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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole – Luxurious Baked Delight

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole – Luxurious Baked Delight

Description

Welcome, food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to win hearts around your dinner table—Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a special dinner for the weekend, this luxurious baked ravioli casserole, with its rich creamy meat sauce and layers of cheesy goodness, will make everyone feel like a million bucks! So, let’s get ready to bring an irresistible combination of flavors to your kitchen with this indulgent recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef – You can substitute with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce – Opt for your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own for a fresh, homemade taste.
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese – A rich and creamy layer that elevates this casserole.
  • 1 large egg – Adds structure to the ricotta cheese layer.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melted cheesy goodness throughout the casserole.
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Provides a sharp, savory flavor.
  • 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli – Store-bought cheese ravioli makes this dish quick and easy.
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional) – Adds a fresh and vibrant touch.

Optional Substitutions:

  • Swap out ricotta for cottage cheese if you prefer a lower-fat option.
  • If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free ravioli to make this meal suitable for dietary restrictions.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use sautéed mushrooms or a veggie meat alternative.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and achieves that golden, bubbly finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess fat. Then, stir in 1 jar of marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. This forms the savory base for your casserole.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Cheese

In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese and 1 egg, stirring until smooth. This will be spread over the ravioli layers to create that creamy, “million-dollar” texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the prepared meat sauce at the bottom. This prevents the ravioli from sticking and ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Then, layer half of the frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce.

Step 5: Add the Ricotta Layer

Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the ravioli. This creamy layer is what takes this casserole to the next level of indulgence.

Step 6: Sprinkle Cheese

Next, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer. This combination of cheeses adds a rich, savory depth to the dish.

Step 7: Repeat the Layers

Repeat the process with the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and cheese. Finish the casserole by topping it with an additional 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan.

Step 8: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is baked to perfection, garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this luxurious meal with your family and friends.

Equipment

Notes

  • Use Frozen Ravioli: There’s no need to thaw the ravioli before layering. Frozen ravioli works great and saves time!
  • Customize Your Sauce: You can use any type of marinara sauce, but if you want to add more flavor, try a roasted garlic or tomato-basil variety.
  • Don’t Skip the Ricotta-Egg Mixture: The egg helps the ricotta set, giving the casserole a creamy, stable layer.
  • Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, like gouda or provolone, to change the flavor profile.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/million-dollar-ravioli-casserole-luxurious-baked-delight/