Description
This creamy, cheesy, and hearty casserole is packed with layers of ravioli, savory meat sauce, and a rich, creamy cheese mixture. It’s the ultimate comfort food, sure to please the whole family!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. -
Cook the beef:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat. -
Make the sauce:
Add the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes. -
Prepare the cheese mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and softened cream cheese until smooth. -
Layer the casserole:
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Place half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the meat sauce.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the ravioli.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture.
- Add another layer of meat sauce over the mozzarella cheese.
- Place the remaining ravioli in a single layer over the meat sauce.
- Top with the remaining meat sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
-
Season and bake:
Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the top. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. -
Finish baking:
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Cool and serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can use homemade or store-bought marinara sauce, depending on your preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with lighter alternatives.
- This casserole is great for meal prepping and freezes well! Simply store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes