Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that combines comfort and indulgence? The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is just what you need! This ultra-rich, cheesy, and flavorful casserole takes classic ravioli to the next level by layering it with creamy cheeses, tangy marinara sauce, and savory meat. Whether you're serving a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to put together, making it the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions. Read on for the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips to ensure your casserole is nothing short of "million-dollar" deliciousness.

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What is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a baked pasta dish that layers frozen or fresh ravioli with a rich cheese mixture, ground meat, and marinara sauce. It's similar to lasagna in its layering technique, but instead of lasagna noodles, you use ravioli filled with cheese or meat. The "million-dollar" part of the dish comes from its incredibly creamy, indulgent filling that includes cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella, giving the casserole a luxurious texture and flavor. The final result is a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this indulgent Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole:

• 1 bag (24 oz) frozen cheese or meat ravioli – You can use fresh ravioli as well if available.
• 1 lb ground beef – Adds a savory, hearty layer to the casserole.
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce – Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese – For creaminess in the layers.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened – Provides a rich, tangy base for the cheese mixture.
• 1 cup sour cream – Adds extra creaminess and tang.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – A must for that gooey, melted top layer.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For a salty, nutty flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – To enhance the flavors of the dish.
• Salt and pepper – To taste.
• Optional toppings: Fresh parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, or extra Parmesan for serving.

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is that it’s versatile and easy to customize to your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:

• Ground sausage or ground turkey can replace ground beef for a different flavor profile.
• To make the dish vegetarian, simply omit the meat or replace it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based meat substitute.
• Use gluten-free ravioli if you have dietary restrictions.
• For a lower-fat version, substitute light cream cheese and low-fat sour cream. You can also use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
• Change up the flavor by adding different herbs or spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat, while fresh basil can add a burst of freshness.
• Use other types of ravioli, like spinach and ricotta or chicken-filled, for a unique twist on the traditional cheese or meat options.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's walk through how to make this delicious Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole step by step.

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for added flavor. Once cooked, drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the mozzarella cheese (1 cup). Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with a little salt and pepper, and set the cheese mixture aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Now it's time to layer the casserole:

• Spread about ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Add a layer of frozen ravioli (no need to thaw) on top of the sauce, arranging them in a single layer.
• Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the ravioli.
• Add half of the cooked ground beef on top of the cheese mixture.
• Spoon about 1 cup of marinara sauce over the meat layer.
• Repeat the layers: add another layer of ravioli, the rest of the cheese mixture, the remaining ground beef, and the rest of the marinara sauce.

Step 5: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese (1 cup) and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole, creating a cheesy crust.

Step 6: Bake

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

Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not draining the meat: Be sure to drain the excess fat from the ground beef before adding it to the casserole. Too much grease can make the dish overly oily.
• Skipping the resting time: Letting the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking helps it set, so don’t skip this step. Cutting into it too soon can result in a messy, runny casserole.
• Using too little sauce: The ravioli will absorb some of the sauce as it cooks, so make sure you use enough marinara to keep the dish moist and flavorful.
• Overbaking the cheese: If the cheese starts to get too brown before the casserole is done, cover the dish loosely with foil during the final minutes of baking to prevent burning.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When serving the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, you can add simple touches to make the meal feel special:

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, basil, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty French bread to mop up the extra sauce.
• Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
• For a more formal presentation, serve the casserole in individual portions on pre-warmed plates.

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

This dish is perfect for a family-style dinner. Simply scoop portions of the casserole straight from the baking dish onto plates. Since it’s a hearty dish, it doesn’t need much in terms of sides, but a light salad or vegetable side dish works well. If you’re hosting a gathering, serve the casserole in the center of the table and let guests help themselves.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Serve the casserole directly from the oven to the table in an attractive baking dish or a deep, rustic cast-iron skillet.
• For individual servings, plate each portion neatly and garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Use colorful napkins or place settings to complement the rich red sauce and golden cheese topping.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and bake when you're ready.
• Freezer-friendly: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the baking instructions.
• Customizable filling: Add layers of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables between the ravioli layers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Don’t skimp on cheese: The richness of the cheese mixture is what gives this dish its “million-dollar” taste, so make sure to use plenty of it for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh ravioli in this recipe. Just keep in mind that fresh ravioli may cook faster, so check the doneness as you bake the casserole.

2. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef or replace it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or plant-based meat alternatives.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or the whole casserole in the oven.

4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

5. What type of ravioli works best?
Cheese or meat ravioli are the most popular choices, but you can experiment with spinach-ricotta, mushroom, or other flavors depending on your preference.

Conclusion

The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich layers of pasta, cheese, and savory meat into one heavenly dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this casserole is sure to impress. With easy-to-find ingredients, simple assembly, and a taste that feels like a million bucks, this recipe will become a staple in your home. Don't hesitate to try out different variations and make it your own—this is a dish that can be tailored to suit every palate! Enjoy!

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