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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://deliciousdishspot.com/decadent-beef-recipe/