If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying meal, the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe is here to become your new go-to dinner obsession. This dish takes classic ravioli to a whole new level by layering it with rich meat sauce, creamy cheese mixtures, and a perfectly bubbly golden topping. Not only does it deliver the cozy vibes of a traditional baked pasta, but it’s also simple enough to whip up on any weeknight when you want a special meal without fuss. Trust me, once you try this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe, it will quickly climb to the top of your favorite recipes list.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key for making this dish pop with flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays an important role in creating that luscious, multi-layered casserole experience that feels both hearty and homey.
- Ground beef: Adds rich, savory depth and protein to the sauce.
- Marinara or pasta sauce: Brings tangy tomato goodness that ties everything together.
- Frozen cheese ravioli: The star of the dish, making prep super quick without sacrificing taste.
- Ricotta or cottage cheese: Creates a creamy, smooth layer packed with mild flavor.
- Sour cream: Adds subtle tang and extra creaminess to the cheese mixture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey, melty comfort with every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, salty punch that enhances the overall flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the casserole with classic herbaceous notes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Gives a burst of freshness and vibrant color as a garnish.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Meat Sauce
The first step is all about setting the stage by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing the savory meat sauce. Browning the ground beef until it’s nicely caramelized gives your sauce a deeper, richer flavor. Once the excess fat is drained, stirring in the marinara and letting it simmer lets those flavors meld beautifully. Seasoning with salt and pepper adds the perfect seasoning balance to the sauce you’ll layer throughout the casserole.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer
While the sauce simmers, it’s time to whip up the delicious cheese mixture that brings luscious creaminess to each bite. Combining ricotta or cottage cheese with sour cream, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning crafts a smooth, flavorful filling that contrasts so nicely with the hearty sauce and tender ravioli. Mixing until smooth ensures an even texture that bakes beautifully.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Now comes the fun part: layering! Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your 9×13-inch baking dish for a flavorful base. Arrange half of your frozen ravioli in a single layer over that sauce, then generously spread your creamy cheese mixture on top. Add a layer of the remaining meat sauce, followed by the rest of your ravioli, and finish layering with the last bit of meat sauce. This layering technique ensures every forkful is perfectly balanced with sauce, cheese, and pasta.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping and Bake
The final cheesy touch is to sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, creating that irresistible golden crust. Cover your dish with foil to keep things moist and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the top is delightfully melted, bubbly, and just slightly browned. The aroma alone at this stage is almost impossible to resist.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for a few minutes. This resting period allows the layers to set so it slices beautifully. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley on top to brighten the dish visually and add a fresh pop of flavor against the rich, cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice to garnish your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe, adding a pop of green and a fresh herbaceous note that lightens up the rich casserole. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for that elegant finish.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides. A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness, while garlic bread or a crunchy baguette rounds out the meal with perfect dippable carbs. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans also make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch or layer it in a clear glass dish to showcase those beautiful layers. For a party, turn it into a buffet-style offering with sides in separate bowls so everyone can customize their plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making second-day servings even more delicious and comforting.
Freezing
Planning ahead? This casserole freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container before baking, or freeze any leftovers shortly after cooking. It will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent freezer burn and preserve freshness.
Reheating
For reheating, the oven is your best bet to restore that crispy, melty top and even warmth throughout. Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, then uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the cheese again. Microwaves work in a pinch but can make the cheese a bit rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
You absolutely can! Fresh ravioli will cook a bit faster, so adjust your baking times accordingly to avoid overcooking. It can add a nice delicate texture to the casserole.
Is it okay to substitute ground beef with another meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage can be great alternatives. Just keep in mind the different fat contents might affect the sauce’s richness slightly.
Can I make the casserole vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite veggies and use a marinara packed with flavor. You’ll still get all the creamy, cheesy goodness without the meat.
What cheese can I use if I don’t have ricotta?
Cottage cheese is a common substitute that works well. For a smoother texture, you can blend it before mixing. Some people also use cream cheese, but it will change the flavor slightly.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is ready when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly with a golden tinge, and the ravioli is tender all the way through. Letting it rest after baking also helps the layers set perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that feels like a big warm hug on a plate, you have to try this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe. It’s easy enough for weeknights, special enough for guests, and downright addictive anytime. I hope you enjoy every cheesy, saucy, mouthwatering forkful as much as I do!
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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a comforting, cheesy baked dish featuring layers of frozen cheese ravioli, seasoned ground beef marinara sauce, and a creamy ricotta mixture, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner, this hearty casserole combines rich flavors and simple ingredients for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
Casserole Layers and Toppings
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook ground beef and sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then add the marinara sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta or cottage cheese, sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Spread the creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli, then top with half of the remaining meat sauce. Layer the rest of the frozen ravioli on top, followed by the remaining meat sauce.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the assembled casserole.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. This allows the ravioli to cook and flavors to meld.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes out of the oven to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter texture.
- If marinara sauce is too thick, thin it with a bit of water or broth before adding to the beef.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for more flavor.
- To make the casserole spicier, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the frozen ravioli is labeled gluten-free.
