Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

A creamy, cheesy, and indulgent pasta dish, this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole combines tender ravioli, a luscious cheese mixture, and savory meat sauce for a comforting dinner that feels like a true indulgence. Perfect for family meals or special gatherings, it’s a guaranteed hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: Layers of ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella create a luxurious texture.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A family-friendly dish that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: Uses frozen ravioli to save time without sacrificing flavor.
• Customizable: Swap the proteins or add veggies to make it your own.

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
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
Stir in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, sour cream, and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Layer half of the frozen ravioli over the meat sauce.
3. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the ravioli.
4. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
5. Add another layer of meat sauce.
6. Arrange the remaining ravioli on top.
7. Cover with the remaining meat sauce, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories: ~550 kcal per serving

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage, ground turkey, or shredded chicken.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for heat.
• Different Ravioli: Swap cheese ravioli with meat, spinach, or mushroom ravioli.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
• Freezing: Assemble the casserole (without baking) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh ravioli works well and may reduce baking time slightly.

2. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. Can I make this without ricotta cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture.

4. How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Drain excess fat from the meat and avoid using watery marinara sauce or tomatoes.

5. What can I serve with this dish?

Pair with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

6. Is it necessary to cover the casserole with foil?

Covering helps the ravioli cook evenly. Removing it later allows the cheese to brown.

7. Can I use low-fat ingredients?

Yes, low-fat ricotta, sour cream, and cream cheese work well for a lighter version.

8. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the dish should be heated through.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish or two separate dishes to accommodate the extra servings.

10. How do I garnish the dish for presentation?

Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a touch of color and freshness.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a decadent, comforting dish that brings together creamy layers of cheese, hearty meat sauce, and tender ravioli for a truly indulgent meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and delight your family with this cheesy, flavorful masterpiece!

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

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• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minuts
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

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Description

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and irresistible pasta dish. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it combines layers of ravioli, a rich meat sauce, and indulgent cheese for the ultimate comfort food!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Casserole:

• 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
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Let simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, sour cream, and softened cream cheese until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Layer half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the meat sauce.
3. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the ravioli.
4. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture.
5. Add another layer of meat sauce over the mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat with the remaining ravioli, meat sauce, and then top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

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Notes

• Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for extra flavor.
• Use fresh ravioli instead of frozen if preferred (adjust baking time as needed).
• Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for an easy next-day dinner.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: ~550 kcal per serving