Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole – Page 2

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and stir to combine with the meat. Let simmer for a few minutes, then set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese (or ricotta), sour cream, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until well mixed. This will be the creamy “million-dollar” layer of the casserole.

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
Arrange half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce in an even layer.
Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli layer.
Pour half of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer.
Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining ravioli, then adding the rest of the cheese mixture, and topping with the final layer of meat sauce.
Sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese blend evenly over the top.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!

Use Fresh Ravioli: If you prefer, you can use fresh (refrigerated) ravioli instead of frozen. This may reduce the baking time slightly.
Customize the Meat Sauce: Try mixing in some chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the ground beef for extra flavor and nutrition.
Add Herbs: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or even red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
Try Different Cheeses: Mix it up with shredded cheddar, provolone, or a bit of gouda for a new twist on the flavor.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is best served with:

Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up every last bit of sauce.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or green beans add a lovely, healthy side.

Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly in foil, and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.