Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired baked dish featuring layers of frozen cheese ravioli, rich meat sauce, and a creamy cheese blend. This easy-to-make casserole combines ground beef simmered in marinara and crushed tomatoes with a luscious ricotta and cream cheese mixture, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for family dinners, this flavorful casserole bakes to bubbly, cheesy perfection in just about an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
Casserole Layers and Topping
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Add Sauces: Stir in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes with the meat mixture. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and softened cream cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- First Ravioli Layer: Arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
- Cheese Mixture and Mozzarella: Evenly spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the ravioli, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Second Meat Sauce Layer: Spoon another layer of meat sauce over the mozzarella layer, followed by the remaining ravioli placed in a single layer.
- Top Layers: Cover the ravioli with the remaining meat sauce, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Season: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste, evenly over the casserole’s surface.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Final Bake: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly and become bubbly and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Using frozen ravioli means no need to pre-cook them; they will cook fully in the casserole.
- Adjust salt according to the saltiness of your marinara sauce and cheeses.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the cooked meat to prevent a greasy casserole.
- If preferred, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetarian marinara sauce.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve.
