Description
Comfort meets luxury in this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, blending rich cheese-filled pasta with savory meat sauce. Creamy layers and golden cheese create an irresistible Italian-American dish that promises to delight your taste buds with each comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 packages (25 ounces / 709 grams) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 grams) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters / 226 grams) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters / 226 grams) cottage cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters / 226 grams) sour cream
- 1 cup (240 milliliters / 113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters / 113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup (120 milliliters / 50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a spacious baking vessel for the layered casserole.
- Sauté diced onions in olive oil over medium-high heat until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly.
- Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, crumbling and browning thoroughly. Eliminate excess grease to ensure a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
- Integrate marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and aromatic herbs like oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for 10 minutes.
- Whisk ricotta, cottage cheese, and sour cream in a separate bowl until smooth and uniform.
- Establish the casserole’s foundation by spreading a thin meat sauce layer in the baking dish. Arrange a single stratum of frozen ravioli, followed by an even distribution of cheese mixture and additional meat sauce.
- Construct a second identical layer, completing with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses across the surface.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, baking for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 15-20 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Drain excess fat thoroughly from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like fontina or provolone for a unique flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried when possible, as they provide a brighter, more vibrant taste that complements the rich meat sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or lean ground beef to reduce overall calorie and fat content without sacrificing flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg