Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Meat:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Make the Creamy Layer:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange half of the ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
- Spread half of the creamy mixture over the ravioli.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the creamy layer.
- Repeat the layers (meat sauce, ravioli, creamy mixture, and mozzarella cheese).
- Finish with the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Tips and Variations
- Add Veggies: Layer in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Switch Up the Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian meat substitute.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible—just like a million bucks! 🤑🍴