Whenever I want to make a meal that feels homemade but doesn’t take hours, this cheese ravioli casserole is my go-to.
It’s loaded with layers of tender ravioli, hearty meat sauce, and melty cheese — and best of all, it’s simple enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough for Sunday dinner.
This one-pan comfort dish checks every box: warm, gooey, flavorful, and so easy to make.
Why I Love This Recipe
It uses store-bought ravioli but tastes homemade and comforting.
The meat sauce is rich and flavorful with almost no effort.
Cheesy layers bake into a bubbly, golden perfection.
Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or lazy nights when you still want something delicious.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Ground beef: A classic base for a rich, savory meat sauce.
Onion & garlic: Aromatics that bring the flavor to life.
Marinara sauce: Use a good-quality jarred sauce or your favorite homemade.
Cheese-filled ravioli: The shortcut that makes this dish so quick and satisfying.
Mozzarella & Parmesan: For melty, golden, cheesy layers you’ll love.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Don’t overcook the ravioli — they’ll bake again in the oven.
Use a deep casserole dish to keep the layers neat and saucy.
Let it rest after baking so the cheese sets and layers hold.
Add fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Cheese Ravioli Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
Add diced onion and garlic.
Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Step 2: Simmer with Marinara
Stir in the jar of marinara sauce and mix until well combined.
Simmer the sauce over low heat for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 3: Cook the Ravioli
Cook cheese-filled ravioli according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Grease a casserole dish.
Spread a thin layer of the beef marinara sauce on the bottom.
Layer cooked ravioli over the sauce.
Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Repeat layers: sauce, ravioli, cheeses — ending with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil.
Bake for 20 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
What to Serve It With
Pair with garlic bread or a crisp side salad to balance the richness.
A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon works beautifully.
Serve with roasted veggies like zucchini, carrots, or asparagus for a complete meal.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or turkey for a twist.
Use spinach ravioli for a veggie-forward version.
Add a layer of ricotta or cottage cheese in the middle for extra creaminess.
Want a spicy kick? Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or cover and warm in the oven at 350°F until hot.
You can freeze the assembled (unbaked) casserole for up to 2 months.
Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
FAQs
Can I make this ravioli casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Do I need to boil the ravioli first?
Yes, par-cook the ravioli before layering — otherwise, they may stay chewy.
Can I use frozen ravioli?
Absolutely, just thaw them before cooking for even texture.
What kind of marinara works best?
Choose a flavorful, high-quality sauce since it’s a key component of the dish.
How do I keep it from drying out in the oven?
Covering with foil helps trap moisture. Bake uncovered only at the end for browning.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes! Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen or thaw overnight first.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Skip the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini instead.
Final Thoughts
This cheese ravioli casserole is everything I love in a comfort meal — cheesy, cozy, and unbelievably easy.
It tastes like something you’d get at a little Italian restaurant, but it comes together with minimal prep and a few pantry staples.
It’s a recipe I come back to again and again — and one that always gets compliments at the table.
