Short Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy baked dish that combines tender cheese-filled ravioli with a savory meat sauce and a luscious blend of ricotta, sour cream, and cream cheese. This comforting casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, offering a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and indulgent with layers of cheese, meat sauce, and ravioli
- Quick and easy using frozen ravioli for convenience
- Crowd-pleasing comfort food for family dinners or potlucks
- Make-ahead friendly for easy meal prep
- Bakes to perfection with a golden, cheesy topping
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and softened cream cheese until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli.
- Top with half of the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
- Finish with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in additional shredded cheese or top with fresh mozzarella slices before baking.
- Meat Lovers’ Twist: Use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for more flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Assemble the casserole but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
- Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes! Fresh ravioli works well, but reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes since they cook faster.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Do I need to cook the ravioli before baking?
No, frozen ravioli cook perfectly in the oven while baking.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try adding provolone, fontina, or cheddar for a different flavor.
How do I make this a low-carb dish?
Use thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant instead of ravioli for a low-carb alternative.
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese can be used in place of ricotta for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make great additions.
What side dishes go well with this casserole?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish perfectly.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner alternative.
How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?
Drain the meat well after browning and avoid using overly watery marinara sauce.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s easy to make and always a hit. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures. Try different variations to make it your own and enjoy this irresistible dish!
Print
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 serving 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with layers of cheesy ravioli, creamy ricotta, savory ground beef, and rich marinara sauce, this baked pasta dish is a guaranteed family favorite. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Make the creamy mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and softened cream cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Spread a small amount of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli.
- Add half of the remaining meat sauce, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use Italian sausage instead of beef for extra flavor.
- Make it ahead! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
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