Description
This Make Ahead Ravioli Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Layers of cheese ravioli, savory browned hamburger in marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese are baked to bubbly perfection. It’s easy to prepare ahead and customizable with ingredients like parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound hamburger
- 23 oz jar Marinara Sauce
Pasta and Cheese
- 25 oz pkg. Cheese Ravioli (frozen)
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Garnish
- Minced fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Brown Hamburger: In a skillet, brown the hamburger over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed. Stir in the marinara sauce to combine with the hamburger meat.
- First Layer: Spread one-third of the hamburger and marinara mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
- Layer Ravioli and Toppings: Add a layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the meat mixture, then spoon another third of the meat mixture on top of the ravioli. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese over everything. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add Parmesan (Optional): If desired, evenly sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top layer of mozzarella to add an extra cheesy flavor.
- Cover and Bake: Spray a sheet of aluminum foil with nonstick baking spray to prevent cheese from sticking. Cover the casserole tightly with this foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a lightly golden top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and optionally sprinkle with minced fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake; baking time may need to be increased by 15 minutes if baked straight from the fridge.
- You can easily adjust the number of servings by changing the size of the baking dish, but bake time may need to be modified if using a smaller or larger dish.
- This casserole can also be cooked in a slow cooker—cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 3 hours until heated through and bubbly.
- Ground sausage can be substituted for hamburger to vary the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 740 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
