Ravioli Casserole

Delicious baked inside out ravioli casserole made with ground beef, pasta and spinach. This make ahead casserole recipe is the perfect weeknight meal!

When my grandma hand wrote ” good” on a ravioli casserole recipe from a newspaper, I knew it was going to be so.  In looking for something to get out out of our rut of weeknight meals, the recipe looked perfect for my family.  When it comes to casseroles our favorite is this enchilada casserole or this cheesy potato casserole recipe, but it takes a bit more work then this easy one I’m sharing with you today.

Ravioli Casserole

I love the idea of an inside out ravioli casserole – because I love the flavor of ravioli!  This cheesy recipe puts a unique spin on the favorite and does not disappoint.  My kids love it, it is delicious and it can be made ahead the day before.

It’s hard to find good recipes that my husband and I – as well as the kids love.  And this is one of those unique but delicious recipes we’ll be making again and again.

How to Make Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Cook pasta to al dente.  Drain well.  At the same time, brown the ground beef with the onion and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat.  Stir in the spaghetti sauce.  Simmer for 10 minutes.  And while that is simmering, cook the spinach according the package directions.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the pasta, bread crumbs, egg, olive oil and cooked spinach.

Step 3: Spread the spinach pasta mixture on the bottom of a greased 9×13 pan.

Step 4: Top with the spaghetti sauce mixture.

Step 4: Bake in a preheated 350˚ F oven uncovered for 30 minutes.  Serve warm.

Like I said, this was a huge hit with the kids.  I feel like we’ve been stuck in the taco and spaghetti train with recipes lately, and this one broke us out.  This ravioli casserole is already on our list to make again soon! Enjoy!

Ravioli Casserole Tips:

Can you make ahead this ravioli casserole? Yes.  If you’re making this ahead of time, make as directed above without baking.  Cover in saran wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to one day.  When ready to bake, remove the saran wrap and bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until it’s fully cooked.  It helps to set the ravioli casserole on the counter for 30 minutes before baking to bring it closer to room temperature.

Can you freeze this casserole and bake later? Yes.  This is a great freezer friendly recipe.  Please note that with most pasta dishes like this, the pasta will change texture a bit but the flavor will still be amazing.  Make as directed and do not bake.  Store in the freezer well covered until ready to serve.  Let thaw in refrigerator and bake.  You will need to adjust the baking time depending on how cold the casserole is.

Can I make this recipe without spinach? Yes.  You can make this recipe and omit the spinach.  In fact, I made this recipe with half spinach and half without.  I preferred the spinach but my kids like it without.  To do this, make as directed, omitting the spinach.  Scoop half of the pasta mixture into half of the 9×13 pan.  Add the spinach to the remaining mixture in the bowl.  Mix well.  Then add to the other half of the 9×13 pan.  Bake as directed.

What kind of pasta should I use in this recipe?  You can use whatever pasta you would prefer.  However, I recommend spirals or penne pasta for this ravioli casserole  recipe.

What kind of pasta sauce is best in this recipe? I highly recommend tomato basil from Mid’s pasta sauce.  It’s our go-to and has the best flavor in my opinion.  If you don’t have that available, your favorite pasta sauce will work.  Remember, this recipe is only as good as the pasta sauce you use, so use a delicious sauce.

More Casserole Recipes

• Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
• Homemade Macaroni Casserole
• Crockpot Breakfast Casserole Recipe With Sausage

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