Decadent Beef and Cheese Ravioli Casserole Recipe
This Decadent Beef and Cheese Ravioli Casserole is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring layers of tender cheese-filled ravioli, savory ground beef in marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole combines rich flavors and creamy textures baked to golden perfection.
- Author: Hannah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 package (about 9 ounces) cheese-filled ravioli
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (optional)
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the casserole.
- Cook the beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add marinara sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Prepare the ravioli: Cook the cheese-filled ravioli according to the package instructions, usually boiling for 3-5 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a casserole dish lightly with cooking spray or oil. Spread a thin layer of the beef and marinara sauce mixture on the bottom. Arrange a single layer of cooked ravioli on top. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses.
- Repeat layering: Continue layering with the remaining beef sauce, ravioli, and cheeses, finishing with a cheese layer on top. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Bake covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat and meld the flavors.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and aromatic flavor if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use fresh ravioli if available for the best texture and flavor.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the beef sauce for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free ravioli and verify the marinara sauce complies with gluten-free standards.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: beef casserole, cheese ravioli, baked pasta, Italian casserole, ground beef recipe, cheesy ravioli bake