★Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
1 package (25 oz) frozen or fresh cheese ravioli
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
★Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the sauce: Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked meat, adding Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Assemble the casserole:
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch (22×33 cm) casserole dish.
Place a layer of ravioli over the sauce.
Spread a layer of ricotta or cottage cheese on top of the ravioli, followed by a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Repeat the layers, starting with more meat sauce, ravioli, and cheeses, until all ingredients are used. Make sure to end with a layer of cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired.
Enjoy!