Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible? Look no further than the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole! Combining layers of rich cheese, savory marinara sauce, and perfectly seasoned beef, this dish is not only bursting with flavor but also a real hit for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Read on to discover how to make this delightful casserole, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or meal prepping for the week. Be sure to follow all the steps, and you’ll have a casserole that tastes like a million bucks!

this Recipe

What is "Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole"?

The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is an indulgent baked pasta dish that combines frozen cheese ravioli with a creamy, cheesy mixture of cottage cheese, ricotta, and sour cream, layered with a hearty marinara and ground beef sauce. This baked casserole is topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, making every bite rich, gooey, and satisfying. It's like lasagna, but much easier to assemble, and the taste is truly out of this world—hence the name "Million Dollar."

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Here's what you'll need to whip up this amazing casserole:

• 1 package (25 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli: The star of the show! Frozen ravioli are super convenient and make this casserole quick to assemble.
• 1 pound ground beef: Adds savory meatiness to the casserole. You can also use ground turkey or Italian sausage if preferred.
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce: A good-quality marinara sauce is essential for this recipe as it provides the base of the dish's flavor.
• 1 cup cottage cheese: Brings creaminess and a bit of tang to the cheese mixture.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Another creamy addition that helps balance the texture and flavor of the casserole.
• ½ cup sour cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the cheese filling.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: This provides that ooey-gooey melted cheese layer on top.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick that enhances the dish’s overall flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic and beef, adding a subtle richness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: A must-have for flavor! Garlic enhances the savory depth of the dish.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a touch of herbaceous aroma to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Another classic Italian herb that complements the basil and garlic.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To season both the meat sauce and the overall casserole.
• Fresh parsley for garnish: For a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is its flexibility. You can switch things up depending on your dietary needs, preferences, or what you have on hand.

• Ground Beef: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter option. For a more flavorful twist, use Italian sausage (mild or spicy).
• Cottage Cheese: Not a fan of cottage cheese? You can replace it with more ricotta, or even cream cheese for an extra-rich variation.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the ground beef entirely and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers. You could also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian-friendly casserole.
• Ravioli: While cheese ravioli is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with meat-filled or spinach and cheese ravioli for added variety.
• Sauce: Make your own marinara sauce if you have the time, or use a flavored tomato sauce, like roasted garlic or basil, to boost the flavors.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with ease.

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.
2. Cook the ground beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, and season with salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
3. Add the marinara sauce: Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the skillet with the browned beef. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble the casserole: In a large casserole dish (9x13 inches works well), spread a thin layer of the beef and marinara sauce on the bottom. Then, layer half of the frozen cheese ravioli on top of the sauce. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli. Repeat the layers—sauce, ravioli, cheese mixture.
6. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and the ½ cup of grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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

This casserole is easy to cook even for beginners, thanks to the frozen ravioli and store-bought marinara sauce. The key is to layer everything well and give the casserole enough time in the oven for the cheese to melt perfectly.

1. Sauté the Garlic and Beef: Cooking the garlic briefly before adding the beef ensures you don’t burn it. Ground beef cooks quickly—just make sure it's fully browned before adding the sauce.
2. Create Layers: As you layer the ingredients, make sure each ravioli is fully covered by sauce and cheese so that every bite is rich and flavorful.
3. Bake and Finish: Covering the casserole with foil ensures that the cheese doesn’t overcook too quickly, while removing the foil during the last 10-15 minutes helps the top become golden and bubbly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not draining the beef: If your ground beef is too fatty, it can make the casserole greasy. Be sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef.
• Forgetting to season the cheese mixture: It’s essential to season the ricotta, cottage cheese, and sour cream mixture. This adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the casserole during the final 10 minutes. Overbaked cheese can become tough and rubbery.
• Skipping the cooling step: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking helps the layers settle and makes it easier to serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and enhances the flavor of the dish.
• Serve with a Side Salad: Balance out the richness of the casserole with a fresh, crisp salad. A simple arugula or Caesar salad works beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: Serve slices of warm garlic bread or breadsticks on the side to soak up any leftover sauce.

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

This casserole is best served hot and fresh out of the oven. Slice it into large squares or scoop it out with a large spoon to plate. Pair it with a side salad and some garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner, potlucks, or even holiday gatherings.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Layered Presentation: As you cut into the casserole, the distinct layers of ravioli, meat sauce, and cheese should be clearly visible. Garnishing with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley will make it look even more inviting.
• Individual Servings: For a fancier presentation, serve the casserole in small individual ramekins. This can be great for dinner parties or events where individual portions are preferred.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe Tips

• Double the Recipe: This dish freezes well! Double the recipe and freeze one casserole for later. Simply thaw and bake when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
• Let It Rest: After removing the casserole from the oven, let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to set and the flavors to meld.
• Customize the Cheeses: If you prefer a different mix of cheeses, feel free to experiment with cheddar, gouda, or provolone for a unique twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. When you're ready to bake, just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.

2. Can I freeze Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. After assembling, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

3. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh ravioli, but the baking time might need to be reduced slightly. Keep an eye on it, and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

4. What other sauces can I use?
Feel free to experiment with different sauces like Alfredo, a meat-based Bolognese, or a spicy arrabbiata for a unique flavor twist.

Conclusion

The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a surefire hit that combines convenience and indulgence in one comforting dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or looking for a meal-prep-friendly option, this casserole won’t disappoint. With its delicious layers of ravioli, beefy marinara, and a rich, cheesy filling, it truly tastes like a million bucks. Be sure to follow the tips and variations for a personalized touch and enjoy the compliments that will undoubtedly follow!

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