This simple dinner recipe is made with just four main ingredients - frozen ravioli, ground beef, pasta sauce, and cheese - then garlic and Italian seasoning make is a crowd favorite casserole.
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Lasagna is one of my favorite pasta dishes but requires many ingredients and prep. It can also be very time-consuming to make, as it has taken me a few hours. Trust me when I say ravioli lasagna is incredibly easy to make. You don't have to pre-boil noodles or make the ricotta mixture. Since the raviolis are already filled and don't require any prep, assembly takes half the time!
Tips to Make Ravioli Lasagna Casserole
Think you’re ready to give the recipe a try? Consider these additional tips to help you nail the recipe!
- This recipe comes together super quickly, but if you want to make it ahead of time, prepare it as you normally would, but stop after step 9. Refrigerate the lasagna until about an hour before you want to serve it, and bake as instructed.
- If you have time, grate the cheese yourself for the best results. Pre-shredded cheese is coated and won't melt properly. Trust me it's worth the extra couple of minutes!
- For a vegetarian version, leave out the ground beef, or replace it with some veggies or alternative protein.
- This dish would be great topped with some fresh basil or some vegetables mixed in, such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- This recipe calls for frozen ravioli, but you can also use fresh ravioli. I usually find this in the refrigerated section of the produce aisle.
- If you like a little bit of a kick, I recommend topping your pasta with crushed red pepper flakes, as it makes such a difference in the result.
Serving Ideas and Suggestions
This recipe is great by itself, but if you want to serve it with a side dish, here are some options:
- Side salad - My favorite is a classic salad made with romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, or anything else you like with an Italian dressing. It is very simple but refreshing and compliments this heavier, cheesy dish well. I have also really been liking my Chicken and Apple House Salad.
- Garlic Bread - A classic side dish to both pizza and pasta.
- Roasted or Sautéed Vegetables - My current favorites are Air Fryer Roasted Carrots and Baked Green Beans.
How to Warm Up a Casserole:
If you baked your casserole ahead of time and need to warm it back up, it is best to take it out and let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. This step is essential to keeping your casserole in the oven for as little time as possible while promoting even heating and protecting your bakeware.
Preheat the oven to 350˚F and cover the casserole dish in aluminum foil. Depending on the type of dish, you may need to add moisture to keep it from drying out, for example, a splash of milk to baked macaroni and cheese.
Allow to reheat in the oven for 20-30 minutes or until hot throughout, and if a crispier top is desired, take off the aluminum foil for 5 to 8 minutes before removing it.
How long to reheat casserole in an oven?
Generally, most casseroles reheat within 20-30 minutes or when the temperature reaches 165°F, making it safe for consumption and enjoyably hot!
Check your casserole's temperature once you hit the 20-minute mark with an oven thermometer - if the casserole isn't yet at 165°F, replace the foil and keep cooking, checking every five minutes.
How Long Can I Keep my Casserole in the Fridge?
For food safety concerns, eat your refrigerated leftover casserole within three days of cooking. Otherwise, you're taking some chances; it's not worth it.
If you don't think you'll get through a casserole fast enough, toss it in the freezer!
Can I freeze a cooked casserole?
Yes! Freezing a cooked casserole is a great way to make an easy dinner for a busy day when you're out of time. The only catch when working from frozen is to give it time to defrost before you reheat the frozen casserole.
Take your frozen casserole out of the freezer and place it in the fridge 24 hours before you cook it, or try to bake it straight from frozen in the oven. If you bake a frozen casserole, follow the steps above, but keep in mind the baking time will be much longer if you're working with a frozen casserole, and transfer the frozen casserole to a warmer baking dish or one that can withstand rapid temperature changes such as a cast iron, or ceramic dish.
Want More Easy Pasta Recipes?
If you liked ravioli lasagna casserole, I know you'll love these easy pasta bake recipes!
Simple Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ravioli Lasagna Casserole
Ingredients
- 25 oz ravioli frozen
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 ½ c mozzarella cheese
- 24 oz pasta sauce
- 1 tbsp italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Add the ground beef and seasonings to a large skillet, and brown the meat over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain the grease.
- Pour ⅓ of the sauce into an 8x8 casserole dish.
- Layer half of the frozen ravioli in the dish.
- Sprinkle half of the ground beef over the ravioli.
- Sprinkle ½ cup of cheese over the ground beef.
- Pour ⅓ of the sauce over the cheese.
- Repeat the layers.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Remove from the oven and serve hot.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
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