If you’re looking for a quick and hearty meal that is sure to impress, look no further than this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. Combining the richness of cheesy ravioli with savory meat sauce, this dish is a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Whether you’re feeding a large family or preparing a meal for a special occasion, this casserole is a go-to recipe for a delicious dinner that everyone will love.
What is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that layers frozen ravioli, a flavorful meat sauce, and a rich blend of cheeses. The result is a cheesy, bubbly casserole that’s full of flavor and perfect for any night of the week. It’s a casserole that looks and tastes like it came from a five-star restaurant, yet it’s quick and simple enough for a busy weeknight meal. The combination of Italian flavors makes this dish a favorite among both adults and kids.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole:
- Frozen Cheese Ravioli – This is the base of the casserole. You can also use any type of ravioli you prefer, such as meat-filled or spinach.
- Ground Beef – For the meat sauce, ground beef adds a savory and hearty flavor.
- Marinara Sauce – A good marinara sauce gives the casserole a tangy, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with ravioli.
- Cream Cheese – The addition of cream cheese adds a creamy and decadent texture to the casserole.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Mozzarella gives the casserole that gooey, melty texture everyone loves.
- Parmesan Cheese – A sprinkle of Parmesan adds extra flavor and a touch of saltiness to balance out the dish.
- Italian Seasoning – This seasoning blend is essential for adding depth and an authentic Italian flavor to the meat sauce.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder – These simple seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Once browned, drain any excess grease and add your marinara sauce. Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While the meat sauce simmers, mix the cream cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth, creating a cheesy, creamy mixture that will be spread throughout the casserole.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
In a baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom. Next, layer the frozen ravioli over the sauce. Then, spread the creamy cheese mixture on top of the ravioli. Add another layer of meat sauce, and top everything with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and only a few ingredients, this dish is simple to put together.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, meaty goodness is loved by both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day before baking. It’s also freezer-friendly, so you can make it in advance and freeze it for a quick meal later.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce. You can also substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the casserole, while garlic bread is always a favorite for sopping up extra sauce.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting, cheesy meal with minimal effort. With its hearty layers of ravioli, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese filling, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a gathering, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. Try it tonight for a million-dollar dinner experience!
Serving and Storage Tips for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Serving Tips
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
- Garnish: For added flavor and a pop of color, sprinkle freshly chopped basil, parsley, or extra Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole just before serving.
- Side Dishes: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic bread to complement the richness of the casserole.
- Portion Control: This casserole is filling and packed with flavor, so a small serving goes a long way. Pair it with lighter sides to create a balanced meal.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let the casserole cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole freezes very well. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:
- From the fridge: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, covered, until heated through.
- From the freezer: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave. If reheating directly from the freezer, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes, then uncover for the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
Make-Ahead Tip
- You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. This is perfect for busy days when you want to prepare dinner ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole over multiple meals without compromising its taste and quality.
1. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh ravioli if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as fresh ravioli cooks faster than frozen. If using fresh, you might want to reduce the baking time by about 5-10 minutes, but always check that the cheese is melted and bubbly before serving.
2. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You can also use a meatless marinara sauce to keep the dish fully vegetarian.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole can be made ahead! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together for an even tastier meal.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! After the casserole has cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until bubbly and hot. You can also freeze the casserole before baking for a make-ahead meal.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This casserole features layers of cheesy ravioli, a creamy ricotta mixture, and a hearty meat sauce, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s indulgent, comforting, and sure to please the whole family!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen or fresh cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Ricotta Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little olive oil.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange half of the ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Customizations: Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the layers for extra veggies.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if chilled.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.