Description
Comfort meets luxury in this million dollar ravioli casserole, blending rich cheeses and savory meats into a hearty Italian-inspired feast. Creamy layers and golden-brown edges promise a delicious dinner that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 1 box lasagna noodles
- 1 box cheese ravioli
Meat and Cheese:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground italian sausage
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 2 jars marinara sauce
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a large casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together, breaking the meat into small crumbles until fully cooked and no pink remains.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture and return to the skillet, adding minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine and infuse flavors.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, eggs, and chopped fresh basil, creating a creamy and herbal cheese mixture.
- Layer the bottom of the casserole dish with lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping to create a complete base covering.
- Spread half of the meat mixture evenly over the lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of cheese ravioli.
- Pour half of the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes over the ravioli layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Spread the ricotta cheese mixture on top, creating a smooth and even layer.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses generously over the ricotta layer.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining lasagna noodles, meat, ravioli, sauce, and cheese layers.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving to help it set and make cutting easier.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Customize meat choices by swapping ground beef and sausage with turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
- Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free lasagna noodles and checking ravioli labels for wheat-free options.
- Enhance flavor depth by adding roasted garlic or sautéed onions to the meat mixture for extra complexity.
- Prep ahead by assembling the casserole a day before baking, storing covered in the refrigerator to develop richer flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg