• Home
  • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
  • My Stinky Life

Little Dairy On the Prairie

my perfectly stinky life

  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers and Snacks
    • Bread
      • Muffins
      • Quick Bread
      • Rolls
      • Yeast Bread
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
      • Brownies
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Candy
      • Cookies
      • Cheesecakes
      • Frozen Desserts
      • Fruit Desserts
      • No Bake
      • Pies
    • Drinks
    • Holidays
      • Christmas
      • Fourth of July
      • Halloween
      • St. Patrick’s Day
      • Thanksgiving
      • Valentines Day
    • Main Dish Recipes
      • Beef
      • Chicken/Poultry
      • Grill
      • Pizza/Pasta
      • Pork
      • Quick and Easy Meals
      • Sandwiches
      • Slow Cooker
    • Salad
      • Salad Dressing
    • Sauces
      • Jams, Jelly’s, and Honey
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup
    • Canning and Preserving
  • Tips & Tricks
  • My Stinky Life
  • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
Main Dish Recipes » Make Ahead Ravioli Casserole

Make Ahead Ravioli Casserole

Created by Amy Engberson 17 Comments

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly
Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe

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!

a serving spoon of baked ravioli casserole with a cheese pull

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!

baked ravioli casserole on a white plate served with green salad

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.

ground beef and marinara sauce in a white baking dish

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.

layers of marinara sauce and frozen ravioli in a white baking dish

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

shredded mozzarella cheese sprinkled over ground beef in a white baking dish

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!

baked ravioli casserole sprinkled with parsley

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.

baked ravioli casserole sprinkled with fresh parsley

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!

baked ravioli casserole on a plate with green salad

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!

a serving spoon of baked ravioli casserole with a cheese pull

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!
4.18 from 23 votes
Print Pin Rate
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

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick baking spray.
  • 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.
  • Add a layer of frozen ravioli, then a layer of 1/3 of the hamburger mixture, and a 1/3 of the cheese.
  • Repeat layers, ending with cheese. If desired sprinkle parmesan cheese over the whole casserole. 
  • 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. 
  • Sprinkle with parsley if desired. Let rest for 5-10  minutes and serve.

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 4 hours on low, or 3 hours on high.
Ground sausage may be substituted for hamburger.
Tried this recipe?Mention @littledairyontheprairie or tag #littledairyontheprairie!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly

Subscribe Via Email

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER TO GET ALL THE RECIPES SENT STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX!

about amy

About Amy Engberson

I live on a dairy with my husband and three boys. Although we are in the business of raising cattle, we really are in the business of raising boys. I am passionate about catching up with each other at meal times. My love language is food. And I hope that my men feel the love in every bite. Read more...

Filed Under: Beef, Main Dish Recipes, Pizza/Pasta Tagged With: Baked Casserole, ground beef, Make Ahead Meal, pasta

← Weekly Family Menu Plan – 165 Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket Pull Apart Bread →

More You'll Love:

  • Garlic Herb Butter & 12 Ways to Use ItGarlic Herb Butter & 12 Ways to Use It
  • The BEST Cheese RecipesThe BEST Cheese Recipes
  • Easy Beef Burrito SkilletEasy Beef Burrito Skillet
  • Baked Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches (aka sliders)Baked Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches (aka sliders)

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Sabrina says

    February 25, 2019 at 9:37 am

    5 stars
    I’m going to make 2 of these on Sunday and have them ready to grab for dinners on those crazy nights when I need a bit of help. I know my family is going to love it!

    Reply
  2. Demeter says

    February 25, 2019 at 9:38 am

    5 stars
    I love how super easy this is to make! So perfect!

    Reply
  3. Dee says

    February 25, 2019 at 12:30 pm

    5 stars
    This casserole looks so tasty and amazing! Ravioli is a favorite in my family so I just love this

    Reply
  4. Jade says

    February 25, 2019 at 1:39 pm

    5 stars
    This looks mouth-watering, guess what is my next dinner??!

    Reply
  5. Allison says

    February 25, 2019 at 2:57 pm

    5 stars
    This is the kind of meal that my family loves! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  6. Catalina says

    February 26, 2019 at 6:30 am

    5 stars
    I love casseroles for Sunday dinners! I will try this recipe for my next dinner!

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      February 26, 2019 at 10:38 am

      It would be a perfect way to free up some extra time on Sunday!

      Reply
  7. Alyssa Brantley says

    February 26, 2019 at 7:35 am

    5 stars
    This dinner is perfect on a busy weeknight. The family will love it!

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      February 26, 2019 at 10:38 am

      It seems like every night is busy so having dinner prepped and ready is crucial for me!

      Reply
  8. Krista says

    February 27, 2019 at 8:40 am

    5 stars
    Love a good easy recipe! My kids would love this!

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      February 28, 2019 at 10:43 am

      You’re in the right place! This recipe is so easy and I bet your kids will go crazy for it as much as mine do!

      Reply
  9. Ann says

    August 27, 2019 at 7:41 pm

    I want to make this in my slow cooker, but confused by the instructions for timing. 3 hours on low or 4 hours on high doesn’t make sense to me. Please respond. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      September 7, 2019 at 5:03 pm

      Hi Ann! Good catch! I just edited the recipe. I’d cook it for 4 hours on low and 3 hours on high. If you decide to make a bigger batch cooking time might be a bit longer! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  10. RR says

    November 14, 2019 at 11:16 am

    Hi, this looks great but I am confused about the ravioli. Does it have to be frozen? Especially if I plan to put in the fridge for tomorrow? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      November 16, 2019 at 7:14 pm

      I always use frozen ravioli because I always have it on hand. You could use refrigerated ravioli as well! Either way, it will be fine in the fridge overnight. Aren’t make ahead meals the BEST!

      Reply
  11. Carol Gracie says

    February 16, 2020 at 3:41 pm

    I want to try this for a crowd. But it doesn’t look too big. How many will one casserole serve?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Amy Engberson says

      February 18, 2020 at 11:29 am

      One 9″x13″ pan will make enough for 6 large servings or 8 smaller servings. My family typically gets 8 servings from one pan, especially if I’m serving bread and salad to go with it! Good luck with your party!

      Reply
Hi I’m Amy! Welcome to my stinky farm life where my days are filled with chasing kids and cows! It’s all about simply delicious food around here! If you leave my house hungry…it’s your own fault! Read More..

Subscribe Via Email

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER TO GET ALL THE RECIPES SENT STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX!

Readers Favorites

  • Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese Sandwich
  • No Bake Salted Caramel Cookies
  • Simple Puff Pastry Apple Tart
  • Sweet Freezer Corn Recipe

Save Room for Dessert

A jar of raspberry sauce.
Thick carrot cake mix cookies in a stack.
A stack of peppermint cookies with white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
A caramel square with sea salt in a candy wrapper.

Little Dairy on the Prairie is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

archives

categories

search

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you found something to share with your family. They will feel the love!! Leave me a comment and let me know you were here!

Copyright ©2021, Little Dairy On the Prairie. All Rights Reserved. Custom design by Pixel Me Designs

Subscribe Via Email

Sign up for my newsletter so you won't miss out on anything that's happening around here!

[close]
Brought to you by
Displet
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly