Super Simple Ravioli Casserole

Citrus Free, Corn Free, Meal Prep, Nut Free, One Pan, Soy Free

304 Calories | 14g Protein | 35g Carbs | 11g Fat | 2g Fiber

30 minutes | 3 servings

Layers of tender ravioli, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella come together in one dish with minimal effort. The cheese gets all bubbly and golden on top while the ravioli underneath stays perfectly tender.

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Why You'll Love This

It's comforting, satisfying, and ridiculously easy to make. The whole thing takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, which means you can get dinner on the table even when your energy tank is running on fumes. With only five ingredients, it’s easy to keep all the fixin’s on hand so you can throw it together even on the most chaotic of weeknights.

The Nutrition Profile

Each serving delivers 14 grams of protein from the ricotta, mozzarella, and beef ravioli. As we age, getting adequate protein at every meal becomes increasingly important for maintaining muscle mass and supporting overall strength.

You're also getting calcium from the dairy cheeses, which matters as our bodies absorb calcium less efficiently over time. The tomato sauce contributes lycopene, an antioxidant found in cooked tomatoes.

At 304 calories per serving with a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat, this is a meal that actually keeps you satisfied without leaving you feeling overly full or sluggish.

The Ingredient List

This recipe keeps things refreshingly straightforward. You'll need beef ravioli (usually found in the refrigerated pasta section), tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and fresh parsley.

If you're using a plain tomato sauce, feel free to add Italian seasoning or garlic powder to boost the flavor.

Want to sneak in some vegetables to up the fiber content? Mushrooms or spinach layer in beautifully. You could even toss in some frozen corn.

If dairy has started disagreeing with you, this recipe is trickier to modify since the cheeses are central, but you could experiment with plant-based ricotta and mozzarella alternatives.

The recipe as written serves three, but you can easily double it for a larger family or to have leftovers ready for later in the week.

The Practical Stuff

This casserole refrigerates beautifully for up to three days, and it freezes for up to three months. One serving equals approximately 1 and 1/3 cups.

The recipe was tested in a 6 x 9 inch baking dish for three servings but scale up to a standard 9 x 13 inch pan if you're feeding more people or want extra for the freezer.

No special equipment needed beyond a baking dish and foil. This is designed to be a super simple recipe that can be thrown together with little thought and minimal preplanning.

The Method

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F.

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds moisture.

Next, add a single layer of ravioli, then spread half the ricotta cheese over them. Repeat the process with another layer of ravioli and the remaining ricotta.

Top everything with the rest of your tomato sauce and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. The foil traps steam, which cooks the ravioli through without drying anything out. After 20 minutes, remove the foil, switch your oven to broil, and cook for one more minute until the cheese turns golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it during this step since broilers work fast and you don't want burnt cheese.

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving (this helps it hold together when you scoop it), then garnish with chopped parsley and dig in.

Why This Works

This casserole hits all the right notes: comforting, cheesy, and satisfying with minimal effort required.

The layered approach means you get perfect bites of pasta, cheese, and sauce in every serving. It's substantial enough to keep you full without being so heavy that you need a nap afterward. Plus, it's freezer-friendly, which means you can make it ahead when cooking feels manageable and pull it out when it doesn't. Working smarter not harder also applies to dinner!

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