Description
Rich layers of pasta, cheese, and savory meat meld together in this million dollar ravioli casserole, creating a comforting Italian-inspired masterpiece. Pasta enthusiasts will savor each bite of this hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that promises to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein:
- 24–30 ounces frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage (cooked and drained)
- 24 ounces spaghetti sauce
Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2–3 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary foundation by heating the oven to a precise 375F (190C), creating the ideal thermal environment for this indulgent dish.
- Transform the protein by sizzling ground beef or sausage in a skillet, thoroughly cooking until no pink remains. Eliminate excess grease and enhance with aromatic seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herb blend.
- Craft a luxurious cheese amalgamation by whisking ricotta, sour cream, cream cheese, and half the mozzarella into a silky, uniform mixture that promises creamy decadence.
- Construct the casserole’s architectural layers: Commence with a thin spaghetti sauce base in the baking vessel, then strategically arrange frozen ravioli as the first structural element.
- Continue layering by distributing the seasoned meat across the ravioli, followed by a generous spread of the cheese fusion. Repeat these alternating strata until ingredients are exhausted, ensuring the final layer showcases ravioli.
- Crown the creation with remaining spaghetti sauce, scattering the residual mozzarella and Parmesan. Strategically dot with butter for enhanced richness.
- Shield with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then unveil and continue cooking 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- Allow the casserole a brief 10-minute respite after emerging from the oven, enabling it to stabilize and facilitate elegant serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier version of the casserole.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free ravioli to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.
- Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the cheese mixture for an extra aromatic touch.
- Prep the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together before baking for an even more delicious result.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg