Description
A hearty and flavorful Baked Ravioli Casserole with spinach, combining lean ground meat, fresh vegetables, creamy cottage cheese, and melty mozzarella cheese, all layered with marinara sauce and baked to golden perfection. This comforting casserole is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 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
Sauces and Cheese
- 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
Pasta
- 20 ounces spinach or cheese ravioli
Instructions
- Preheat and cook meat: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a large skillet on the stove over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground meat, breaking it up with a spatula or spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Sauté vegetables: To the cooked meat, add shredded carrots, baby spinach, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
- Simmer sauce: Reserve 1 cup of marinara sauce separately. Pour the remaining marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2 minutes before removing from heat.
- Assemble first layers: Spread the reserved 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange half of the ravioli (10 ounces) in rows atop the sauce layer.
- Layer cheeses and sauce: Spread half of the cottage cheese evenly over the ravioli layer, then top with half of the meat and sauce mixture.
- Repeat layering: Add the remaining ravioli in an even layer, then the rest of the cottage cheese, followed by the rest of the meat mixture.
- Add mozzarella and cover: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake and broil: Bake covered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. If starting from refrigeration, add extra baking time as needed. Remove the foil, switch the oven to broil, and broil the cheese for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use either lean ground beef or turkey based on preference; turkey makes a lighter casserole.
- Feel free to substitute cottage cheese with ricotta cheese for a creamier texture.
- Broil carefully as cheese can burn quickly; watch closely during the final step.
- This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking.
- Add extra Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil or oregano to boost flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
