Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is an indulgent, baked pasta dish that combines layers of rich, creamy cheeses, hearty ground beef, and tender cheese ravioli, all topped with a delicious, bubbly crust. This casserole offers a luxurious spin on traditional baked pasta dishes, with a flavor profile that is rich, comforting, and utterly irresistible.
The name “Million Dollar” comes from the luxurious combination of ingredients that make this dish feel extra special. Cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan all blend together for an incredibly creamy, cheesy experience that gives the dish a decadent, rich taste—worthy of the “million-dollar” label. Popular for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings, this casserole is a go-to comfort food that’s easy to make yet delivers an elevated, homemade feel.
Ingredients Breakdown and Importance
Ground Beef Ground beef is the base protein in this casserole, providing a hearty and savory flavor that complements the cheese and pasta. It adds richness and depth, making the dish satisfying and balanced. For those looking for alternatives, turkey or Italian sausage can be used, or a vegetarian option like plant-based ground meat.
Marinara Sauce and Crushed Tomatoes A combination of marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes forms the tangy, savory tomato base of the casserole. This blend brings both the smoothness of marinara and the texture of crushed tomatoes, offering a well-rounded flavor. The sauce can be customized with fresh tomatoes or homemade marinara for an extra touch.
Cheese Trio: Ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan Ricotta adds creaminess and lightness to the layers, while mozzarella provides the gooey, melted texture that makes casseroles so satisfying. Parmesan contributes a salty, nutty flavor and creates the golden crust on top, perfect for a balanced cheese trifecta.
The Frozen Cheese Ravioli Frozen cheese ravioli is a convenient time-saver in this recipe, making it easy to assemble. It’s essential to choose a high-quality brand that features tender pasta and a flavorful cheese filling for the best results.
Cream Cheese and Sour Cream These ingredients work together to add a velvety, rich texture to the casserole. They balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the creaminess of the ricotta and mozzarella, giving the dish its signature “million-dollar” richness.
Seasonings: Italian Seasoning, Salt, and Pepper Seasonings are essential to elevate the flavor of the casserole. Italian seasoning blends herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, enhancing the Italian flavors of the dish. Salt and pepper ensure the casserole is well-seasoned, bringing out the best in the other ingredients.
Optional Garnish: Fresh Parsley Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to the finished dish, enhancing both presentation and flavor. It provides a light contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole, making it an optional but worthy addition.
Step-by-Step Instructions and Expert Tips
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Dish Before you begin assembling the casserole, it’s important to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly from the start. Greasing the 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of oil or butter prevents the casserole from sticking, which makes serving and cleaning up easier. Proper greasing also contributes to the formation of a nicely browned, crisp edge on the casserole.
Cooking the Ground Beef, Onion, and Garlic In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Make sure to break the beef apart as it cooks to avoid large clumps. Browning the meat is essential to developing its full flavor; however, you’ll want to avoid overcooking, as this can dry out the beef. Once the beef is browned and the onions are soft and translucent, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Onions and garlic form the flavor base of the sauce, adding sweetness and a touch of savory depth. As they cook together with the beef, their natural sugars caramelize slightly, which enhances the richness of the casserole.
Creating the Meat Sauce Once the beef is cooked, stir in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. The marinara provides a smooth, well-seasoned tomato base, while the crushed tomatoes add texture. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you want to make the sauce more personal, you can customize it with additional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. For an extra kick, crushed red pepper flakes or Italian sausage can be added to make the dish spicier.
Mixing the Ricotta, Sour Cream, and Cream Cheese In a separate bowl, combine ricotta, sour cream, and softened cream cheese. These ingredients make up the creamy layer that elevates the richness of the casserole. To get a smooth, lump-free consistency, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. Using a spatula or hand mixer, blend the cheeses together until the mixture is uniform and creamy. This step is key to achieving the “million-dollar” texture that makes the dish so decadent.
Layering the Casserole Layering is a crucial part of the assembly process, ensuring that every bite contains a perfect mix of meat, cheese, and ravioli. Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of your greased baking dish. This prevents the ravioli from sticking to the dish and adds moisture to the bottom layer.
Next, arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer on top of the sauce. Make sure the ravioli are spaced evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Spread the creamy ricotta mixture over the ravioli, ensuring it covers the entire layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta for an extra layer of gooeyness.
After this, spread another layer of the meat sauce over the mozzarella. Follow this with the remaining frozen ravioli, ensuring you’ve covered the dish evenly. Finish with the rest of the meat sauce, mozzarella cheese, and sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top. This final touch creates a beautifully golden, crisp topping when baked.
Baking the Casserole Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil. This traps in moisture, allowing the ravioli to cook fully and the cheeses to melt into creamy perfection. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil for the last 15 minutes. This allows the cheese to brown and become bubbly, giving you that signature golden crust. Keep an eye on the casserole during the final few minutes to ensure it doesn’t over-brown.
Letting It Rest and Garnishing Once the casserole is baked to perfection, let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve without the ingredients sliding apart. Garnishing with freshly chopped parsley adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole, balancing the richness with a hint of herbaceousness.
