Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers is a delicious, comforting baked pasta dish that combines layers of frozen cheese ravioli, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese mixtures, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan. This easy-to-make casserole brings together the best flavors of Italian-inspired cuisine with minimal prep and heartwarming results, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat mixture. Allow it to simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Layer Ingredients in Dish: Spread a small amount of meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the frozen ravioli on top of the sauce. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli, then spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of ravioli, followed by the remaining cheese mixture, the rest of the meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese. Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to set, which helps with slicing and serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground sausage or a combination of beef and sausage for a more flavorful meat sauce.
- Try using spinach or meat-filled ravioli as a variation to add different textures and tastes.
