Description
Million dollar ravioli casserole combines rich layers of cheese-filled pasta, savory ground beef, and creamy marinara sauce for a comforting Italian-American dinner. Hearty portions and simple ingredients make this dish perfect for family gatherings where you’ll savor each cheesy, satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package frozen cheese ravioli
Dairy Components:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- 2 cups (226 grams) mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 1 jar marinara sauce
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal baking environment for the layered casserole.
- Thoroughly cook ground beef in a skillet, ensuring complete browning, then carefully drain excess fat to maintain a lean texture.
- Blend cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the mozzarella in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add initial flavor.
- Arrange the first layer of ravioli directly over the sauce, creating a uniform base for the casserole.
- Distribute the browned beef evenly across the ravioli, ensuring consistent meat coverage.
- Generously spread the creamy cheese mixture over the beef layer, creating a rich and decadent middle section.
- Repeat the layering process: marinara sauce, ravioli, beef, and cheese mixture, building depth of flavor.
- Finish the casserole by topping with remaining mozzarella and sprinkle parmesan cheese for a golden, crispy surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, watching for a bubbling, golden-brown top that signals perfect doneness.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner version of this hearty casserole.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the cheese mixture for a more gourmet touch.
- Prevent soggy texture by patting cooked ravioli dry before layering to maintain a crisp, appealing consistency.
- Make ahead and refrigerate the assembled casserole for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and creating a convenient meal prep option.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg