Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)
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Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook Meat Mixture:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and onion, cooking until beef is browned and onion is soft (about 5-7 minutes).
Drain excess fat, then stir in garlic, marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Prepare Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, sour cream, and softened cream cheese until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Arrange half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce.
Spread half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce.
Repeat layers with remaining ravioli, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Rest & Serve:
Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
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Tips:
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies.
Use a mix of different ravioli (like spinach or meat-filled) for variety.