Cheesy Mushroom Ravioli Casserole with Spinach

Cheesy Mushroom Ravioli Casserole with Spinach is the perfect comfort food for busy nights when you want something hearty, delicious, and easy to prepare. This baked casserole combines the creamy richness of mushroom-filled ravioli with a savory mushroom sauce, fresh spinach, and a gooey layer of Parmesan cheese. The result is a satisfying and indulgent dish that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can have a delicious casserole baking in the oven.
Hearty and Flavorful: This dish is packed with flavors from fresh mushrooms, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach.
Family-Friendly: It’s a great recipe that will please everyone at the table, from kids to adults.
Versatile: You can adjust the cheese or add extra veggies to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this creamy, cheesy ravioli casserole, here are the ingredients you’ll need:

For the Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

For the Casserole:

1 bag (25 oz) of fresh ravioli (4-cheese or your favorite)
1/2 lb (225g) mushrooms, sliced
2 cups fresh spinach
1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley for garnish

How to Make Cheesy Mushroom Ravioli Casserole with Spinach

This recipe is as easy as it is delicious! Follow these simple steps to create your creamy mushroom ravioli casserole.

1. Prepare the Sauce

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Next, add the whipping cream and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to reduce slightly. Stir in 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and continue to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. The sauce should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season it with black pepper to taste.

2. Sauté the Spinach and Mushrooms

While your sauce simmers, you can prepare the vegetables. Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it wilts. Remove the spinach from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, wipe it clean and add another 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the sliced mushrooms for about 4-5 minutes, until they turn golden brown and their edges become slightly crispy. This step will add extra flavor to the casserole.

3. Layer the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil. Begin by pouring a small amount of the cream sauce into the bottom of the dish, just enough to coat the surface. Arrange half of the ravioli in a single layer on top. Then, layer on half of the sautéed spinach, followed by half of the sautéed mushrooms, and a generous portion of the cream sauce. Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese over the top. Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, spinach, mushrooms, cream sauce, and cheese.

4. Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes if you’re using fresh ravioli (or 30 minutes if you’re using frozen ravioli). After the initial bake, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to become golden and crispy on top. This final step will give the casserole a deliciously bubbly and crispy texture.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is out of the oven, sprinkle with a little fresh cracked black pepper, red chili pepper flakes (for a bit of heat), and fresh chopped parsley. This final touch will enhance both the flavor and appearance of your casserole. Serve it hot alongside a crispy salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cheesy Mushroom Ravioli Casserole

To ensure your cheesy mushroom ravioli casserole turns out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:

Use Fresh Ravioli: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh ravioli instead of frozen. It cooks more evenly and gives the casserole a lovely, tender bite.

Customize the Cheese: While Parmesan is delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Mozzarella melts beautifully and adds a stretchy, gooey texture, while provolone will give the dish a slightly sharper flavor.

Add Protein: Want to make your casserole a more complete meal? Add some grilled chicken, crumbled sausage, or shrimp for extra protein. You can even mix in some bacon bits for added flavor.

Make Ahead: You can easily make this casserole ahead of time. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. If you’re freezing it, bake from frozen, adding an extra 10 minutes to the cook time.

Season to Taste: Taste your sauce and season it accordingly. Add salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to adjust the flavor to your liking. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the dish and balance the richness.

What to Serve with Cheesy Mushroom Ravioli Casserole

This casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but pairing it with some side dishes can elevate your meal to the next level:

Garlic Bread: Serve this casserole with freshly baked garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. It’s a classic pairing that never disappoints!

Fresh Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the casserole. Try a simple mixed greens salad or something more elaborate with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.

Steamed Vegetables: If you want to add more veggies to your meal, consider serving some lightly steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus on the side. These vegetables complement the earthy flavors of the mushrooms and spinach.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This cheesy mushroom ravioli casserole makes great leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Refrigerating Leftovers: After the casserole has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven (covered with foil) to keep it from drying out.

Freezing: If you want to freeze leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs On Cheesy Mushroom Ravioli Casserole with Spinach

1. Can I use frozen ravioli for this casserole?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen ravioli for this recipe. If you’re using frozen ravioli, simply increase the baking time by an additional 10 minutes (about 30 minutes total) to ensure it cooks properly. The casserole will still come out creamy and delicious!

2. Can I add meat to the cheesy mushroom ravioli casserole?

Yes! If you want to add protein, you can include grilled chicken, crumbled sausage, or shrimp. These additions will complement the creamy sauce and make the casserole even heartier. You can also add some bacon bits for a smoky flavor.

3. How can I make this casserole vegan-friendly?

To make this casserole vegan, substitute the whipping cream with coconut cream or almond milk, and replace the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also use vegan ravioli or any other pasta that fits your dietary needs.

4. How do I store leftovers of this casserole?

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, cover it with foil and heat it in the oven to prevent the casserole from drying out. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.

5. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! This casserole can be assembled ahead of time. Once you layer the ravioli, spinach, mushrooms, and sauce, cover it with foil and refrigerate it for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake it, just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.