No Boil Taco Ravioli Casserole (Vegetarian
This vegetarian 'no-boil' casserole combines frozen cheese ravioli with a vibrant taco-inspired sauce, black beans, pinto beans, and corn, all topped with cheddar cheese. It's a convenient, flavorful dish that bakes without pre-cooking the pasta, perfect for an easy weeknight meal or feeding a crowd.
Equipment
- 1 Casserole Dish A large, oven-safe dish (approx. 9x13 inches) suitable for baking a casserole for 12 servings.
- 1 Can Opener For opening cans of beans and corn.
- 1 Mixing Spoon/Spatula For spreading sauces and mixing ingredients.
- 1 Mixing Bowl For combining beans and corn before layering.
- 1 Measuring Cup For measuring the shredded cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Main
- * 1 jar of salsa
- * 1 20 ounce package of frozen cheese ravioli
- * 1 15.5 ounce can black bean, drained and rinsed
- * 1 15.5 ounce can pinto bean, drained and rinsed
- * 1 15 ounce can cut corn in water, drained
- * 1 jar of taco sauce
- * 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Thoroughly drain and rinse the black and pinto beans, and drain the cut corn.
- Spread approximately half of the salsa evenly across the bottom of a large casserole dish.
- Arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer over the salsa.
- In a separate mixing bowl, gently combine the drained black beans, pinto beans, and corn.
- Evenly spread the bean and corn mixture over the layer of ravioli in the casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining frozen ravioli, then pour the remaining salsa and all of the taco sauce over everything, ensuring the ravioli are mostly covered by the sauces.
- Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the entire casserole.
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the ravioli is tender when pierced.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
To ensure the no-boil ravioli cooks perfectly, ensure each piece is fully submerged in the salsa and taco sauce mixture during assembly. Covering the casserole dish tightly with foil for the initial baking period is crucial; it creates steam, allowing the pasta to hydrate and cook evenly without drying out. For an elevated flavor, consider stirring in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a mild taco seasoning blend with the beans and corn. Finish with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or diced avocado for enhanced presentation and a burst of freshness. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to a dry and stiff casserole.