Description
Home cooks discover this Ravioli Delight casserole blending Italian pasta comfort with hearty flavors. Cheesy layers and robust marinara create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll savor with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 1 pkg (25 oz/709 g) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups (226 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 pkg (8 oz/226 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 jar (24 oz/680 g) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to ensure easy release.
- Meat Sauce Creation: In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onions and garlic over medium heat until meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent. Drain excess grease, then blend in marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes, simmering for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cheese Mixture: Whisk ricotta, sour cream, and cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, creating a rich binding layer for the casserole.
- Layering Foundation: Spread a thin base of meat sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then arrange the first layer of frozen ravioli in a uniform pattern.
- Cheese and Sauce Application: Distribute the cheese mixture evenly over the ravioli, sprinkle with mozzarella, then add another layer of meat sauce. Top with the remaining ravioli, ensuring complete coverage.
- Final Topping: Generously cover the top layer with remaining meat sauce, then lavishly scatter mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface.
- Baking Process: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until cheese turns golden and begins to bubble.
- Resting and Serving: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing layers to set and making it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- Prevent Meat Burning: Stir ground beef constantly while cooking to avoid scorching and ensure even browning.
- Drain Fat Completely: Use a colander to remove excess grease, preventing a greasy, heavy casserole texture.
- Cheese Mixture Smoothness: Whisk cheese ingredients at room temperature for a silky, lump-free blend that spreads easily.
- Layering Technique: Create uniform layers to guarantee every bite has balanced flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg