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
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
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.