Expert Tips for Making Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Choosing the Best Ravioli When selecting ravioli, quality matters. Frozen cheese ravioli is ideal for this dish because it holds up well during baking and blends with the other ingredients without turning mushy. You can choose between cheese-filled or meat-filled ravioli depending on your preference. For a more robust flavor, opt for ravioli filled with a blend of cheeses like ricotta and Parmesan. If you prefer to use fresh ravioli, reduce the baking time slightly, as fresh pasta cooks faster than frozen.
Customizing the Recipe The beauty of this casserole is its versatility. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste. Consider adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or diced zucchini to the layers for extra vegetables. If you’re a fan of spice, swap the ground beef for spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. For those who enjoy a more robust flavor, incorporating smoked mozzarella or adding a handful of fresh basil to the ricotta mixture can elevate the dish even further.
Making It Ahead of Time This casserole is perfect for meal prep or serving guests at a later time. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake according to the instructions. You may need to add an extra 10–15 minutes of baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
Freezing and Reheating Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or meal prepping. To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual. If baking from frozen, add an additional 20–30 minutes to the covered baking time.
Reheating leftovers is easy. Simply cover the portion with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Dietary Adjustments This recipe can be adjusted to meet various dietary needs. To make it gluten-free, substitute regular ravioli with gluten-free ravioli available in most grocery stores. For a low-carb or keto version, swap out the ravioli for zucchini or eggplant slices, and use a low-carb marinara sauce. Vegetarian versions are easy to achieve by using meatless ground or omitting the beef altogether and adding more vegetables.
These tips and techniques ensure that your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole turns out perfectly every time, whether you’re making it for the first time or customizing it to your own tastes.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing
What to Serve with Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
While Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a hearty and satisfying main dish on its own, pairing it with the right sides and beverages can elevate the meal to another level. Here are some perfect side dishes and drink pairings to complement the richness of this casserole.
Perfect Side Dishes
- Garlic Bread or Cheesy Breadsticks
The classic pairing for a rich Italian-inspired casserole is a side of garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks. The buttery, garlicky flavor of the bread complements the savory, cheesy notes of the casserole, while offering a crispy contrast to the soft pasta layers. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, opt for cheesy garlic bread for an additional layer of comfort. - Light Salad with Italian Vinaigrette
To balance out the richness of the casserole, a fresh, crisp salad is the ideal accompaniment. A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy Italian vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of the ravioli dish. Adding ingredients like olives or red onions can give the salad a more Mediterranean feel.
Beverage Pairings
- Recommended Wines
For those who enjoy wine with dinner, Italian reds are the perfect match for this casserole. A Chianti pairs beautifully, with its fruity notes and acidity cutting through the richness of the cheeses. If you prefer a bolder wine, a Zinfandel offers spicier, jammy flavors that complement the savory meat sauce and cheeses. - Non-alcoholic Options
For a non-alcoholic pairing, sparkling water with a splash of lemon is a refreshing choice that helps cleanse the palate between bites. Alternatively, iced tea, either unsweetened or lightly sweetened, provides a cool, crisp contrast to the warmth and richness of the casserole.
FAQs Section
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh ravioli instead of frozen. However, fresh ravioli cooks faster, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Reduce the baking time by 10–15 minutes during the initial bake while still keeping an eye on the dish to ensure the ravioli doesn’t overcook.
How do I store leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
To store leftovers, place the casserole in airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. If you want to store it longer, the casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. When freezing, wrap the casserole tightly in aluminum foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. Simply substitute the ground beef with a vegetarian ground meat alternative, or leave out the meat entirely and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses. Substituting mozzarella or Parmesan with cheddar, provolone, or even gouda can add a new flavor profile. However, note that some cheeses have stronger flavors and may change the overall taste of the dish.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
To prevent a watery casserole, make sure to drain the fat from the ground beef after browning it. Additionally, allow the meat sauce to simmer for a few minutes, reducing any excess moisture before assembling the casserole.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts on Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich, creamy cheeses, savory meat sauce, and tender ravioli in a dish that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a gathering, or simply craving a cozy meal, this casserole is a guaranteed hit. With endless customization options—like swapping ingredients or adding your favorite vegetables—this recipe can easily be tailored to your tastes. Give it a try and make it your own, enjoying the luxurious flavors in every bite!
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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Description
This hearty, cheesy casserole is a crowd-pleaser that brings together rich layers of creamy ricotta, savory beef, and pillowy ravioli. With a perfect blend of Italian flavors, it’s an easy-to-make dish that feels like it took much more time than it actually did. It’s the ultimate comfort food, ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
3️⃣ Stir in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
4️⃣ In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and softened cream cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
5️⃣ Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
6️⃣ Place half of the frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer over the meat sauce.
7️⃣ Evenly spread the ricotta mixture over the ravioli layer.
8️⃣ Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
9️⃣ Add another layer of meat sauce over the mozzarella.
🔟 Place the remaining frozen ravioli over the sauce in a single layer.
1️⃣1️⃣ Top with the remaining meat sauce, followed by the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
1️⃣2️⃣ Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on top.
1️⃣3️⃣ Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
1️⃣4️⃣ Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
1️⃣5️⃣ Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Time-Saving Tip: You can assemble this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just add about 10 more minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Meat Substitutes: For a vegetarian option, you can omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Extra Cheesy? Feel free to add more mozzarella if you love it extra cheesy!
