Description
Cheesy, comforting million dollar ravioli casserole brings Italian-inspired magic to dinner tables. Layers of rich pasta, savory meats, and melted cheese create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground italian sausage
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 package (12-16 ounces) large cheese ravioli
Sauce and Liquid:
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup water
Topping and Seasonings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into crumbly pieces until no pink remains.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, eggs, and parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined.
- Create the sauce by blending marinara, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and water in a separate bowl, stirring until thoroughly mixed.
- Layer half of the cheese ravioli across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even base.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the ravioli layer, followed by the cooked meat mixture.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the meat layer for enhanced flavor.
- Pour half of the prepared sauce over the meat, ensuring even coverage.
- Add the remaining ravioli as a second layer, then cover with the rest of the sauce.
- Generously top the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped basil.
- Serve hot and enjoy this decadent million-dollar ravioli casserole.
Notes
- Meat Selection: Choose lean ground beef and mild Italian sausage to reduce excess grease and maintain a rich, balanced flavor profile.
- Cheese Variation: Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter texture or use part-skim varieties to cut down on calories without sacrificing creaminess.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional ravioli with gluten-free pasta or zucchini sheets to make the casserole suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Spice Control: Adjust Italian seasoning and garlic powder levels to suit personal heat preferences, ensuring a customized taste experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 665
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 918 mg
- Fat: 37 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 136 mg