If you have been searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This casserole strikes the perfect balance between gooey cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender ravioli, all baked together into a bubbling, golden masterpiece. It’s the kind of meal that brings warmth to the table and makes any occasion feel a little more special. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s called “million dollar” – the rich flavors and hearty textures are truly priceless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable flavor explosion. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy cheeses to the well-seasoned meat sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Frozen Cheese Ravioli: Using frozen ravioli saves time without sacrificing flavor, providing a tender pasta base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and depth with its rich, savory taste once browned and combined with seasonings.
- Cream Cheese: Brings a smooth, velvety texture that enriches the overall cheese layer and complements the tangy ricotta.
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, balancing the richness perfectly in the cheese mixture.
- Ricotta Cheese: Gives a classic Italian creaminess and softness, key to a luscious, satisfying casserole.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Melts beautifully on top, creating that irresistible golden crust and gooey cheese pull.
- Marinara Sauce: Provides a robust and zesty tomato base that ties all the flavors together with herby goodness.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic hint that enhances every bite.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings brightness and a classic Italian flair to the meat sauce.
- Fresh Basil: Used as a vibrant garnish, adding color and a fresh, aromatic finish.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures a non-stick surface so that your casserole will come out effortlessly when serving, making cleanup easier too.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Marinara Sauce
Next, brown the ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy. Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together and gives the meat sauce an irresistible richness that will coat the ravioli perfectly.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese. Stir until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This cheesy blend adds a luscious texture and balances the acidity from the tomato sauce, creating a deliciously rich layer in the casserole.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients in the Baking Dish
Start by spreading a layer of the meaty sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish. Follow with half of the frozen ravioli, then spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the top, finishing with a generous sprinkling of shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers one more time, and then top everything with the remaining sauce and cheese. Layering the ingredients like this ensures every forkful delivers a perfect mix of meat, pasta, and cheese.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Cover your dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, which helps the ravioli cook through and heats the cheese layers evenly. After this, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to allow the top to bubble and develop a beautiful golden crust that’s just begging to be served.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, give your casserole a 10-minute rest to let everything set and cool slightly. This pause makes slicing easier and helps preserve its gooey yet structured texture. Sprinkle fresh basil over the top before serving to add a pop of color and a fresh, herbal aroma that complements every bite.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe is now ready to delight friends and family. Serve it piping hot, paired with a crisp salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. Get ready to enjoy a feast that tastes like it took hours to prepare but came together in under an hour!
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a classic garnish, adding not only vibrant green color but a lovely anise-like fragrance that lifts the dish. You can also sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little extra kick and depth to this already rich casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp Caesar salad to balance the richness or warm, buttery garlic bread that invites you to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli also add a nice textural contrast and a healthy touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve smaller portions in individual ramekins and garnish each with basil and Parmesan for a charming presentation. You can also layer the casserole in clear glass dishes for a visual display of creamy cheeses and vibrant marinara that’s sure to wow guests before the first bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for even tastier meals the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well for longer storage. Assemble the entire dish but do not bake. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions but watch closely to avoid overcooking. Adding a splash of water before microwaving helps retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli will work just as well, but adjust the baking time slightly as fresh pasta cooks faster. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based meat alternative. The marinara and cheese layers make it easy to customize.
What cheese can I substitute if I don’t have ricotta?
Ricotta is key for that creamy texture, but you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or even mascarpone for a richer taste.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble it up to a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
How spicy is the casserole?
The basic recipe is mild, but you can customize the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or sprinkling them on top before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that feels both indulgent and homey, and the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe is exactly that kind of meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without too much fuss. I can’t wait for you to make it, share it, and keep coming back to this comforting casserole again and again.
Print
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a comforting Italian-inspired baked dish featuring layers of frozen cheese ravioli, savory ground beef marinara, and a creamy blend of cheeses. This hearty casserole is easy to assemble and makes a flavorful family dinner with a gooey melted cheese topping and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (25 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli, used straight from the freezer
- 1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Ground Beef and Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until thoroughly browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Mix Cream Cheese Blend: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring all cheeses are well incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread a layer of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce, followed by half of the cream cheese mixture and shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process with the remaining ravioli, cream cheese mixture, and mozzarella, then top with the remaining meat sauce and cheese.
- Bake Covered and Uncovered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a fresh herbal note.
- Serve: Serve the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole hot, ideally alongside a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use frozen cheese ravioli directly from the freezer—no need to thaw.
- Make sure to drain the cooked ground beef well to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- Covering the casserole while baking helps the ravioli cook through and cheeses melt evenly.
- Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Fresh basil adds a bright finishing touch but can be omitted if unavailable.
