Mock Ravioli Casserole
A hearty and comforting casserole combining pasta, seasoned ground meat, and melted cheeses, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with rich tomato flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 small can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups tomato juice ⓘ
- 2 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 package bow tie egg noodles ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 1/4 pounds ground meat ⓘ
- 1 package frozen chopped spinach ⓘ
- 3/4 cup Velveeta cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon basil ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine tomato juice, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, then season with basil, salt, and pepper, and heat.
- Chop onions and sauté in butter until translucent.
- Brown ground meat in a skillet and drain off excess fat.
- Add cooked ground meat and sautéed onions to the tomato sauce mixture.
- Simmer the sauce with meat and onions for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use pre-cooked ground meat or even a plant-based substitute for a vegetarian option. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also swap the cheeses; mozzarella can provide a nice stretch while still maintaining creaminess. For added flavor, include a teaspoon of garlic powder or sautéed garlic with the onions.
Serving Suggestions
This Mock Ravioli Casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You could also serve it alongside Biscuit Squares for a comforting family dinner. For a lighter option, consider steamed vegetables or a simple green vegetable like broccoli to balance the richness of the cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of tomato juice or broth before reheating to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mock Ravioli Casserole contains roughly 1353 calories, with 47g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (95% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), and iron (61% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
What type of ground meat works best for this recipe?
Ground beef is traditional, but you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a meat substitute. Each option will bring its own flavor, so choose according to your preference.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze, prepare the casserole, let it cool, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from frozen.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).