Baked Ravioli Casserole (Lasagna Shortcut!)

5 from 3 votes

This tasty Ravioli Casserole is an easy alternative to lasagna and a great meatless dinner the whole family will love!

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Servings:

Author: Kristin

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Mix the marinara and crushed red pepper and set aside.
2 cups marinara sauce, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Cook ravioli according to package instructions until they are just al dente (not mushy).
20 ounces cheese ravioli
Before draining ravioli, stir in fresh spinach until slightly wilted (10-20 seconds). Drain well.
6 ounces fresh spinach
In an 11x7 baking dish, spread about half of the marinara mixture, then distribute about half of the ravioli/spinach on top of the marinara, then top with about half of the shredded cheese.
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Distribute the remaining ravioli/spinach on top of the cheese, then spread with the remaining sauce.
Cover the dish with foil and bake about 25 minutes.
Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

You can prepare this ahead of time. Fully assemble it in the baking dish and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply pop it in the oven.
Use frozen spinach if you don't have fresh on hand. Just thaw and squeeze out the excess moisture. No need to add to the ravioli while cooking, simply distribute over top of the ravioli when adding it to the baking dish.
Add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or grilled chicken for extra protein.
Include other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Substitute marinara with Alfredo sauce or a pesto sauce to mix things up.
Mix in other cheeses like ricotta, Parmesan, or fontina for even more cheesy taste.
Add fresh basil, oregano, or parsley to the marinara sauce for extra herby flavor.
Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to suit your spice tolerance, or omit it entirely for a milder dish.

Serve with a side of garlic bread or breadsticks.
Pair with a fresh garden salad or Caesar salad for a complete meal.
Leftovers are delicious! Store in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven.
Top with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch before serving.