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
Scale
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.
