Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

If you're looking for a cozy, family-friendly meal that’s bursting with cheesy goodness, you’ve got to try this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole! This delicious baked casserole features layers of tender cheese-stuffed ravioli, a rich and flavorful meat sauce, and a creamy blend of cheeses that create an irresistible, indulgent dish. It's called "Million Dollar" because it tastes like a million bucks – luxurious, comforting, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make, and you can have it prepped and baked in under an hour! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish will become a staple in your meal rotation.

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What is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a layered pasta bake made with ravioli, meat sauce, and a rich mixture of cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and mozzarella cheese. The combination of creamy and cheesy layers makes this casserole feel decadent and indulgent, similar to a lasagna but with much less effort. The ravioli takes the place of traditional lasagna noodles and adds its own cheesy, rich flavor to the dish. This recipe is perfect for feeding a large family or for leftovers that taste just as delicious the next day.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy, comforting casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage – You can also use a mix of both for extra flavor.
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or pasta sauce – Your favorite store-bought sauce works great, or use homemade.
• 2 (20-ounce) packages frozen cheese ravioli – No need to thaw; you can use any variety like spinach and cheese or beef.
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese – Softened at room temperature.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese – For creaminess and texture.
• ½ cup sour cream – Adds tanginess and richness.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Divided; 1 cup for layering, 1 cup for topping.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – To season the meat sauce.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Optional for extra flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning the meat and sauce.
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional) – To add a fresh finish to the dish.

Substitutions and Variations

• Turkey or Chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and use a hearty vegetable sauce, or use veggie ravioli like spinach and ricotta.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap out the ravioli for a low-carb pasta or vegetable-based ravioli to make this dish keto-friendly.
• Extra Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini into the sauce for extra vegetables.
• Different Cheeses: Try using sharp cheddar, gouda, or fontina for a different cheesy flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the Ground Beef or Sausage: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium-high heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Add the Sauce: Stir the jar of marinara or pasta sauce into the cooked meat, and simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors. Set aside.
4. Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
5. Layer the Casserole:

• Spread ⅓ of the meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Layer half of the frozen ravioli on top of the sauce.
• Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli.
• Add another ⅓ of the meat sauce.
• Repeat with the remaining ravioli, the rest of the cheese mixture, and the final ⅓ of the meat sauce.

1. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top of the casserole. If you want extra cheesy goodness, you can add a bit more Parmesan on top as well.
2. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
3. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness if desired. Serve with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

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

1. Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce – Brown the ground beef or sausage, season it well, and stir in the marinara sauce for a flavorful base.
2. Step 2: Make the Cheese Layer – Mix the cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and cheeses together until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Layering – Alternating between layers of sauce, frozen ravioli, and the creamy cheese mixture is what makes this casserole so rich and delicious.
4. Step 4: Bake – Baking the casserole covered first ensures everything cooks through, then uncover to let the cheese get golden and bubbly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened so that it mixes smoothly with the other cheeses. Cold cream cheese will make the mixture lumpy.
• Overcooking the Meat: Cook the ground beef or sausage just until browned. Overcooking can make the meat dry and tough.
• Not Letting It Rest: Letting the casserole rest after baking allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serve this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole hot and bubbly, straight from the oven. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks to soak up all that delicious sauce, and a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Slice the casserole into squares for easy serving, and top each portion with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color. You can serve it family-style right from the baking dish, making it perfect for casual dinners or gatherings.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Family Style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish with a large serving spoon for an easy, comforting dinner.
• Garnish: Add a final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil to brighten the dish before serving.
• Individual Portions: Plate individual portions with a slice of garlic bread on the side and a little extra marinara sauce drizzled over the top.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
• Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh ravioli. Since fresh ravioli cooks faster, you may need to reduce the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have ravioli, you can use tortellini or any short pasta like penne or ziti. Cook the pasta before layering it into the casserole.

How do I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the meat and use a vegetable marinara sauce or add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Can I use low-fat cheese?
Yes, you can use lower-fat versions of the cream cheese, ricotta, and sour cream, though the casserole may be slightly less rich and creamy.

What’s the best way to freeze this casserole?
To freeze, assemble the casserole as directed but don’t bake it. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or potlucks. With layers of tender ravioli, flavorful meat sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture, it’s a true comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re prepping ahead for a big dinner or looking to feed a hungry family with minimal effort, this casserole is a guaranteed hit. Serve it with garlic bread and a simple salad, and enjoy a meal that’s truly worth a million dollars!

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