Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender ravioli with a rich meat sauce and a decadent three-cheese mixture. This luxurious dish earns its “million dollar” name from its creamy, indulgent layers that create an elevated take on traditional pasta bakes. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this casserole delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies both cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts
• The make-ahead friendly nature makes it perfect for busy weeknights
• Layers of different textures and flavors create a truly satisfying meal
• Simple ingredients transform into something that tastes truly special
• It feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully for leftovers

Ingredients

• Ravioli: Use frozen or fresh cheese ravioli as your base. The cheese-filled pasta adds an extra layer of richness to this already decadent dish.
• Ground Beef: Provides savory flavor and hearty texture. For a flavor boost, substitute with Italian sausage or use a 50/50 blend of both meats.
• Onion: A small yellow or white onion adds aromatic sweetness. Dice it finely so it melts into the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic creates an aromatic base for the sauce. Adjust quantities based on your garlic preference.
• Marinara Sauce: The foundation of the meat sauce layer. Choose a high-quality jar sauce for convenience, or use homemade if you prefer.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creates the creamy, luxurious layer that makes this casserole special. Full-fat ricotta provides the best texture and flavor.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and richness to the cheese mixture. Full-fat works best, but light can be substituted.
• Cream Cheese: Contributes velvety smoothness to the cheese layer. Allow it to soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent for the cheese layer, giving it structure when baked.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the rich flavors with herbaceous notes. Dried can be substituted but fresh is preferred.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates that irresistible melty, stretchy cheese pull when served. Use freshly shredded for best melting properties.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and a slightly nutty finish to the casserole. Freshly grated provides the best flavor.

Variations

Vegetarian Version

Transform this dish into a meat-free delight by omitting the ground beef and doubling up on veggies. Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach until tender, then mix with the marinara sauce. The umami from mushrooms provides a satisfying substitute for meat, while maintaining the hearty texture.

Spicy Arrabbiata Style

Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes to your meat sauce and using a spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of traditional marinara. Add some diced pepperoncini peppers to the cheese mixture for an extra flavor dimension. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of some of the mozzarella for an additional spicy element.

Seafood Ravioli Casserole

Create a gourmet coastal version by using seafood ravioli and replacing ground beef with sautéed shrimp or crab meat. Use a lighter sauce with a touch of white wine and cream, and incorporate herbs like dill and chives into your cheese mixture for a refreshing seafood twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Brown the ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat to ensure your sauce isn’t greasy. Add minced garlic and sauté for just a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, and sour cream, mixing until smooth. Add the egg, which will help bind the mixture during baking, along with chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a creamy, consistent mixture. This cheese layer is what gives the casserole its “million dollar” decadence.

Step 3: Layer and Bake the Casserole

Begin by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your greased baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange half the ravioli in a single layer, then spread half the ricotta mixture on top, followed by half the remaining meat sauce and a cup of mozzarella. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake 10-15 minutes more until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t boil the ravioli before assembling – it will cook perfectly in the oven and absorb flavors from the sauce
• Let cream cheese come completely to room temperature for the smoothest cheese mixture
• Use a rubber spatula to spread the ricotta mixture – it can be thick and challenging to distribute evenly
• Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set up properly for cleaner serving
• Shred your own mozzarella from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese for better melting
• If you notice excess liquid after baking, it’s likely from the ravioli – using higher quality ravioli can reduce this issue

How to Serve

Serve this indulgent casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread makes an excellent side for sopping up extra sauce. For a complete meal, add some roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. When plating, garnish with fresh basil leaves or additional chopped parsley for a pop of color. A light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can be offered at the table for those who enjoy a touch of heat.

Make Ahead

This casserole is perfect for make-ahead preparation. You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When ready to cook, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time if it’s still cold.

For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap well in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of ravioli?

While this would create more of a traditional lasagna than a ravioli casserole, you could certainly layer no-boil lasagna noodles with the same fillings. You might need to add a bit more sauce to ensure the noodles have enough liquid to cook properly.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the edges are bubbling, the cheese topping is golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you insert a knife into the center, it should feel hot to the touch when removed.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and use a vegetable-based marinara sauce. You could add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini to the sauce for added texture and nutrients.

Why is my casserole watery?

Excess liquid usually comes from the ravioli or ricotta. To prevent this, you can try draining the ricotta in a fine-mesh sieve for 30 minutes before using it. Also, make sure your meat sauce isn’t too thin – simmer it until it reaches a thick consistency.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the perfect blend of convenience and luxury, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and three different cheeses create a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether for a family dinner, potluck, or special occasion, this casserole is guaranteed to impress. Give this recipe a try when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen.

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