Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Are you looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for any occasion? This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is an absolute game-changer! With layers of cheesy goodness, meaty marinara, and tender ravioli, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or want to impress guests at a potluck, this dish delivers all the flavors of lasagna with a fraction of the effort. Read on to discover how to make this crowd-pleaser, and don’t forget to bookmark this page for your next cooking session!

What is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

The term Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole refers to a rich and decadent baked pasta dish that combines ravioli, ground meat, multiple cheeses, and marinara sauce into one cohesive casserole. The name “million dollar” hints at how luxurious and indulgent this meal tastes, even though it’s simple to prepare. Think of it as a cross between lasagna and baked ziti, but with the added ease of using pre-made ravioli.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to create a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying, with flavors that are sure to impress. Now, let’s dive into the key ingredients you’ll need to get started!

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Here's a breakdown of the main ingredients you'll need to create this delicious casserole:

1. Ravioli

• 2 (20-ounce) bags of frozen cheese ravioli
  The ravioli serves as the base of this casserole. You can use either cheese-filled or meat-filled ravioli depending on your preference. Frozen ravioli works best as it holds its shape well during baking and doesn’t require pre-boiling.

2. Ground Beef or Sausage

• 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage
  The meat component gives the dish its hearty, savory bite. If you prefer a spicier or more robust flavor, opt for Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

3. Marinara Sauce

• 2 cups of marinara sauce
  A high-quality jarred marinara sauce works perfectly, though you can also use homemade sauce if you prefer. The marinara acts as the glue that ties all the ingredients together.

4. Ricotta Cheese

• 1 cup of ricotta cheese
  Ricotta adds a creamy texture to the casserole, giving it that signature "million-dollar" taste. It adds richness without overpowering the other flavors.

5. Cream Cheese

• 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
  Cream cheese gives the dish an extra layer of creaminess, making it incredibly smooth and decadent.

6. Mozzarella Cheese

• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
  This will be sprinkled on top to create that irresistible gooey, cheesy finish once baked.

7. Parmesan Cheese

• ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  Parmesan adds sharpness and depth to balance out the richness of the ricotta and cream cheese.

8. Garlic and Onion

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  These aromatics enhance the flavor of the meat mixture and add complexity to the dish.

9. Salt, Pepper, and Italian Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
  The herbs and seasoning enhance the overall flavor profile and tie together the Italian-inspired elements of the casserole.

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Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is its versatility. Here are some easy substitutions and variations you can try:

• Ravioli Options: You can use spinach and cheese ravioli for a vegetarian option, or even try lobster or mushroom-filled ravioli for a gourmet twist.
• Protein Variations: Instead of ground beef or Italian sausage, you can opt for ground turkey, ground chicken, or a meatless alternative like crumbled tofu or lentils.
• Cheese Variations: Swap out mozzarella for provolone or fontina cheese for a different texture and flavor. If you like a sharper taste, increase the amount of Parmesan.
• Sauce Variations: If you’re not a fan of marinara, try using a vodka sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce instead.
• Additional Veggies: Add layers of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to sneak in some veggies and add extra flavor.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get into the actual process of assembling and baking this delicious casserole.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or a light layer of olive oil.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

In a large skillet, cook your ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat. Add in the diced onion and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix until everything is fully blended and creamy.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Start by spreading 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Place a layer of frozen ravioli on top. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli, then spoon half of the meat mixture on top of that. Repeat with another layer of sauce, ravioli, cheese mixture, and meat.

Step 5: Top with Cheese

Finish by spreading the remaining marinara sauce over the top layer of ravioli. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Let it Rest

Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will give the layers a chance to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

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

If you're a visual learner or prefer a simplified breakdown, here’s a quick recap of the process:

1. Preheat Oven: 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Meat: Brown ground beef or sausage with garlic and onion.
3. Prepare Cheese Mixture: Mix ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella.
4. Layer Ingredients: Sauce, ravioli, cheese mixture, meat. Repeat.
5. Top with Cheese: Add mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Draining the Meat: Failing to drain excess fat from the cooked meat can result in a greasy casserole. Always drain the meat thoroughly.
• Overcooking the Ravioli: Since frozen ravioli is pre-cooked, baking for too long can lead to mushy pasta. Stick to the recommended bake time.
• Skipping the Resting Time: Allowing the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking is crucial for getting clean slices and avoiding a soupy mess.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

You’ve put in the work, so now it’s time to serve up your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole in style! Here are some tips for serving and presenting the dish:

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Family Style: Place the casserole dish on the table with a large serving spoon so guests can help themselves.
• Individual Servings: Slice the casserole into squares and serve each portion on individual plates for a more elegant presentation. Pair with a green salad and garlic bread to complete the meal.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top of the casserole for a pop of color and added freshness.
• Add a Drizzle of Olive Oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and enhances the presentation.
• Serve with Sides: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables make excellent sides to complement this casserole.

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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. After assembling, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Double the Recipe: This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, but it also doubles well if you need to feed more people or want leftovers for later.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh ravioli, but reduce the baking time slightly, as fresh ravioli cooks faster than frozen.

2. How long does Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

3. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini would make great additions.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground meat and use a vegetable-based marinara sauce or additional veggies for a vegetarian version.

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Conclusion

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a dream come true for pasta lovers. It's easy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks. With its versatile ingredients and simple preparation, this casserole is bound to become a go-to in your recipe rotation. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and start cooking—you'll feel like a million bucks when you serve this mouth-watering casserole!

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