Quick & Savory Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Crafting a million dollar ravioli casserole will transport you to an Italian grandmother’s kitchen with pure comfort and flavor.

Layers of cheese-stuffed pasta create a mouthwatering melody of textures and tastes.

Hearty ingredients meld together in a bubbling, golden-topped dish that promises pure satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers warmth in every single bite.

Cheesy, rich, and utterly irresistible, the casserole brings restaurant-quality magic to your dining table.

Simple techniques and affordable ingredients combine to create something truly extraordinary.

You won’t believe how easily this crowd-pleasing masterpiece comes together – grab a fork and prepare for deliciousness.

Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Q&A

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

Yes, you can substitute ground beef and italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor profile.

• Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?

While fresh herbs can enhance flavor, dried herbs work perfectly fine in this recipe and are more convenient and budget-friendly.

• What if I can't find ravioli?

You can replace ravioli with cheese tortellini or even large pasta shells, which will still create a delicious and similar casserole.

• How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the meat with plant-based meat crumbles or increase vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach to create a hearty vegetarian version.

Why Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Are Irresistible

• Crowd-Pleasing Magic: A hearty casserole that brings everyone together with its irresistible layers of pasta, meat, and melted cheese, guaranteed to make taste buds dance.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: No complicated techniques required – just simple mixing and layering create a restaurant-worthy dish that looks like you've spent hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Meal Champion: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry group, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a showstopping meal that satisfies diverse appetites.
• One-Pan Wonder: Reduces kitchen cleanup with a single baking dish, making meal preparation and post-dinner tidying a breeze for busy home cooks.

What’s Inside Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substantial texture to the casserole.
• Italian Sausage: Adds a spicy and robust taste to enhance the overall meat sauce.

• Lasagna Noodles: Creates a sturdy base layer for the casserole with classic Italian pasta structure.
• Cheese Ravioli: Introduces an additional layer of cheesy goodness and creates a unique casserole experience.

• Ricotta Cheese: Provides a creamy and smooth texture to the cheese mixture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers a classic melty and stretchy cheese topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp and nutty flavor to complement the other cheeses.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta cheese mixture and adds structure.

• Marinara Sauce: Provides a classic tomato base with traditional Italian flavors.
• Tomato Sauce: Enhances the overall sauce depth and consistency.
• Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Adds authentic Italian herb seasonings to the meat sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Balances and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing garlic and preventing sticking.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic and savory undertones to the meat preparation.

How To Bake Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Right

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Sizzle the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and toss in minced garlic, letting it dance and release its fragrant magic over medium heat.

Step 3: Brown the Meat Medley

Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking them into tiny crumbles. Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden brown with no trace of pink.

Step 4: Drain and Season

Drain away the excess fat from the meat mixture and return it to the skillet. This keeps your dish from becoming too greasy.

Step 5: Create the Sauce Symphony

• Marinara sauce
• Tomato sauce
• Dried basil
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Pour the sauces into the meat and sprinkle in the herbs and seasonings. Stir until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 6: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Let the meat sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and become best friends.

Step 7: Whip Up the Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Beaten egg
• Half of the mozzarella cheese
• Half of the parmesan cheese

In a mixing bowl, combine these ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Create the First Layer

Spread lasagna noodles across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a solid foundation for your casserole.

Step 9: Build the Meat Layer

Spread a thin, even layer of meat sauce over the lasagna noodles.

Step 10: Add Ravioli Magic

Arrange uncooked ravioli in a single, beautiful layer on top of the meat sauce.

Step 11: Spread the Cheese Mixture

Evenly distribute the ricotta cheese mixture over the ravioli, ensuring every inch is covered.

Step 12: Pour Remaining Sauce

Drench the cheese layer with the remaining meat sauce, creating a rich and hearty base.

Step 13: Cheese Finale

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on top, creating a golden, crispy crown.

Step 14: First Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.

Step 15: Crisp and Golden

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 16: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes, allowing the layers to set and the flavors to settle before serving.

Tips For Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Perfection

• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more robust flavor profile.
• Choose Quality Ingredients: Select fresh Italian sausage and premium marinara sauce to elevate the overall taste and richness of the dish.
• Layer Strategically: Create even layers for consistent texture and ensure each bite delivers a perfect balance of pasta, meat, and cheese.
• Prevent Dryness: Cover with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture and keep ravioli and noodles from becoming tough or crispy.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow casserole to sit for 10 minutes after baking, enabling layers to set and making portion cutting easier and more precise.

Fun Twists For Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

• Vegetarian Ravioli Delight: Replace ground beef and sausage with a blend of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a hearty meat-free version.
• Spicy Mexican Ravioli Fiesta: Add diced jalapeños, swap marinara for salsa, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Seafood Sensation Ravioli: Substitute meat with shredded crab or chopped shrimp, use a light alfredo sauce, and sprinkle fresh herbs like dill and parsley.
• Mediterranean Herb Ravioli: Incorporate roasted red peppers, feta cheese, and a mix of fresh Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme for a flavor-packed alternative.

Yummy Pairings For Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies

• Savor Robust Red Wine Pairing: Full-bodied Italian red wines like Chianti or Sangiovese complement the rich meat and tomato sauce, enhancing the casserole's deep, hearty flavors with their tannic structure and fruity undertones.
• Elevate with Fresh Green Salad: Create a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy casserole, cutting through the richness with bright, zesty notes and providing a refreshing contrast.
• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread with herbs to soak up excess sauce, adding texture and complementing the Italian-inspired ingredients while providing a delightful side that elevates the entire meal experience.

How To Keep Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies Tasty

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep covered and place in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of extra marinara sauce to prevent drying out during reheating.
• Divide the casserole into individual servings before storing.

Polished Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 90 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Pasta paradise unfolds with Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, blending Italian-inspired comfort and cheesy indulgence. Layers of rich flavors and creamy textures promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 16 oz package of ravioli
• 1 box of lasagna noodles

Meat and Cheese:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb italian sausage
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large egg

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant over medium heat.
3. Add ground beef and italian sausage, breaking meat into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
4. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture and return to skillet.
5. Pour marinara sauce and tomato sauce into meat, stirring in dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer meat sauce for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
7. In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
8. Layer lasagna noodles across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a complete base.
9. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce over the lasagna noodles.
10. Arrange uncooked ravioli in a single layer on top of the meat sauce.
11. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the ravioli.
12. Pour remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer.
13. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on top.
14. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
15. Remove foil and continue baking for additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
16. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.

Notes

• Choose high-quality ground beef and Italian sausage with balanced fat content for maximum flavor depth and tender texture.
• Drain meat thoroughly after browning to prevent excess grease and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated sauce.
• Opt for fresh ricotta cheese and grate your own mozzarella and parmesan for superior melting and richer taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace lasagna noodles and regular ravioli with gluten-free alternatives, ensuring all ingredient brands are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 568
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 1020 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg