Name: Baked Ravioli Casserole with Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef or lean ground turkey; 2 cups shredded carrots; 4 cups baby spinach; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 32 ounce jar of marinara sauce; 1 cup small curd cottage cheese (drain any liquid off before using, can swap for ricotta cheese if preferred); 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, according to preference; 20 ounces spinach or cheese ravioli

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 3 reviews

If you are looking to cozy up with a dish that combines comforting layers of cheesy ravioli, wholesome spinach, and savory meat sauce, then this Baked Ravioli Casserole with Spinach Recipe is the perfect choice for you. It’s a warm, hearty casserole that brings together simple ingredients into a truly delicious meal. The vibrant greens of spinach add freshness while the layers of melted mozzarella and a rich marinara sauce create a luscious bite that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This recipe is ideal for family dinners or anytime you want a fuss-free yet impressive dish to enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white stew pot filled with a mix of brown cooked ground meat, orange shredded carrots, bright green spinach leaves, and chunks of red tomatoes in a thick reddish-orange sauce, with a wooden spoon resting inside the pot. The pot sits on a white marbled textured surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is so simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make the dish shine. From the tender ravioli to the fresh spinach and the melty mozzarella, every component ties the whole meal together beautifully.

2 teaspoons olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the meat perfectly.
1 pound lean ground beef or lean ground turkey: Provides a hearty, protein-packed base for the sauce.
2 cups shredded carrots: Offers natural sweetness and a pop of color that livens up the casserole.
4 cups baby spinach: Brings a fresh, vibrant note and nutrient boost without overwhelming the flavors.
1 tablespoon minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with that unmistakable, savory aroma.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that elevates every bite with herbal complexity.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and balances all the flavors.
32-ounce jar of marinara sauce: The tomato base that wraps around everything with tangy sweetness.
1 cup small curd cottage cheese: Adds creaminess; you can swap for ricotta if you want a smoother texture.
20 ounces spinach or cheese ravioli: The star of the dish; stuffed ravioli makes this casserole extra special.
1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible, gooey topping that browns just right.

How to Make Baked Ravioli Casserole with Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Meat

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the meat loses its pink color and is fully browned, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Seasoning

Toss in the shredded carrots, fresh baby spinach, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper directly to the meat. Let these cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just enough for the carrots and spinach to soften and the garlic to release its fragrant flavor. This combination is what gives the casserole its wonderful depth and fresh balance.

Step 3: Stir in the Marinara Sauce

Reserve one cup of the marinara sauce for later, then pour the rest into the skillet. Mix everything well and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. This simmering helps the flavors meld together into a rich, savory sauce ready to be layered into the casserole.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Spread the reserved cup of marinara evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place half of the ravioli over the sauce in neat rows. Then spread half of the cottage cheese evenly over the ravioli, followed by half of the meat sauce mixture. Repeat the layers once more with the remaining ravioli, cottage cheese, and meat sauce, building that perfect layered texture.

Step 5: Add the Final Cheese Layer and Bake

Top everything with the shredded mozzarella cheese, distributing it evenly so every bite gets some cheesy goodness. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture inside and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 30 minutes. If you start from the refrigerator rather than room temperature, allow a few extra minutes for the casserole to heat through.

Step 6: Broil for the Perfect Finish

After baking, remove the foil and switch your oven to broil. Broil the casserole for 1 to 2 minutes until the mozzarella turns a beautiful golden brown. This final step adds a bubbly, crunchy top layer that makes the dish downright irresistible.

How to Serve Baked Ravioli Casserole with Spinach Recipe

A white rectangular dish holds a single layer of 15 square yellow ravioli pieces arranged in a 3 by 5 grid, each with crinkled edges and a soft, slightly puffy texture, positioned on top of a thin layer of smooth red tomato sauce that spreads evenly across the bottom of the dish; the photo is taken on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley brightens up the casserole beautifully just before serving. For a touch of zest, a few red pepper flakes also complement the marinara sauce nicely, adding a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread to mop up any extra sauce. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, are also great accompaniments that bring extra texture and make the meal feel well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your presentation stand out by using colorful ceramic baking dishes or serving each portion in individual ramekins for a fun twist. Adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few parmesan shavings right before serving gives a gourmet touch without much effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, the Baked Ravioli Casserole with Spinach Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for later meals.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully if you want to prep ahead. Assemble the entire dish but don’t bake it yet. Wrap the entire pan tightly with foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual, adding extra time if needed.

Reheating

For reheating leftovers, cover the portion with foil and warm in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. To bring back that melty cheese finish, uncover and broil for 1-2 minutes just like the initial bake for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked ravioli for this casserole?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked ravioli speeds up the layering process and ensures the pasta doesn’t overcook during baking. Just be sure to adjust your baking time slightly, since the ravioli is already cooked.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily skip the ground meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to keep the filling hearty. Just cook the veggies with the garlic and seasoning before adding the marinara sauce.

Can I substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta?

Definitely. Ricotta cheese works beautifully and creates a smoother, creamier texture in the casserole. Drain the cottage cheese well if you choose to stick with it to avoid excess moisture.

What type of ravioli works best for this recipe?

Spinach or cheese ravioli are perfect choices as they blend nicely with the flavors of the sauce and spinach. You can also experiment with meat ravioli for an even heartier option.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Draining excess grease from the meat and liquid from the cottage cheese helps keep the casserole from getting watery. Also, avoid over-saucing the layers and make sure your spinach is fresh to reduce excess moisture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Baked Ravioli Casserole with Spinach Recipe enough for anyone craving a comforting, wholesome meal that’s also easy to prepare. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want a delicious dinner to enjoy over a few days, this casserole truly hits the spot every time. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a favorite go-to!