of tender ravioli, rich beefy tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese all baked together until bubbly and golden — it’s basically a shortcut lasagna with half the effort but all the flavor.

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday dinners when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. By using store-bought ravioli, you save time without sacrificing taste, and the ground beef sauce adds a homemade touch that makes it extra special.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. You get the rich, comforting flavors of lasagna but in a quicker, easier format. It’s customizable too — you can swap ravioli flavors, add extra veggies, or use different cheeses. Plus, it makes plenty, so it’s great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Effortless Layers: Feels like lasagna, but way easier.
• Family Favorite: A hit with kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: Works with different ravioli fillings and sauces.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assembles ahead and bakes when ready.
• Cheesy Comfort: Melty cheese makes it irresistible.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: ~420 per serving (varies by ravioli and cheese used)

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean preferred)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce (or homemade sauce)
• 1 (25 oz) package frozen cheese ravioli (uncooked)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Add onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
   • Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
   • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
   • Drain excess fat if needed.
   • Stir in pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
2. Assemble the Casserole
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.
   • Arrange half the ravioli in a single layer.
   • Spoon half the remaining sauce over ravioli.
   • Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
   • Repeat layers: ravioli → sauce → cheese.
3. Bake
   • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Garnish & Serve
   • Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
   • Serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Sauté onion and garlic.
2. Brown ground beef and drain excess fat.
3. Stir in marinara and seasonings. Simmer briefly.
4. Spread a thin layer of sauce in baking dish.
5. Layer frozen ravioli → sauce → cheese. Repeat.
6. Cover and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
7. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes.
8. Let rest, garnish, and serve.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with garlic bread, breadsticks, or focaccia.
• Add a simple green salad for freshness.
• Pair with red wine (Chianti, Cabernet) or sparkling water with lemon.

Recipe Tips

• Use frozen ravioli straight from the bag (no need to thaw).
• For richer flavor, mix half beef and half Italian sausage.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
• Let casserole rest 5–10 minutes before cutting — helps layers hold together.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use spinach or mushroom ravioli and skip beef (substitute sautéed veggies).
• Cheesy Supreme: Add ricotta between layers for a lasagna-style twist.
• White Ravioli Casserole: Replace red sauce with Alfredo sauce.
• Tex-Mex Style: Use beef, salsa, black beans, and cheddar cheese instead of marinara and mozzarella.
• Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach into the sauce for a heartier dish.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer (Unbaked): Assemble casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F, adding 15–20 minutes.
• Freezer (Baked): Cool completely, wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven until hot.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon
• Aluminum foil

FAQ

Q1: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes! Fresh ravioli cooks quicker, so reduce baking time by about 10 minutes.

Q2: Do I have to cook the ravioli before baking?
No, frozen ravioli cooks perfectly while baking in the sauce.

Q3: Can I substitute ground turkey or sausage for beef?
Absolutely — both work well and add different flavors.

Q4: Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it in the morning, refrigerate, and bake in the evening.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Ravioli Casserole is a cozy, satisfying, and easy-to-make dish that combines the best of two comfort food favorites: ravioli and lasagna. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, and its versatility ensures you’ll never get bored with it. Whether you keep it classic with beef and marinara or try one of the creative variations, this casserole will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.