The Unforgettable Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Tucking into a comforting million dollar ravioli casserole brings pure culinary magic right to your plate.

Layers of cheesy goodness promise a delightful meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Pasta lovers will adore this decadent dish that combines simplicity with incredible flavor profiles.

Rich ingredients meld together, creating a stunning combination that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Creamy textures and robust seasonings make this recipe a standout among classic comfort foods.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of hearty ingredients and mouthwatering sensations.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible casserole that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Why Million Dollar Ravioli Is Worth Every Bite

• Simplify Kitchen Chaos: One-Pan Wonder that saves you from multiple dirty dishes and complicated cooking steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Layers of hearty meat sauce, cheesy ravioli, and melted cheese create an irresistible crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add extra veggies, or experiment with different cheese blends to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready – making weeknight dinners stress-free and delicious.

Ingredients to Build Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of the meat sauce and adds rich flavor to the casserole.
• Frozen Ravioli: Convenient pasta pockets that serve as the main starch component of the dish.

• Ricotta Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream: A creamy blend that creates a smooth and luxurious cheese mixture for layering.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A trio of cheeses that provide melty, golden topping with complex flavor profiles.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor to the casserole.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provide additional texture and fresh tomato taste to the meat sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a flavorful base.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a deep flavor foundation for the meat sauce.
• Oregano, Basil: Dried herbs that enhance the Italian-style seasoning of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.
• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering the casserole during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Turn your oven to 350°F and get ready for a mouthwatering adventure.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet.

• Onion
• Garlic

Cook until onions become translucent and garlic releases its amazing aroma.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces.

Cook until beautifully browned and drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Marinara sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Oregano
• Basil

Season with salt and pepper.

Let the sauce simmer and develop rich flavors for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Cottage cheese
• Sour cream

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

• Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom
• Arrange frozen ravioli
• Add half the cheese mixture
• Top with more meat sauce

Step 7: Complete the Layering

• Mozzarella cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Simple Tips for a 5-Star Ravioli Casserole

• Make sure to drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and excess grease.
• Opt for high-quality marinara sauce for enhanced flavor profile and richer taste.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like provolone or fontina for unique texture variations.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking for deeper flavor melding.
• Consider using fresh pasta ravioli instead of frozen for a more gourmet homemade feel.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with a Twist

• Spicy Southwest Ravioli Casserole: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo, add diced green chiles, swap marinara for enchilada sauce, and sprinkle pepper jack cheese on top for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean Ravioli Bake: Substitute meat with roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, use spinach and cheese ravioli, incorporate feta cheese, and season with Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme.
• Chicken Alfredo Ravioli Casserole: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef, substitute marinara with creamy alfredo sauce, add fresh spinach between layers, and top with extra parmesan and crispy bacon bits.

What to Serve with This Rich Ravioli Bake

• Pair Zesty Italian Red Wine: Select a bold Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the ravioli casserole, cutting through its creamy cheese layers with vibrant acidity.
• Serve Fresh Herb Garlic Bread: Create a crispy, golden side with crusty Italian bread rubbed with garlic and sprinkled with fresh parsley, perfect for soaking up the savory meat sauce.
• Balance with Crisp Caesar Salad: Prepare a light, tangy Caesar salad with crunchy romaine, homemade croutons, and a zesty dressing to contrast the casserole's hearty texture and provide a refreshing counterpoint.

Million Dollar Ravioli Leftovers Made Easy

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing for up to 2 months. Ensure complete cooling before freezing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.
• Microwave Quick Option: Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.

FAQs About This Million Dollar Casserole

• Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh ravioli works perfectly. Just reduce the initial baking time slightly to prevent overcooking.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.

• How can I make the casserole less rich?

Use low-fat ricotta, cottage cheese, and reduce the amount of cheese on top to cut down on calories and richness.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Gilded Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 60-65 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets luxury in this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, blending rich cheese-filled pasta with savory meat sauce. Creamy layers and golden cheese create an irresistible Italian-American dish that promises to delight your taste buds with each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 packages (25 ounces / 709 grams) frozen cheese ravioli
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 grams) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 226 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 226 grams) cottage cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 226 grams) sour cream
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters / 50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a spacious baking vessel for the layered casserole.
2. Sauté diced onions in olive oil over medium-high heat until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly.
3. Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, crumbling and browning thoroughly. Eliminate excess grease to ensure a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
4. Integrate marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and aromatic herbs like oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld flavors for 10 minutes.
5. Whisk ricotta, cottage cheese, and sour cream in a separate bowl until smooth and uniform.
6. Establish the casserole’s foundation by spreading a thin meat sauce layer in the baking dish. Arrange a single stratum of frozen ravioli, followed by an even distribution of cheese mixture and additional meat sauce.
7. Construct a second identical layer, completing with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses across the surface.
8. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, baking for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 15-20 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
9. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Drain excess fat thoroughly from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like fontina or provolone for a unique flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried when possible, as they provide a brighter, more vibrant taste that complements the rich meat sauce.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or lean ground beef to reduce overall calorie and fat content without sacrificing flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg