Decadent Beef Recipe

Introduction

This Decadent Beef casserole combines hearty ground beef with tender cheese-filled ravioli and rich marinara sauce for a comforting meal. Layered with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, it bakes to bubbly, golden perfection—a simple yet impressive dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 jar of marinara sauce
• 1 package of cheese-filled ravioli
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
2. Step 2: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture and stir well to combine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, cook the cheese-filled ravioli according to the package instructions. Drain the ravioli and set aside.
4. Step 4: In a greased casserole dish, spread a thin layer of the beef and marinara sauce mixture. Place a single layer of cooked ravioli on top of the sauce. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the ravioli.
5. Step 5: Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, mix Italian herbs such as oregano and basil into the sauce while simmering.
• Try adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions for extra veggies.
• Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheeses for a different cheesy twist.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the cheese melt smooth and bubbly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake as directed when ready to serve.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

This casserole freezes well. Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Decadent Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 143 reviews

This Decadent Beef casserole combines savory ground beef simmered in marinara sauce layered with tender cheese-filled ravioli and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 ounces)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta and Cheese Layers

• 1 package cheese-filled ravioli (about 9–12 ounces)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnish

• Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat and Cook Beef: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
2. Simmer Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Cook Ravioli: While the sauce simmers, cook the cheese-filled ravioli according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
4. Assemble Casserole – First Layer: Grease a casserole dish lightly. Spread a thin layer of the beef and marinara mixture evenly on the bottom of the dish. Place a single layer of cooked ravioli on top of this sauce layer.
5. Add Cheese Layers: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the ravioli layer.
6. Repeat Layers: Continue layering with the remaining beef sauce mixture, ravioli, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final cheese layer on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
8. Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese topping is bubbly and has a golden color, indicating perfect doneness.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired for a fragrant finish and added color.

Notes

• Use fresh basil as a garnish to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal aroma.
• For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce when simmering.
• Make sure to drain ravioli well to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: beef casserole, cheese ravioli, baked pasta, Italian comfort food, ground beef recipe, marinara sauce casserole