1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Ingredients:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Season: Season the beef mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
2. Assemble the Casserole:
- Layering: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange Ravioli: Arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer over the meat sauce.
- Cheese Layer: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the ravioli.
- Repeat: Repeat the layers with the remaining meat sauce, ravioli, and cheeses, ending with a generous layer of cheese on top.
3. Bake:
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
4. Serve:
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve Warm: Scoop out portions of the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole onto plates or bowls and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- Fresh Ravioli: If preferred, you can use fresh cheese ravioli instead of frozen. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian version.
- Add-Ins: Customize the casserole with additional ingredients like diced bell peppers, olives, or Italian sausage for added flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a family dinner. The layers of cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender ravioli create a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the hearty flavors and cheesy goodness!