This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a total winner when it comes to comfort food! It’s the perfect blend of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and ravioli, all baked to bubbly perfection. Here’s a detailed version of your recipe with some extra tips to make it even better!
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
An easy, cheesy, and decadent dish that feels like a million bucks! This casserole is loaded with flavor, from the rich meat sauce to the creamy cheeses, and it’s sure to please the entire family. 🙌
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
For a hearty, flavorful base. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. - 1 small onion, chopped
Onion adds depth and savory flavor to the meat sauce. - 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic brings that aromatic, rich flavor to the sauce. - 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
A smooth marinara gives the perfect tomato flavor base. You can also use your favorite store-bought pasta sauce or homemade marinara if you have it. - 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
These tomatoes help thicken the sauce and add a bit more body, making the sauce rich and savory. - 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
The ravioli is the star of this dish! Frozen ravioli makes it super easy and convenient. Any type of cheese ravioli works, but spinach and cheese or meat-filled ravioli would also be delicious options. - 1 cup ricotta cheese
Ricotta adds a light, creamy texture to the casserole. - 1/2 cup sour cream
Sour cream gives the dish a tangy richness, contributing to the casserole’s creamy texture. - 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
Cream cheese makes the mixture even more indulgent and helps bind everything together. - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella is a must for that melty, gooey cheese topping! - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds that salty, nutty flavor to balance out the creaminess and gives a crispy top when baked. - 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
This adds a boost of herby flavor to the sauce and the cheese mixture. - Salt and pepper to taste
Adjust the seasoning to your taste to bring out the flavors. - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
A little fresh parsley at the end adds color and a hint of freshness to balance the richness of the dish.
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures that the casserole won’t stick to the pan and is easy to serve. - Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the beef is browned and the onion becomes soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat from the pan to avoid an oily casserole. - Make the Meat Sauce
Add the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, letting all the flavors meld together. - Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. This is the secret creamy layer that takes the casserole to the next level! - Assemble the Casserole
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then layer the casserole in this order:- Half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the ravioli
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Add a layer of meat sauce
- Place the remaining ravioli on top
- Add the remaining meat sauce
- Spread the remaining mozzarella cheese
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top
- Season the Casserole
Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the top of the casserole, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed. - Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This helps trap the steam and melt the cheeses without drying out the casserole.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden, crispy top. - Let It Cool & Serve
Once the casserole is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving so the layers can set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, if desired.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
A: Yes! If you use fresh ravioli, it might cook a bit quicker, so keep an eye on it. You might want to reduce the baking time slightly, or just make sure it’s cooked through before serving.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake it, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s fully heated through.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! You can skip the ground beef and instead use a meatless marinara sauce or add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to make a veggie-packed version of the casserole.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes really well! Assemble the casserole and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add about 45 minutes of baking time (covered with foil) at 350°F. Be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s hot all the way through.
Benefits of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole:
- Cheesy Comfort Food
This casserole is packed with melty mozzarella and creamy ricotta, making it the ultimate comfort food. The addition of cream cheese and sour cream gives it that indulgent, rich texture that everyone loves. - Protein-Packed
With the ground beef, this dish is high in protein, which helps with muscle repair and keeps you feeling full and satisfied. - Easy to Make
It’s simple to prepare, with minimal prep time. You can throw everything together, layer it, and let the oven do the work for you. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without too much fuss. - Perfect for Feeding a Crowd
This casserole makes a great family dinner or potluck dish since it serves a lot of people and is easy to scale up if you need more servings. - Customizable
You can easily customize this casserole by adding extra veggies, swapping out the meat, or adjusting the seasoning to your taste.
Final Thoughts:
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a surefire crowd-pleaser! The combination of cheese, savory meat sauce, and ravioli creates a dish that’s both hearty and comforting. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or when you just want to enjoy a delicious, cheesy meal with loved ones. Enjoy! 😋🍽️