The Best Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe You’ll Adore

My kitchen adventures recently discovered this million dollar ravioli casserole that promises serious comfort without complicated techniques.

Layers of cheese and pasta create an irresistible combination that makes dinnertime feel special.

Weeknight meals can become extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how simple ingredients merge into something spectacular.

Creamy textures and rich seasonings promise a delightful dining experience that feels indulgent yet approachable.

Cheese enthusiasts especially appreciate how each bite delivers pure, melty goodness.

You might want to make extra – this dish disappears faster than expected!

How To Store Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2-3 months, creating a convenient make-ahead meal option.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole FAQ Section

• Can I use frozen ravioli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen ravioli works perfectly. Just thaw completely and pat dry before using to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace meat with plant-based ground meat alternatives or add sautéed vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms for protein and texture.

• How can I prevent the ravioli from becoming soggy?

Use less sauce initially and choose a pasta with thicker dough. Also, ensure you drain meat thoroughly and don’t overload the casserole with liquid.

• What cheese alternatives work best if I want to change the recipe?

Ricotta can be substituted with cottage cheese or mascarpone. For mozzarella, try provolone or a blend of monterey jack and cheddar for similar melting properties.

Why Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Tastes So Rich

• Conquer Complexity: This recipe transforms intimidating cooking steps into a straightforward, manageable process perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Champion: Packed with hearty meat, creamy cheese, and rich marinara sauce, this casserole guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
• Streamline Meal Prep: Minimal ingredients and simple layering technique make this dish a stress-free option for busy families looking for a delicious one-pan solution.
• Versatile Comfort Meal: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners, this ravioli casserole adapts perfectly to different dining scenarios while delivering maximum flavor.

What You’ll Need For Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Ground Beef: A rich and hearty meat that provides substantial texture and deep flavor to the casserole.
• Italian Sausage: Adds a spicy and robust taste that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy and smooth base layer with a mild, rich texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp and salty flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a classic melty and stretchy topping that browns beautifully.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, luxurious sauce.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent for the ricotta mixture, ensuring a cohesive texture.

• Marinara Sauce: Delivers a classic tomato base with traditional Italian flavors.
• Diced Tomatoes: Add texture and fresh tomato essence to the sauce.
• Ravioli: Serves as the primary pasta layer, creating a hearty and filling foundation.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides a blend of herbs that give an authentic Italian taste.
• Garlic Powder: Offers a concentrated garlic flavor throughout the dish.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the casserole.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the flavor profile.

• Fresh Basil: Brings a bright, fresh finish to the completed casserole.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures the casserole does not stick to the baking dish.
• Water: Helps adjust the sauce consistency.

Steps To Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Surface

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray. Set your oven to preheat at 375°F.

Step 2: Brown Meat Mixture

Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Combine ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them into tiny crumbles. Cook until meat loses all pink color. Drain excess fat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Eggs
• Parmesan cheese

Blend until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Develop Savory Sauce

• Marinara sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Heavy cream
• Water

Stir until ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 5: Build First Ravioli Layer

Spread half of the cheese ravioli across the bottom of the baking dish, creating an even foundation.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Meat Layers

Evenly distribute the ricotta mixture over the ravioli. Top with the cooked meat mixture.

Step 7: Season the Layers

• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Over the meat layer to enhance flavor.

Step 8: Pour Initial Sauce Layer

Cover the meat with half of the prepared sauce, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 9: Create Second Ravioli Layer

Add remaining ravioli on top of the first layer.

Step 10: Complete Sauce Coverage

Pour the remaining sauce over the ravioli, ensuring full saturation.

Step 11: Add Cheese Topping

Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the entire casserole.

Step 12: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 13: Finish Baking

Remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 14: Rest and Garnish

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil.

Step 15: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the casserole hot, ready to delight your taste buds with this million-dollar comfort dish.

Pro Tips For Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Manage Meat Fat: Drain ground beef and sausage thoroughly to prevent a greasy, heavy dish that could compromise texture and flavor.
• Choose Quality Ravioli: Select fresh or high-quality frozen cheese ravioli for optimal taste and a more authentic Italian-style casserole experience.
• Spice Balance: Adjust Italian seasoning and garlic powder to personal preference, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors without overwhelming the dish.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Allow mozzarella to brown slightly for a golden, crispy top that adds delightful texture and rich caramelized notes to the casserole.
• Rest and Settle: Let the casserole sit for exactly 10 minutes after baking to help layers set and make serving easier without falling apart.

Tasty Swaps For Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free ravioli and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Lighter Calorie Version: Substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt and use part-skim mozzarella to reduce overall calorie content.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or hot Italian sausage to create a zesty, heat-packed rendition of the classic casserole.

Best Matches With Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Savor Complementary Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that harmonizes with the rich meat and cheese flavors, cutting through the creamy texture while enhancing the tomato sauce's brightness.
• Craft a Perfect Side Salad: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to balance the casserole's heaviness, adding a fresh, tangy counterpoint that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Elevate with Garlic Bread: Toast crusty Italian bread brushed with garlic-infused olive oil, creating a crunchy accompaniment that soaks up the delicious sauce and provides a textural contrast to the soft ravioli layers.

Dazzling Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy, comforting million dollar ravioli casserole brings Italian-inspired magic to dinner tables. Layers of rich pasta, savory meats, and melted cheese create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground italian sausage
• 16 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 package (12-16 ounces) large cheese ravioli

Sauce and Liquid:

• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup water

Topping and Seasonings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into crumbly pieces until no pink remains.
3. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture and set aside to cool slightly.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, eggs, and parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined.
5. Create the sauce by blending marinara, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and water in a separate bowl, stirring until thoroughly mixed.
6. Layer half of the cheese ravioli across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even base.
7. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the ravioli layer, followed by the cooked meat mixture.
8. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the meat layer for enhanced flavor.
9. Pour half of the prepared sauce over the meat, ensuring even coverage.
10. Add the remaining ravioli as a second layer, then cover with the rest of the sauce.
11. Generously top the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese.
12. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
13. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
14. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped basil.
15. Serve hot and enjoy this decadent million-dollar ravioli casserole.

Notes

• Meat Selection: Choose lean ground beef and mild Italian sausage to reduce excess grease and maintain a rich, balanced flavor profile.
• Cheese Variation: Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter texture or use part-skim varieties to cut down on calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional ravioli with gluten-free pasta or zucchini sheets to make the casserole suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spice Control: Adjust Italian seasoning and garlic powder levels to suit personal heat preferences, ensuring a customized taste experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 665
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 918 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 136 mg