Ravioli Casserole

 Ravioli Casserole

##🍅 Ravioli Casserole: The Ultimate Lazy Lasagna

Craving lasagna but don’t have the time to layer everything from scratch? Say hello to **Ravioli Casserole**—a shortcut dish that brings all the cheesy, saucy comfort of traditional lasagna without the fuss. Frozen or fresh ravioli do all the heavy lifting, layered with marinara, ground meat (optional), and melty cheese for a baked pasta masterpiece that's ready in under an hour. It's the kind of meal that wins over picky eaters and dinner guests alike.

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## 🧾 Ingredients

### **Base Layer**

* **1 (25 oz) bag frozen or fresh cheese ravioli**

  *Acts as the “pasta and ricotta” layers—no need to pre-boil!*

* **2 cups marinara or pasta sauce**

  *Rich tomato flavor that brings everything together.*

* **1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)**

  *Adds hearty protein and extra flavor.*

* **1 small onion, diced (optional)**

  *Boosts the savory base of the meat sauce.*

* **2 garlic cloves, minced**

  *Aromatic layer of flavor in the sauce.*

### **Cheesy Goodness**

* **2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese**

  *Melts beautifully and makes the casserole extra gooey.*

* **½ cup grated Parmesan cheese**

  *Sharp, salty topping that browns beautifully in the oven.*

* **½ tsp Italian seasoning**

  *Herb blend that ties everything together.*

* **Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)**

  *Adds a burst of color and freshness at the end.*

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## 👩‍🍳 Instructions

### 1. **Preheat the Oven**

* Set your oven to **375°F (190°C)** and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

### 2. **Cook the Meat (Optional)**

* In a skillet, cook ground beef or sausage over medium heat with diced onion until browned. Drain excess fat.

* Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.

* Add marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.

*(Skip this step for a vegetarian version—just use straight marinara.)*

### 3. **Assemble the Casserole**

1. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.

2. Arrange half of the ravioli in a single layer.

3. Spoon over half the meat sauce and sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella.

4. Repeat with remaining ravioli, sauce, and mozzarella.

5. Sprinkle Parmesan and Italian seasoning on top.

### 4. **Bake**

* Cover with foil and bake for **25 minutes**.

* Uncover and bake another **10–15 minutes**, until bubbly and cheese is golden.

### 5. **Rest and Garnish**

* Let casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

* Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

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## 🍽 Serving Suggestions

* **Garlic bread** or cheesy breadsticks

* **Caesar salad** or mixed greens

* **Red wine** or sparkling water with lemon

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## 💡 Pro Tips

* **Use refrigerated ravioli** for faster baking (no thawing needed).

* **Add veggies** like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.

* **Make ahead:** Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready to serve.

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## ❤️ Why You'll Love This Ravioli Casserole

* All the comfort of lasagna without the layering

* Family-friendly and freezer-friendly

* Great for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or make-ahead meal