Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Are you looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds? Look no further than this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole! This hearty, cheesy, and incredibly delicious recipe combines layers of rich flavors that taste like a million bucks—without breaking the bank. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or impressing dinner guests, this casserole will easily become a go-to favorite. Read on for the full recipe, tips, and tricks to make this delightful dish perfect every time!

What is a Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

A Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is an indulgent baked pasta dish that takes the humble ravioli to the next level. With layers of ravioli, creamy cheeses, ground meat, and savory marinara sauce, this dish feels luxurious, as if it cost a million dollars to make. The casserole is baked to perfection, creating a warm and bubbly masterpiece that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. While it may sound fancy, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and requires simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

To create the perfect Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, you’ll need a mix of cheeses, pasta, sauce, and ground meat. Below is a breakdown of the essential ingredients:

1. Meat and Cheese Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
• 1 large egg

2. Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli (you can use fresh, but frozen works just as well)
• 4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the meat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, for added flavor)

3. Garnish (optional but recommended):

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling on top

Substitutions and Variations

One of the reasons this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is so popular is because of its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or whatever you have on hand. Here are some substitution and variation ideas:

• Meat Alternatives: Don’t eat beef? Swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage. You can also make this casserole vegetarian by skipping the meat altogether and adding extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Cheese Variations: If you're not a fan of ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a smoother texture.
• Ravioli Options: While cheese ravioli is the standard choice, you can use meat-filled ravioli or spinach-stuffed ravioli for different flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ravioli and make sure your marinara sauce is gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Lower Fat: To make this dish a little lighter, opt for reduced-fat cheeses and swap out sour cream for Greek yogurt.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients lined up, let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to create your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole masterpiece.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, grease a large 9x13-inch casserole dish with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until they become fragrant and slightly translucent (about 2-3 minutes). Add the ground beef (or sausage) to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, the shredded Italian cheese blend, and the egg. Mix well until smooth and creamy. This cheese mixture is what gives the casserole that “million-dollar” creaminess and richness!

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

In the prepared casserole dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. Then add a layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce. On top of the ravioli, spread half of the cheese mixture, followed by half of the cooked ground beef. Repeat the layers: another layer of marinara, ravioli, cheese mixture, and ground beef. Finish with a final layer of marinara sauce and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.

How to Cook Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking a Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole may seem complex, but it’s really quite simple when broken down into easy steps. Here’s a quick summary:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Brown the meat with onions and garlic.
3. Mix cheeses together for a rich filling.
4. Layer sauce, ravioli, cheese, and meat.
5. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then 15 minutes uncovered.
6. Rest before serving.

With these steps, you’re sure to create a comforting, cheesy casserole that will impress everyone at the table!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is easy to follow, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly:

• Not draining the meat: Failing to drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef can make the casserole greasy.
• Skipping the rest time: Allowing the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking helps it set. If you skip this step, the casserole may be too runny when served.
• Not covering with foil initially: If you bake the casserole uncovered from the start, the cheese may burn before the inside is fully cooked. Be sure to cover it for the first 30 minutes.
• Overloading with sauce: While you want enough marinara for flavor and moisture, too much can cause the casserole to be soupy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A great casserole is not only about taste but also about how you serve and present it. Here’s how to make your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole look as good as it tastes!

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

This dish is hearty on its own, but you can serve it with a side of garlic bread, a fresh Caesar salad, or steamed vegetables to round out the meal. A simple side of roasted broccoli or green beans works perfectly as well.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

For an extra touch, garnish the top of the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color. Serve the casserole in the baking dish itself, but portion out servings using a large spatula to keep the layers intact. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for a final flourish.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add 10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
• Freezer-friendly: This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Extra flavor: Add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a little heat or a splash of red wine to the marinara sauce for depth of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen? A: Absolutely! Fresh ravioli works just as well, but you may need to reduce the baking time slightly since it cooks faster.

Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian? A: Yes! Simply omit the meat and add vegetables like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Q: Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce instead of marinara? A: You can! For a creamier version, swap out the marinara for Alfredo or a mix of both.

Q: How long will leftovers last? A: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the perfect combination of comforting flavors and indulgent textures. With its layers of cheesy goodness and savory meat sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The best part? It’s easy to make, customizable, and budget-friendly, making it the ideal dish for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it tastes like a million bucks!

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