Easy Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe That Wows Every Time

Tucking into a hearty million dollar ravioli casserole brings pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Layers of pasta, cheese, and savory sauce promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Weeknight dinners demand something special that doesn’t consume hours of preparation.

Comfort food enthusiasts will adore this uncomplicated yet impressive dish that looks like it came from a gourmet kitchen.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary without complicated techniques.

Cheesy, rich, and satisfying, this casserole might become your new go-to meal when you want something delicious and fast.

Let’s transform basic ingredients into a memorable feast that everyone will be talking about.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Ravioli: Pasta pillows that form the foundational base of this comforting dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato sauce that adds a tangy and robust flavor profile.

• Cottage Cheese, Ricotta, Sour Cream, Mozzarella, Parmesan: A creamy cheese blend that creates a luxurious and smooth texture throughout the casserole.

• Garlic, Basil, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste and provide depth to the meat sauce.

• Olive Oil, Fresh Parsley: Olive oil helps sauté the ingredients, while fresh parsley offers a bright garnish for the finished dish.

How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and cook until it releases its aromatic fragrance.

Introduce ground beef and cook thoroughly, making sure to drain any excess fat after browning.

Step 3: Enhance the Meat Sauce

• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors together.

Step 4: Prepare Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Cottage cheese
• Ricotta cheese
• Sour cream
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Blend the ingredients until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

• First layer: Half of the ravioli
• Second layer: Cheese mixture
• Third layer: Half of the meat sauce
• Fourth layer: Remaining ravioli

Step 6: Top and Finish

• Remaining meat sauce
• Additional mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Bake and Serve

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden and the casserole becomes bubbly.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top before serving.

Pro Tips for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Remove as much grease as possible from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a lighter, more appetizing dish.
• Mix cheeses well to create a creamy, uniform texture that distributes evenly throughout the casserole for maximum flavor in every bite.
• Alternate ravioli and sauce layers carefully to ensure each serving gets a perfect balance of pasta, meat, and cheese.
• Select a rich, flavorful marinara sauce or make your own to elevate the overall taste of the casserole.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, hearty casserole.

Variations on Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Vegetarian Comfort: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the rich, hearty texture while creating a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap traditional ravioli with gluten-free pasta or zucchini ribbons, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy this comforting dish.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute ravioli with cauliflower or eggplant layers, reducing carbohydrates while preserving the cheesy, saucy essence of the original recipe.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use cashew ricotta, coconut-based sour cream, and dairy-free mozzarella to create a creamy casserole suitable for those avoiding dairy products.

Serving Suggestions for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Perfect Pasta Plate Companions
• Fresh Garden Salad: Crisp mixed greens tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and light vinaigrette to balance the rich casserole flavors.
• Garlic Bread Delight: Warm, crusty Italian bread brushed with olive oil and herbs, perfect for soaking up extra sauce from the casserole.
• Wine Pairing Pleasure: Medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the beef and tomato sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Herbal Freshness Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top to add brightness and a pop of color to the hearty dish.

How to Store Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese topping.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even ground chicken for variety and different flavor profiles.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the refrigerator.

• Can I freeze this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

What Makes Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole So Good

• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add extra vegetables, or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences without complicated cooking techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: This crowd-favorite recipe works brilliantly for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners where everyone craves something filling and delicious.
• Quick Assembly Magic: Minimal prep steps and straightforward layering mean you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table with minimal kitchen stress and maximum flavor impact.

Luxurious Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy million dollar ravioli casserole brings Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with irresistible layers of pasta, meat, and rich sauce. Cheese lovers will devour this hearty baked dish that promises warmth and satisfaction in every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Proteins:

• 1 package (25 ounces / 709 grams) frozen cheese ravioli
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheeses:

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 grams) marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame. Mince garlic and sauté until aromatic. Add ground beef and brown completely, then eliminate excess grease.
3. Incorporate marinara sauce with dried herbs and seasoning. Allow mixture to simmer and develop flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
4. Create a creamy cheese blend by combining cottage cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and shredded mozzarella in a mixing bowl.
5. Construct initial layer of ravioli across bottom of baking dish, spreading half the prepared cheese mixture evenly.
6. Distribute half the seasoned meat sauce over cheese layer, then arrange remaining ravioli on top.
7. Complete casserole with final meat sauce coating, sprinkle additional mozzarella and grated Parmesan across surface.
8. Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts and edges turn golden brown.
9. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of this comforting casserole.
• Use whole wheat or spinach ravioli for added nutrition and a subtle flavor variation.
• Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option that works perfectly for different dietary needs.
• Drain meat thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a crisp, delicious top layer when baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 495 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg