If you’re after a no-fuss, utterly satisfying meal to please everyone at the table, look no further than this baked beef ravioli casserole. Classic Italian flavors meet weeknight convenience in this easy dish—layers of tender cheese ravioli, rich beefy sauce, and a bubbly, golden cheese topping. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or stocking your freezer for busy days, this cozy casserole delivers comfort and flavor every time.
What Makes Baked Beef Ravioli a Must-Try?
- Effortless Assembly: Say goodbye to prepping ricotta mixtures and fiddly lasagna noodles. Ravioli is your shortcut to incredible taste and texture.
- Freezer Friendly: Prepare ahead, freeze, and bake when needed—this recipe is made for meal prep warriors.
- Customizable: Love your veggies? Swap out the meat or add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a nutritious twist.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and grown-ups alike love a cheesy pasta bake, and this one disappears fast from any dinner table.
Serve alongside crusty, aromatic garlic bread, and dinner becomes an event everyone looks forward to!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ onion (diced)
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound pork sausage
- 40 ounces spaghetti sauce (about 2 jars)
- 15 ounces crushed Italian tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups Italian mix cheese (Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, etc.)
- 10 ounces fresh cheese ravioli (cooked al dente)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Step-by-Step Baked Beef Ravioli
1. Prep the Oven & Pan:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13″ pan with cooking spray.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, saute onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add beef and sausage, then cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease. Stir in spaghetti sauce and crushed tomatoes; simmer briefly to blend flavors.
3. Layer the Casserole:
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the baking dish. Arrange a layer of cooked ravioli, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Italian cheese blend. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final generous layer of cheese.
4. Bake:
Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, until edges are bubbling and the cheese is beautifully golden.
5. Rest & Serve:
Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Top with Parmesan and serve hot.
For an irresistible pairing, add garlic bread—the perfect sidekick for soaking up every bit of sauce!
Tips for Making It Perfect Baked Beef Ravioli
- Use quality ravioli—fresh is best, but frozen works in a pinch (thaw for best texture).
- For vegetarian or lighter option: Skip the beef and sausage, doubling the veggies and marinara.
- Want more stretch? Double the batch and freeze half for another night.
- Add-ins: Spinach, mushrooms, or even bell peppers give a flavor boost and add color.
For another crowd-pleasing pasta bake, don’t miss the comfort of mostaccioli—a hearty, cheesy classic that pairs perfectly on any Italian night.
Storing & Freezing Tips
To freeze: Assemble but don’t bake. Wrap the pan tightly in foil and freeze.
To bake from frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed (add 20–30 min to baking time).
Leftovers: Store individual servings in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~393 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 24g
- Sodium: 1184mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
Actual nutrition may vary depending on brands and exact quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen ravioli?
Yes, thaw first for best results before layering and baking.
How do I avoid soggy pasta?
Cook ravioli al dente, drain well before assembling.
Gluten-free option?
Simply use gluten-free ravioli and always check your jarred sauces.
Final Thoughts
Bring the warmth of Italian comfort food home with this cheesy, Baked Beef Ravioli. From busy weeknights to holiday gatherings, its versatility and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a staple worth adding to your recipe rotation. With easy meal prep, freezer-ready instructions, and flexible ingredient swaps, baked beef ravioli is destined to become a weeknight winner all year long.