Ravioli Casserole
A hearty, cheesy ravioli casserole layered with flavorful spaghetti sauce and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spread 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce in an ungreased 13 x 9 inch baking pan.
- Layer half of the cooked and drained cheese ravioli over the sauce.
- Pour 1 1/4 cups of spaghetti sauce over the ravioli layer.
- Spread 1 cup of cottage cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the cottage cheese.
- Repeat the layers: spread 1/2 cup of sauce, add remaining ravioli, sauce, cottage cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms between the layers. You can substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture. If you prefer a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. This casserole can also be made with meat-filled ravioli for a heartier dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Ravioli Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Italian recipes like Mixed Vegetable Pasta for a varied dinner. A light dessert, such as Lamagna's Cassata, can round out the meal perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ravioli Casserole contains roughly 590 calories, with 44g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (89% of the Daily Value), protein (87% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1369mg per serving (60% 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 use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh ravioli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as fresh ravioli typically cooks faster than frozen. Ensure they are not overcooked to maintain their texture in the casserole.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
What can I do if I don’t have mozzarella cheese?
If mozzarella cheese is unavailable, you can use provolone or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a similar taste and meltiness. Just ensure the cheese you choose melts well to maintain the dish's creamy texture.
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).