ole with Layers of Cheese and Meat Sauce Recipe

Let me introduce you to a dish that truly lives up to its name: ole with Layers of Cheese and Meat Sauce. This baked ravioli casserole is everything comfort food should be – hearty, cheesy, and impossibly satisfying thanks to those cozy layers of cheese and meaty marinara. You get bubbling, golden mozzarella, pillowy ravioli, and a savory, rich sauce in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers that actually get better with time, this is the kind of meal that will instantly become a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish calls for simple but essential ingredients that come together for an irresistible casserole. Every component brings something crucial, from gooey cheese pulls to deep savory notes and bright freshness.

• Frozen cheese ravioli: These are the shortcut hero here – no need to boil, and they bake up perfectly tender with the other layers.
• Ground beef: Provides rich, savory flavor and makes the ole with Layers of Cheese and Meat Sauce wonderfully satisfying.
• Small onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the meat sauce base.
• Garlic: Just a couple of cloves give the casserole a boost of aromatic flavor.
• Marinara sauce: Grab your favorite jarred brand – it’s the foundation that ties everything together.
• Ricotta cheese: Lends creaminess and a rich, mild flavor to those cheesy layers.
• Sour cream: Blended with ricotta, it brings a subtle tang and keeps the cheese mixture extra smooth.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into those crave-worthy cheese pulls on top and between every layer.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for an irresistible salty, nutty finish.
• Italian seasoning: Adds that classic herby note everyone loves.
• Salt and pepper: To highlight and balance all the flavors.
• Chopped parsley (optional): For a pop of fresh color and a hint of brightness in your finished casserole.

How to Make ole with Layers of Cheese and Meat Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of oil or non-stick spray; this will ensure your delicious ole with Layers of Cheese and Meat Sauce comes out cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Cook the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef together with your chopped onion. Stir occasionally and break up the beef as it browns. After the beef is fully cooked and the onions are soft, add your garlic. Let this sizzle for just a minute, releasing that lovely aroma, then drain off any excess grease.

Step 3: Add Marinara and Seasoning

Pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let it all simmer gently for about 5 minutes – this lets the flavors meld, making the meat sauce extra rich for your ole with Layers of Cheese and Meat Sauce. Once done, take the skillet off the heat.

Step 4: Mix Ricotta and Sour Cream

In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the sour cream. Mix until completely smooth and creamy – this blend is what gives the welcoming, lush cheesiness between layers.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Now comes the fun part: layering! In your prepared baking dish, start with half of the frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw). Next, evenly spread on half the ricotta and sour cream mixture, then half the meat sauce. Sprinkle over a healthy handful of shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers with the remaining ravioli, cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Finish with the rest of the mozzarella and a generous shower of Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until everything is bubbly and gloriously golden-brown on top. Let your ole with Layers of Cheese and Meat Sauce rest for 5 minutes before cutting – this helps it set just enough to cut beautiful slices.

How to Serve ole with Layers of Cheese and Meat Sauce

Garnishes

As soon as your casserole comes out of the oven, you can scatter fresh chopped parsley across the top. It makes every slice look extra appetizing and adds a little fresh contrast to the cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

This ole with Layers of Cheese and Meat Sauce is hearty all on its own, but pairing it with crisp garlic bread (for ultimate sauce-scooping) and a simple green salad will turn it into a true feast. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the casserole beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual squares of the casserole in shallow bowls and finish each with a touch of extra Parmesan and a sprig of parsley. You could also spoon portions into wide pasta bowls and drizzle with a tiny bit of good olive oil, turning weeknight comfort into something that feels special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover ole with Layers of Cheese and Meat Sauce is honestly just as mouthwatering the next day. Transfer cooled portions into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually develop even more overnight.

Freezing

If you want to make this casserole ahead, or you find yourself with a surplus, tightly wrap the cooled, unbaked or baked casserole (whole or in portions) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and warm the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes for a large portion). If you’re just reheating a single slice, a quick zap in the microwave works, but the oven method keeps those cheesy layers just right.

FAQs

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If using fresh refrigerated ravioli, simply shorten the baking time by about 10 minutes, since they cook faster than frozen.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage if you want to change up the flavor and lighten things up a bit. Plant-based crumbles work beautifully for a vegetarian version, too.

Is there a way to make ole with Layers of Cheese and Meat Sauce ahead?

Yes! Simply assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day in advance. Bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 10 minutes or so to the cooking time.

Does the ravioli really cook through from frozen?

It does! The sauce and cheese help steam the ravioli perfectly during baking, so you don’t need to boil or thaw them first – another time-saving perk of this recipe.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

For sure! Layer in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini slices for added veggies and color. It’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrition (especially for picky eaters).

Final Thoughts

This ole with Layers of Cheese and Meat Sauce is the kind of effortless, crowd-pleasing comfort food that never fails to satisfy. Give it a try and watch it disappear at your next family dinner – you might find yourself craving those cheesy, saucy layers again sooner than you think!

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