Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring layers of ground beef simmered in marinara sauce, creamy ricotta and sour cream mixture, tender frozen cheese ravioli, and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
Assembly
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (additional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then add the marinara sauce. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste for balanced flavor.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta or cottage cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Lay half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Spread the prepared creamy cheese mixture evenly over the ravioli. Top this with half of the remaining meat sauce. Add the rest of the frozen ravioli in a single layer, then pour the remaining meat sauce on top.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and the ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook the ravioli and meld the flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Use ricotta cheese for a creamier texture or cottage cheese as a lighter option.
- Frozen ravioli can be used directly from the freezer without thawing.
- Adjust Italian seasoning according to preference for more or less herb flavor.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while simmering.
