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 lasagna and one of those main dishes you’re going to come back to repeatedly!
Everyone needs a few super quick, 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 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 kid’s 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 than 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 an 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 made this casserole 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 are 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 the 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 backup 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 Monday, 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!
Make Ahead Ravioli Casserole
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.
Carol Gracie says
I want to try this for a crowd. But it doesn’t look too big. How many will one casserole serve?
Thanks!
Amy Engberson says
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!
RR says
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.
Amy Engberson says
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!
Ann says
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!
Amy Engberson says
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!
Krista says
Love a good easy recipe! My kids would love this!
Amy Engberson says
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!
Alyssa Brantley says
This dinner is perfect on a busy weeknight. The family will love it!
Amy Engberson says
It seems like every night is busy so having dinner prepped and ready is crucial for me!
Catalina says
I love casseroles for Sunday dinners! I will try this recipe for my next dinner!
Amy Engberson says
It would be a perfect way to free up some extra time on Sunday!
Allison says
This is the kind of meal that my family loves! Thanks for sharing!
Jade says
This looks mouth-watering, guess what is my next dinner??!
Dee says
This casserole looks so tasty and amazing! Ravioli is a favorite in my family so I just love this
Demeter says
I love how super easy this is to make! So perfect!
Sabrina says
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!