Step 1: Preparing the Meat Sauce
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 2: Preparing the Creamy Mixture
- Mix the Cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and softened cream cheese. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Assembling the Casserole
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Layering: In a large baking dish (9×13 inches works well), start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Next, add a single layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce. Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers: meat sauce, ravioli, creamy cheese mixture, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Baking the Casserole
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden and melted.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Rest and Garnish: Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Casserole
- Thawing Ravioli: If you prefer a quicker cooking time, you can thaw the frozen ravioli in the refrigerator overnight before assembling the casserole.
- Custom Flavors: Feel free to add other ingredients to the meat sauce, such as chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms, for added flavor and texture.
- Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Pairing Suggestions
Complement your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with these delicious sides:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad provides a nice contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus add a healthy touch to your meal.
Final Thoughts
We hope this detailed guide has provided you with a fantastic recipe and inspired you to enjoy the process of cooking. Preparing a meal is an art, and every step, from layering to serving, is part of that art. Enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, and remember, the best meals are those made with love and care. Happy cooking!