Make Ahead Ravioli Casserole

Make Ahead Baked Ravioli Casserole is one of those out of this world scrumptious, ultra-comforting meals, but there’s even more to love about it than that! It only takes a few minutes, and four simple ingredients to make this casserole recipe. And it can be made ahead of time which is essential for super busy moms!  It’s a super easy version of lasagnea and one of those main dishes you’re going to come back to repeatedly!

Everyone needs a few super quick and easy, make ahead, main dish recipes. Make Ahead Ravioli Casserole is that go to recipe at my house! I make this casserole early in the day, when my kids are at school and life is quiet, then pop it in the oven while I’m in the middle of helping with homework, or between running kids. Just like that dinner is ready!

This is a great meal for taking to a friend!

Last weekend my in-laws decided to rent a cabin and have a little family get together. We each took turns providing a meal. Of course, I stuck with my kids favorite, Make Ahead Pepperoni Pizza Sliders. I haven’t decided if I’m lazy, or smart. Either way, I don’t want to pack all my pots, pans, cookie sheets, mix master, etc. to the cabin to whip up a meal. I’d much rather make it at home then just pop it in the oven right before dinner time.

My sister in law made ravioli with alfredo sauce for her meal with super tasty breadsticks. She’s ambitious because she brought what seemed like a billion pots and pans and even went the extra mile and made marinara sauce and alfredo just so everyone could have what they wanted. She’s so nice!

I’m telling you though, if you’re in the lazy camp, or maybe we should call it the make ahead camp, this Make Ahead Ravioli Casserole is the way to go! Grab a few aluminum pans and start assembling! It will be hanging out in the fridge and ready when you are! No being stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is having fun with this one!

How do I prepare Make Ahead Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?

Throwing this casserole together is as easy as layering a few ingredients in a baking dish. In fact, it’s a great recipe to let the kids help with.

This pasta recipe is also versatile. It’s easy to make enough to feed and army, or just a little for a small family. Spray a baking dish with nonstick baking spray.

Add a bit of marinara sauce to the bottom of the dish. I add ground beef to my sauce. You could use shredded chicken or browned sausage as well.

No need to thaw, or boil ravioli before assembling. Layer frozen ravioli right over the sauce.

Sprinkle plenty of grated mozzarella cheese over ravioli.

Repeat layers as many times as you’d like! There’s nothing stopping you from making a ten-layer Baked Ravioli Casserole! Two or three layers is where I usually stop!

How far in advance can I assemble Make Ahead Ravioli Casserole? Can it be frozen?

I’ve made this casserole at two days before serving it before. You guys…this is how I manage to get dinner on the table day in and day out. There’s no fast food in my neck of the woods. I’m on my own, and there’s days I know I’m going to be stuck in a tractor, or in the office and not able to make dinner. Those are the days I work way in advance. You know what, Make Ahead Ravioli Casserole is still delicious, and my family goes crazy for it!

Another option is assembling this casserole and sticking it in the freezer. It freezes well and is a great back up plan for the craziest days. Either remove it from the freezer and put it in the fridge to thaw, plan on about 24 hours. Or, take it straight from the freezer to the oven. You’ll need to bake it for about an hour or so, depending on the size of your baking dish and how many layers you’ve got.

What to serve with Make Ahead Ravioli Casserole?

• No Knead Honey Whole Wheat Bread
• Butter Dips
• Easy Garlic and Parmesan Dinner Rolls
• Cheesy Bacon Ranch Monkey Bread
• Whole Wheat French Bread

Add a green salad with this Dilly Dip and Dressing and you’ve got a meal!

Grab the Make Ahead Ravioli Casserole recipe!

It’s Moday, and that means it’s time to meal prep for the week! Get a pan of this easy pasta casserole in the fridge and you’ll be set! Make plenty, because leftovers are pretty darn tasty too!

5 from 8 votes

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Make Ahead Ravioli Casserole

Make Ahead Baked Ravioli Casserole is one of those out of this world scrumptious, ultra-comforting meals, but there’s even more to love about it than that! It only takes a few minutes, and four simple ingredients to make this casserole recipe. And it can be made ahead of time which is essential for super busy moms!  It's a super easy version of lasagnea and one of those main dishes you’re going to come back to repeatedly!

Course Main Course, Main Dish

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword Baked Pasta Recipes, Cheese Ravioli, Easy Baked Ravioli Casserole, Easy Lasagna, Ground Beef Ravioli Casserole, Ground Beef Recipes, Main Dish Recipes, Make Ahead Ravioli Casserole, Pasta Casserole, Pasta Recipes

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Resting Time 5 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 25 oz. pkg. Cheese Ravioli
• 23 oz. jar Marinara Sauce
• 1 pound hamburger
• 4 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese optional
• minced fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick baking spray.

2. Brown hamburger and drain is needed. Add marinara sauce to hamburger. Add 1/3 of the hamburger mixture to the bottom of baking dish to cover it.

3. Add a layer of frozen ravioli, then a layer of 1/3 of the hamburger mixture, and a 1/3 of the cheese.

4. Repeat layers, ending with cheese. If desired sprinkle parmesan cheese over the whole casserole. 

5. Spray aluminum foil with nonstick baking spray to prevent cheese from sticking to it. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remover foil and bake for 15 more minutes. 

6. Sprinkle with parsley if desired. Let rest for 5-10  minutes and serve.

Recipe Notes

This casserole may be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. You may need to increase baking time by 15 minutes. 

It's easy to adjust the amount of servings in this casserole. If you choose to use a smaller dish you will need to decrease baking time.

This casserole may be cooked in the slow cooker. Cook for 3 hours on low, or 4 hours on high.

Ground sausage may be substituted for hamburger.