If you are searching for a delightfully comforting dish that brings cheesy, meaty, and saucy layers together in perfect harmony, the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This casserole takes frozen cheese ravioli and transforms it into a showstopping meal packed with creamy ricotta, savory ground beef, rich marinara, and melty mozzarella. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent yet comes together with surprisingly simple steps. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to have everyone asking for seconds – and you’ll love how easy it is to make such a luxurious dish at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and color. From tender ravioli that soak up sauce to creamy cheeses and savory seasonings, every component complements one another beautifully.
- Frozen Cheese Ravioli: The convenient base that holds all the delicious layers together, no need to thaw before baking.
- Ground Beef: Adds hearty, rich flavor and a satisfying protein element to balance the cheeses.
- Cream Cheese: Provides a silky, creamy texture that blends smoothly with the ricotta and sour cream.
- Sour Cream: Brings a subtle tang and helps lighten the crispness of the cheese mixture.
- Ricotta Cheese: Offers that classic Italian cheesiness with a fluffy, slightly grainy texture.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Ensures the casserole gets that irresistible golden, bubbly cheese topping.
- Marinara Sauce: Infuses the dish with vibrant tomato flavor and aromatic Italian herbs.
- Garlic Powder: A simple seasoning that adds depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a savory note essential to Italian dishes.
- Fresh Basil: For garnish—adds freshness and a pop of color when serving.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will cook evenly, setting the stage for all the layers to come.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Make the Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s perfectly browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once done, drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy. Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce, along with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Let this mixture simmer for about five minutes to meld those savory flavors together.
Step 3: Create the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, blend 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, half a cup of sour cream, and 1 cup of ricotta cheese until silky smooth. This luscious cheese filling is what makes the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe feel so rich and comforting, giving every bite that velvety cheese pull.
Step 4: Assemble Your Layers
Now for the fun part! Start by spreading a layer of your meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, add half of the frozen cheese ravioli (no need to boil first), followed by dollops of half the cheese mixture and a generous sprinkling of 1 cup shredded mozzarella. Repeat this layering once more—sauce, ravioli, cheese mixture, and mozzarella—then top everything with the remaining sauce and cheese to finish off.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes to let all those flavors marry and the ravioli cook through. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese on top turns a gorgeous golden hue.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Give your casserole a 10-minute rest out of the oven so it can set and become easier to serve without falling apart. Just before serving, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top to brighten the flavors and add that inviting aroma.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe piping hot alongside your favorite salad or some warm garlic bread. Watch as the cheesy, meaty layers wow your friends and family, making every bite as indulgent as the name promises.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A scattering of fresh basil leaves adds a lovely herbal freshness that cuts through the richness, while a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add a sharp, salty contrast that makes the flavors pop even more.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads dressed with a simple vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables to bring in a fresh, healthy element. Classic garlic bread is also a perfect companion because it soaks up all those extra delicious juices on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the casserole family-style in the baking dish straight from the oven for that casual, comforting vibe. For a more elegant touch, plate individual servings with a drizzle of extra marinara and a small basil sprig on top. You can even add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you love a bit of a kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as enjoyable, if not better.
Freezing
This casserole freezes very well! Assemble it as instructed but don’t bake—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can cover the dish with foil while reheating to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli works beautifully and might even reduce your baking time slightly since it’s not frozen solid. Just keep an eye on it while baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based meat substitute for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, keeping it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh on the day you plan to serve.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with an equal amount of ricotta or even mascarpone if you want to keep that creamy texture without it being too sharp.
How spicy is the casserole?
This recipe is mild and crowd-friendly but feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want to give your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe a little heat.
Final Thoughts
The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a treasured secret between friends—yet it’s so easy to make and share. From the moment you pull it out of the oven with bubbling cheese and fragrant basil, it promises a comforting meal filled with love and satisfaction. Give this recipe a try soon; it just might become your new go-to comfort food that everyone at your table adores.
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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, layered baked pasta dish combining cheesy ravioli, savory ground beef marinara, and creamy ricotta and cream cheese mixture. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners, and topped with melted mozzarella and fresh basil for a deliciously rich finish.
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
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Fresh Basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef and Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Mix Cheeses: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread a layer of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, add half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer. Spoon half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat the layering: add remaining ravioli, cheese mixture, and mozzarella. Finish by spreading the remaining meat sauce and cheese mixture evenly on the top layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven, allowing it to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a bright and fresh flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole hot, ideally accompanied by a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Do not thaw the ravioli before assembling; use them directly from the freezer to prevent mushiness.
- To reduce fat, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially if your marinara sauce is already well seasoned.
- Covering the casserole while baking ensures the ravioli cook thoroughly and the cheese melts evenly without drying out.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a vegetarian version, swap ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or a meat substitute and ensure the marinara sauce is meat-free.
