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
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: 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.
- Add Sauces: Add marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Prepare 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 meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Place half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the ravioli, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add another layer of meat sauce over the mozzarella, followed by the remaining ravioli.
- Top with the remaining meat sauce, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the top.
- Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Final Bake: 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 fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Vegetable Add-ins: For extra nutrition, add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the layers.
- Cheese Variations: Add provolone, cheddar, or gouda to change up the flavor profile.
- Meat-Free Option: Use a plant-based meat substitute or more veggies in place of ground beef.
- Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to spice it up.
- Pasta Swap: While ravioli is ideal, you can use lasagna noodles or rigatoni.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
