Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both easy to make and full of cheesy, savory goodness? This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole combines rich flavors and textures to create a truly indulgent meal. Layers of cheese-filled ravioli, a creamy ricotta mixture, hearty meat sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella come together to make a casserole that tastes like a million bucks! Whether you’re feeding a family or serving guests, this dish is sure to impress. Stick around for the step-by-step guide to making this mouthwatering casserole.

What Is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a delicious baked dish that layers frozen or fresh cheese ravioli with a rich blend of cream cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese, along with a hearty ground beef or sausage tomato sauce. The result is a casserole that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. It’s similar to a lasagna but even easier to make since the ravioli provides the pasta and filling in one, saving you time while still delivering all the cheesy, meaty goodness.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this rich and delicious Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole:

1. Frozen Cheese Ravioli – 24-ounce bag of cheese-filled ravioli (you can also use fresh ravioli).
2. Ground Beef or Italian Sausage – 1 pound for a rich, meaty sauce.
3. Marinara Sauce – 24 ounces (store-bought or homemade works).
4. Ricotta Cheese – 1 cup, for creamy layers.
5. Cream Cheese – 8 ounces, softened for extra richness.
6. Sour Cream – ½ cup, to make the creamy mixture even tangier.
7. Mozzarella Cheese – 2 cups, shredded for topping and layering.
8. Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup, freshly grated for extra cheesy flavor.
9. Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon for seasoning.
10. Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon for a burst of herby flavor.
11. Salt and Pepper – To taste.
12. Fresh Parsley – For garnish (optional).

Additional Ingredients for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

For added texture or a personalized touch, try incorporating these additional ingredients:

1. Spinach – Add fresh or frozen spinach for extra nutrition and color.
2. Mushrooms – Sliced mushrooms can be sautéed with the ground beef for a richer, earthier flavor.
3. Red Pepper Flakes – For a bit of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes to the sauce.
4. Provolone Cheese – Substitute or combine with mozzarella for a more flavorful cheese blend.
5. Onion – Sautéed onions can add sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

There are many ways to customize this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole to suit your preferences:

1. Meatless Version – Skip the ground beef or sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a vegetarian version.
2. Different Ravioli Fillings – Try using spinach and cheese, mushroom, or beef ravioli to change up the flavors.
3. Lighter Version – Use light cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta to make a lower-calorie version of the casserole.
4. Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free ravioli and make sure the marinara sauce is gluten-free.
5. Sausage Swap – If you prefer a more flavorful meat, swap out ground beef for Italian sausage or use a mix of both for added depth.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make a perfect Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Use a spoon to break it up into small crumbles. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
3. Add the Marinara: Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked meat and simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Prepare the Creamy Layer: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese until smooth and well combined.
5. Layer the Casserole: Begin by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Then, add half of the frozen cheese ravioli in an even layer over the sauce. Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli, followed by another layer of meat sauce. Repeat the process with the remaining ravioli, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

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

1. Layer the Ingredients: Always start with a layer of sauce to prevent the ravioli from sticking to the dish. Alternate between ravioli, cheese mixture, and meat sauce for perfectly balanced layers.
2. Use Frozen Ravioli: No need to thaw the ravioli. Using frozen ravioli helps ensure they don’t overcook and become mushy in the oven.
3. Bake Covered, Then Uncovered: Baking covered helps the casserole heat evenly, while removing the foil at the end ensures a crispy, golden cheese topping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Softening the Cream Cheese – If your cream cheese isn’t softened, it won’t mix smoothly into the ricotta and sour cream, leaving clumps in the casserole.
2. Overcooking the Ravioli – Don’t cook the ravioli before assembling the casserole. They’ll cook perfectly in the oven and absorb the sauce as they bake.
3. Skipping the Draining Step – If you don’t drain the excess fat from the ground beef or sausage, the casserole may turn out greasy.
4. Undercooking the Casserole – Make sure to let the casserole bake for the full time to ensure all the cheese layers melt and blend together.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a hearty dish that doesn’t need much more, but you can elevate the meal with a few side dishes and serving ideas:

1. Serve with Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread or buttery rolls is perfect for scooping up all that delicious sauce and cheese.
2. Add a Green Salad: A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette or Caesar dressing can balance the richness of the casserole.
3. Pair with Wine: Serve the casserole with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot to complement the Italian flavors.

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Family Style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a family-style meal. Let everyone help themselves to generous portions.
• Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, plate individual portions and top each with a little extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
• Leftovers: This dish is great for leftovers. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave for easy lunches or dinners.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

1. Cast-Iron Skillet: For a rustic presentation, bake and serve the casserole in a large cast-iron skillet.
2. Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving to brighten up the dish.
3. Cheese Broiler Finish: For an extra golden, bubbly top, place the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe Tips

1. Prep Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.
2. Double the Recipe: This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing for later. Simply double the recipe and bake in two dishes.
3. Add Veggies: Sneak in some nutrition by adding layers of spinach or zucchini between the ravioli and cheese.
4. Freeze for Later: To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes! You can use fresh ravioli, but keep in mind that the cooking time may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on it while baking.

Can I freeze Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

How long will leftovers last?

Leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

What other cheeses can I use?

While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, you can also use provolone, gouda, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a richer flavor.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! You can omit the ground beef or sausage and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With layers of cheesy ravioli, creamy filling, and hearty meat sauce, it’s an easy yet indulgent dish that tastes like a million bucks! Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just because, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and enjoy a meal that’s simple to prepare but packed with flavor!

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