Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rich and creamy dish that combines ravioli, a creamy cheese mixture, and a savory meat sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s a fantastic, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients:

Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Layer:

• 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Casserole:

• 2 packages (25 oz each) frozen cheese ravioli
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Cook Beef:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
   • Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Sauces and Seasoning:
   • Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Layer

4. Mix Cheeses:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, and chopped parsley (if using). Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

5. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Layer Ravioli:
   • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
7. Add Cheese Mixture:
   • Spread half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli.
8. Layer Sauce:
   • Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese mixture.
9. Repeat Layers:
   • Repeat with the remaining ravioli, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
10. Top with Cheese:
    • Sprinkle the top with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

11. Bake:
    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
12. Cool Slightly:
    • Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Fresh Ravioli: You can use fresh or refrigerated ravioli instead of frozen. Adjust the baking time accordingly as they will cook faster.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce.
• Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Enjoy your rich and creamy Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, a dish that’s sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table!