Description
Hearty million dollar ravioli casserole combines rich Italian flavors with comforting pasta layers. Cheese, marinara, and ground beef create a memorable meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package (25 ounces / 709 grams) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Dairy and Cream Components:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Seasonings and Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a cozy environment for the casserole’s transformation.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef thoroughly, eliminating excess fat, and enhance with aromatic garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for robust flavor.
- Create a luxurious cheese blend by gently combining ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and a portion of mozzarella until smooth and creamy.
- Establish a flavorful foundation by spreading marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish, creating a vibrant base for layering.
- Arrange the first layer of frozen ravioli, ensuring complete coverage of the sauce.
- Distribute the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the ravioli, creating a hearty protein layer.
- Generously spread the prepared cheese mixture atop the beef, ensuring complete coverage.
- Repeat the layering process with additional marinara sauce, another set of ravioli, and remaining cheese mixture.
- Crown the casserole with a sprinkle of Parmesan and the remaining mozzarella, promising a golden, crispy top.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until the surface turns gloriously golden and the edges bubble with anticipation.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
- Reduce fat content by using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of traditional beef.
- Choose whole wheat or gluten-free ravioli to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping the dish’s delicious essence.
- Enhance nutrition by sneaking finely chopped spinach or zucchini into the cheese mixture for extra veggie goodness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg