Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s as indulgent as it sounds, look no further than the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole! This dish combines layers of rich flavors with a creamy cheese mixture, tender ravioli, and a savory meat sauce that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Packed with cheese, meat, and pasta, this casserole earns its “million dollar” title for being rich in flavor and incredibly comforting. Dive into this ultimate crowd-pleaser and let it become a staple in your household. Read on for a step-by-step guide to making this mouthwatering dish!

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What is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a delightful combination of cheese-stuffed ravioli, savory marinara sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture. The key element that makes this recipe stand out is the addition of a rich, decadent cream cheese and ricotta blend, which gives the casserole its signature "million-dollar" richness. It’s similar to a baked lasagna, but with a more straightforward, quicker-to-assemble approach using ravioli as the pasta base. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a gathering of friends, this casserole is always a hit!

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

To prepare this decadent dish, you’ll need the following ingredients. These quantities will serve about 6–8 people, making it a great option for family dinners or leftovers.

For the Casserole:

1. Frozen Cheese Ravioli (25 oz.) – Use any brand of cheese-stuffed ravioli. You can substitute with meat-stuffed ravioli if desired.
2. Ground Beef (1 lb.) – Ground beef adds richness and heartiness to the dish. You can use ground turkey or Italian sausage as a substitute.
3. Marinara Sauce (24 oz. jar) – Any marinara or pasta sauce of your choice will work.
4. Cream Cheese (8 oz.) – Adds the "million-dollar" creaminess.
5. Ricotta Cheese (1 cup) – A crucial part of the cheese mixture.
6. Sour Cream (½ cup) – This balances the richness of the cream cheese and adds tang.
7. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups) – For that perfect melty top.
8. Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup) – Adds sharpness and depth to the dish.
9. Minced Garlic (2 cloves) – For extra flavor in the sauce.
10. Italian Seasoning (1 tsp) – Enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.
11. Salt and Pepper (to taste) – To season the meat and sauce.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Sauce

For the Meat Sauce:

1. Ground Beef (1 lb.) – Can be replaced with ground turkey or sausage for a variation.
2. Onion (1 medium, diced) – Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
3. Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – A must for any Italian-style dish.
4. Marinara Sauce (24 oz.) – A jarred sauce works great for ease, but homemade marinara will elevate the dish.
5. Olive Oil (1 tbsp.) – For sautéing the onions and garlic.
6. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – Adds a touch of heat if desired.
7. Fresh Basil (for garnish, optional) – Adds a fresh, aromatic finish to the casserole.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences.

• Protein Substitutions: Instead of ground beef, use ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage. For a vegetarian option, skip the meat entirely and load up on vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Sauce Variations: While marinara sauce is traditional, you can try a vodka sauce or Alfredo sauce for a creamier version. Alternatively, use a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a kick of heat.
• Ravioli Variations: Feel free to experiment with different ravioli fillings like spinach and cheese, lobster, or mushroom-stuffed ravioli for a gourmet twist.
• Cheese Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of ricotta, cottage cheese works as a lighter alternative. You can also try different cheeses like fontina, gouda, or provolone in the mozzarella layer for added complexity.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or a light coating of olive oil.
2. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the onions until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
4. Prepare the Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the browned meat, stirring to combine. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sour cream. Stir until smooth and well-blended.
6. Layer the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Add a single layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce.
7. Add the Cheese Mixture: Spoon half of the cream cheese and ricotta mixture over the ravioli, spreading it out evenly.
8. Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of sauce, followed by a second layer of ravioli, and the remaining cheese mixture.
9. Top with Cheese: Finally, spread the remaining meat sauce over the top layer of ravioli, then sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.
10. Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

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

This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, and by following these steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve in no time. The key to success is layering the ingredients properly and baking the casserole until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let’s break it down again:

1. Start with a meat sauce layer on the bottom to prevent the ravioli from sticking.
2. Layer frozen ravioli directly onto the sauce—there’s no need to cook the ravioli beforehand.
3. Add the creamy cheese mixture for that rich, indulgent texture.
4. Repeat the layers and finish with a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan for a perfect golden crust.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not seasoning the meat: Make sure to season the meat while it’s cooking to infuse the sauce with flavor.
• Overcooking the casserole: Baking the casserole for too long will dry out the cheese mixture and make the ravioli tough. Keep an eye on the casserole after removing the foil.
• Skipping the foil step: The foil helps retain moisture and allows the ravioli to cook through evenly without drying out.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To make this dish stand out, presentation is key! Serve the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole in the casserole dish straight from the oven, allowing everyone to see the beautiful golden-brown crust of melted cheese. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Serve the casserole with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the dish. A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, pairs wonderfully with the robust flavors of the casserole.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Individual Servings: For a fancier presentation, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes. This is perfect for dinner parties.
• Family Style: If you’re serving family-style, garnish the casserole with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley right before bringing it to the table.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, take it out of the fridge and add an additional 10 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: You can freeze this casserole before baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then follow the baking instructions.
• Doubling the Recipe: If you're feeding a crowd, you can easily double this recipe and bake it in two 9x13-inch dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
A: Yes, fresh ravioli can be used, but reduce the baking time by 10–15 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a vegetarian version.

Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for later use.

Q: What sides pair well with Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
A: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables are excellent side dishes that complement this casserole.

Conclusion

The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a decadent, satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply feeding your family, this casserole will impress with its rich, cheesy layers and comforting flavors. Simple to prepare yet packed with flavor, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why it’s worth every bite!

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