Ravioli Lasagna Casserole

Introduction

This Ravioli Lasagna Casserole is your perfect shortcut to classic lasagna flavor without all the fuss. You’ll love how the frozen ravioli acts as its own pasta layers, making assembly incredibly quick. It’s a hearty, cheesy, family-friendly meal that delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort.

This recipe and accompanying image were created with the help of AI for inspiration and guidance. Results may vary depending on ingredients, equipment, and technique.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

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)
16 ounces square frozen ravioli
2 cups mozzarella cheese (divided)
chopped parsely (optional garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain any excess fat.
Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the cooked beef. Stir to combine.
Pour in approximately 18 ounces of the spaghetti sauce (reserving the rest for the top), stir, and let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Spread a thin layer (about ½ cup) of the reserved spaghetti sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce in the baking dish.
Spoon and spread all of the meat sauce mixture evenly over the ravioli layer.
Sprinkle 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
Arrange the remaining half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the cheese.
Top with the remaining reserved spaghetti sauce, spreading it to cover the ravioli.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Variations

Use the oven-ready frozen ravioli directly from the freezer, or thaw them first for slightly softer pasta layers.
To make assembly even faster, skip the skillet and simply layer the raw ground beef (crumbled) with the seasonings, letting it cook fully in the oven.
Create a cheesy crust by sprinkling a layer of cheese directly on the bottom of the dish before adding the first sauce layer.
Serve individual portions topped with a dollop of ricotta cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a custom touch.

Tips for Success

Letting the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking allows the layers to set, making it much easier to slice and serve.
For a richer flavor, use a meat-based or three-cheese variety of spaghetti sauce.
If your casserole seems dry after baking (this can depend on the sauce brand), let it rest; the pasta will continue to absorb moisture and the layers will settle.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the whole dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of ravioli?

Yes, any frozen ravioli (cheese, beef, spinach) will work. Just ensure they are the square or flat kind that can layer easily.

Do I need to thaw the ravioli first?

No, this recipe is designed for the ravioli to go in frozen. Thawing may make them too soft and difficult to handle.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.

What can I substitute for the ground beef?

You can substitute with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Why is my casserole watery?

This is usually due to the specific brand of sauce or if the ravioli released more water. Using a thicker sauce and letting the casserole rest before serving helps. You can also try spreading the frozen ravioli on a towel for a few minutes to remove frost.

Can I freeze this casserole?