Description
Comfort meets luxury in this million dollar ravioli casserole, where layers of cheesy goodness and hearty pasta create an irresistible Italian-inspired feast. Pasta enthusiasts will savor each rich, creamy bite that promises to elevate weeknight dinners into memorable culinary moments.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Pasta:
- 1 lb (453 grams) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 package (25 ounces / 709 grams) frozen or fresh cheese ravioli
Dairy Components:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 grams) marinara sauce
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of nonstick spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onions over medium heat, breaking the meat into small crumbles. Drain excess fat and add minced garlic, cooking until aromatic. Pour in marinara sauce and allow the mixture to simmer, developing rich flavors for about 5 minutes.
- Create a creamy ricotta blend by whisking together ricotta cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, beaten egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Construct the casserole layers by spreading a thin base of meat sauce in the prepared baking dish. Carefully arrange the first layer of ravioli, covering the sauce completely. Spread half the ricotta mixture evenly over the ravioli, then top with half the remaining meat sauce. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the surface.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Finish the casserole by topping with a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the ravioli to heat through. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing the layers to set. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- Customize the ground beef by swapping with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative.
- Opt for whole wheat or spinach ravioli to boost nutritional value and add extra veggie goodness.
- Reduce cheese content by using part-skim ricotta and low-fat mozzarella for a more diet-friendly version without sacrificing flavor.
- Prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg