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One-Dish Meatball and Ravioli Casserole

We're all looking for simple recipes that are hearty and satisfying to make daily life easier. This one-dish family-friendly casserole will do just that.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 people
Calories 4057.8 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Casserole Dish 9x13-inch
  • 1 Aluminum Foil
  • 1 Non-stick Cooking Spray or olive oil for greasing
  • 1 Large Spoon or Spatula for layering ingredients

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 24 ounce jar marinara sauce
  • 1 9 ounce package frozen cheese ravioli
  • 1 14 ounce package frozen cooked meatballs, thawed
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese or more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or to taste (Optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with olive oil spray.
  • Pour about 1/2 of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the dish. In a single layer, place 1/2 of frozen ravioli on the sauce along with 1/2 of meatballs, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
  • Place the remaining ravioli, meatballs, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese in that order on the casserole; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Cover with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, and bake until casserole is bubbly and cheese is melted, about 20 minutes more. Sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

For optimal flavor, consider briefly browning the thawed meatballs in a skillet before layering; this adds a deeper umami. Ensure even distribution of frozen ravioli to prevent clumping and promote uniform cooking – they will cook directly in the sauce. A high-quality marinara is paramount; taste and adjust with a pinch of sugar or a fresh basil sprig during layering if desired. When layering, press down gently to ensure sauce coats all ingredients for thorough cooking. After baking, a garnish of fresh basil or chopped parsley will add vibrancy and a fresh aroma, elevating the dish's presentation.