Description
This Hearty Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a comforting baked pasta dish featuring layers of tender cheese ravioli, savory meat sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole combines rich Italian flavors with ease and convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Cooking Essentials
- Non-stick cooking spray or olive oil for greasing the dish
Main Ingredients
- 1 (20-ounce) package fresh cheese ravioli (or 24-ounce frozen ravioli)
- 1 (40-ounce) jar marinara sauce, divided
- 1 lb 90% lean ground beef
- ½ lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using non-stick cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Toss Ravioli with Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the fresh or frozen ravioli with 1 cup of marinara sauce, tossing gently to coat. Set this mixture aside for layering.
- Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and mild Italian sausage, breaking the meat apart, until browned and fully cooked through, which will take about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Marinara to Meat: Stir 2 cups of marinara sauce into the cooked meat mixture in the skillet, then remove the pan from heat.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and kosher salt. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Layer Sauce in Baking Dish: Spread the remaining marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish to create a flavorful base layer.
- Layer Ravioli: Place one-third of the sauced ravioli over the marinara sauce in the baking dish.
- Add Cheese Layer: Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the ravioli layer.
- Add Remaining Ravioli: Add the remaining ravioli mixture on top of the cheese layer to create a second layer.
- Top with Meat Sauce: Pour the prepared meat sauce evenly over the top of the ravioli layer.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole for a cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to meld flavors and heat thoroughly.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Optionally, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end for a nicely browned top.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to let it set for easier serving and to enhance flavors.
Notes
- Frozen ravioli can be used but may require slight adjustments in cooking time or thawing.
- For a spicier version, substitute mild Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage.
- Broiling at the end is optional but adds a beautiful golden crust to the cheese topping.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; add extra baking time if cooking from cold.
- Use leaner meat to reduce fat content if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
