Experience the comforting flavors of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, featuring layers of cheese ravioli, robust meat sauce, and creamy, cheesy topping. This easy-to-make dish combines frozen cheese ravioli, ground beef, marinara sauce, cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan, and mozzarella for a decadent weeknight dinner.
Every family has that one recipe that feels like a warm hug, and in ours, it's the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. This dish started as a happy accident when I tried to merge my grandmother’s classic lasagna with a quicker, weeknight-friendly option. Armed with a bag of frozen ravioli and a creative spirit, I experimented one lazy Sunday afternoon. The result was a casserole so rich and satisfying that my family declared it could be sold for a million dollars! Now, it’s our go-to for comforting dinners, especially on chilly evenings or when we need a little extra cheer around the dinner table.
Why You'll Love The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
The charm of the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole lies in its simplicity coupled with its gourmet feel.
- Firstly, it utilizes everyday ingredients like frozen ravioli and jarred marinara, making it accessible and easy to prepare.
- Secondly, the combination of cream cheese and sour cream with classic Italian seasonings gives this dish a rich, creamy texture that balances the acidity of the marinara beautifully.
- Lastly, it’s incredibly versatile, perfect for a cozy family dinner or dressed up for a potluck. Every bite of this casserole promises a cheesy, satisfying experience that brings everyone back for seconds.
Ingredients Notes & Tips
Introducing the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Here’s a closer look at some of the star ingredients that make this recipe a standout:
- Frozen Cheese Ravioli: A convenient and tasty base that saves time and adds a cheesy depth to the casserole.
- Ground Beef: Adds a meaty, hearty flavor to the dish, making it a robust meal option.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite brand to bring a tomato-rich flavor that serves as the backbone of the sauce.
- Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: These two bring a creamy, tangy contrast to the richness of the marinara and meat.
- Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese: A dual-cheese layer that melts into an irresistible golden topping, perfect for that stretchy cheese pull we all love.
- Seasonings (Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt): These spices are simple but essential for achieving that classic Italian flavor profile.
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How To Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Let’s dive into making your own Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, a recipe that’s sure to win hearts at any dinner table. Here’s how to put it all together:
- Preparation: Start by preheating your oven and greasing your baking dish. This ensures your casserole cooks evenly and sticks less.
- Cook the Meat: Brown your ground beef until it’s fully cooked—this is crucial for the texture and safety of your dish. Stir in the marinara sauce afterwards, setting the stage for your layered creation.
- Mix the Creamy Filling: Blend the cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan, and seasonings until smooth. This mixture will coat the ravioli, giving them a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Layer the Casserole: First, spread your ravioli at the bottom of the dish, followed by the meaty marinara sauce, and finally, sprinkle with mozzarella and the rest of the parmesan. These layers work together to create a melty, cheesy crust on top with tons of flavor beneath.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil to keep the moisture in and bake. Removing the foil towards the end allows the top to get beautifully golden and bubbly.
Storage Options
Leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole stores wonderfully, making it a great make-ahead meal. Simply cover the casserole dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warm.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is its adaptability. Here are some ideas to customize it to your taste:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or even sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers for a veggie-packed dish.
- Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as ricotta or smoked provolone for different flavors and textures.
- Pasta Choices: Although cheese ravioli is traditional, using meat-filled ravioli or even tortellini can offer a delightful twist on the original recipe.
- Sauce Variations: Spice up the marinara sauce with red pepper flakes for a kick, or add pesto for an aromatic flavor boost.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Ingredients
- One 25-ounce package of frozen cheese ravioli
- One pound of ground beef
- One 28-ounce jar of marinara sauce
- Eight ounces of cream cheese softened
- One cup of sour cream
- One cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- One teaspoon of garlic powder
- One teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Half a teaspoon of salt
- Two cups of grated mozzarella cheese divided
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to preheat at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Concurrently, apply a nonstick cooking spray to a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is thoroughly browned and no longer pink, ensuring it is crumbled for even cooking. Drain any excess grease and stir in the marinara sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Combine the Cheese Mixture: In a substantial mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, half of the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt until the mixture achieves a uniform and smooth consistency. Carefully add the frozen ravioli to the bowl, folding gently to coat each piece evenly without breaking.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the ravioli and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Proceed to evenly distribute the meat sauce over the ravioli layer. Sprinkle the surface with the remaining Parmesan cheese and one cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubly and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting period helps the layers set for easier slicing. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, layered flavors of your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.
