Description
Ravioli Delight Casserole brings Italian comfort to your dinner table with layers of cheesy pasta goodness. Hearty marinara, tender ravioli, and melted mozzarella combine in this crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 package (25 ounces/709 grams) frozen cheese ravioli
Dairy Products:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) ricotta cheese
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 package (8 ounces/226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Sauces:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces/680 grams) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, sauté ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic over medium heat, stirring frequently until the meat turns completely brown and onions become translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Drain excess grease from the meat mixture using a colander, then return to the skillet and incorporate marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes, allowing the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to intensify the flavor profile.
- Create a creamy cheese blend by whisking ricotta cheese, sour cream, and softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Construct the first layer of the casserole by spreading a thin base of meat sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Carefully arrange one half of the frozen ravioli in a uniform single layer directly over the meat sauce.
- Evenly distribute the prepared cheese mixture across the ravioli layer, then generously sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Add another complete layer of meat sauce, followed by the remaining ravioli, ensuring complete coverage.
- Finish the casserole by topping with the final layer of meat sauce, then generously scatter the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese across the surface.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving, which helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.
Notes
- Prep like a pro by having all ingredients measured and ready before starting to cook.
- Choose high-quality marinara sauce for richer, more authentic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease from making the casserole soggy.
- Frozen ravioli works perfectly, saving time without compromising taste or texture.
- Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking helps set the layers and makes serving easier.
- Customize by adding Italian herbs like basil or oregano to the meat sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 595 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1150 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg