Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
1 (25 oz) package frozen cheese ravioli (or your favorite ravioli)
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Stir in the marinara sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Place a layer of frozen ravioli on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
Spread half of the ground beef and marinara sauce mixture over the ravioli.
Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Add another layer of ravioli, followed by the remaining beef sauce mixture.
Spread ricotta cheese in dollops over the top and then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the casserole.
4. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the ravioli is tender and the sauce is bubbly.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese on top to become golden and slightly crispy.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.
Tips:
Make it Veggie: To make it a veggie-packed dish, you can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce mixture.
For a Creamy Touch: If you like extra creaminess, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or cream cheese to the marinara sauce.
Use Any Ravioli: Feel free to use any type of ravioli you prefer (meat, spinach, or mushroom), but cheese ravioli works wonderfully in this dish.
Freezer-Friendly: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer. Simply assemble it, cover with foil, and freeze before baking. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding extra time if needed.
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and convenience! With layers of cheese, savory sauce, and hearty ravioli, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Enjoy!