Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

If you're looking for a delicious, creamy, and cheesy dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests at a potluck, look no further than Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. This hearty casserole layers cheese-filled ravioli with a rich, creamy filling made from cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta, all topped with melted mozzarella and savory marinara sauce. It's comfort food at its finest, combining the ease of store-bought ravioli with the flavors of a homemade, restaurant-quality dish. Let's dive into this easy, family-friendly recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite!

this Recipe

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What Is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a baked pasta dish made with layers of ravioli, a creamy cheese mixture, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella. The “million dollar” name comes from the decadent, rich layers of cheese and cream that make this casserole feel extra indulgent and luxurious. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty, cheesy, and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. The best part? It only requires a handful of ingredients and comes together quickly.

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Ingredients List for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this rich and cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole:

For the Casserole:

• 1 (24 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli (or meat ravioli, depending on preference)
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, for a meatier flavor)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce)
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter version)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish (optional):

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is its flexibility. Here are a few popular substitutions and variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

• Vegetarian Option: Leave out the ground beef or Italian sausage and add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a veggie-packed casserole.
• Protein Choices: You can swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. You can also use Italian sausage for a spicier, meatier flavor.
• Sauce Variations: Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for an extra creamy and rich version, or mix the two for a pink sauce.
• Ravioli Options: Feel free to use beef ravioli or even spinach and ricotta ravioli instead of cheese-filled ones, depending on your preferences.
• Cheese Variations: Try swapping mozzarella for provolone or even cheddar for a twist on the flavor. You can also use a blend of cheeses like a pizza or Italian blend for extra richness.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ravioli and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your delicious Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole:

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef (or Sausage)

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or sausage until fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Add the jar of marinara sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Let it simmer on low while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

• In the greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom.
• Add a single layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce.
• Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli.
• Add another layer of the meat sauce over the cheese mixture.
• Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, creamy cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
• Top everything with the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

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

Cooking Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is incredibly easy and quick, thanks to store-bought frozen ravioli and jarred marinara sauce. With just a few layers and a rich, creamy cheese mixture, this casserole comes together in under an hour and is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Simply follow the layering and baking steps, and you’ll have a delicious, bubbling casserole ready to enjoy.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is simple, here are a few mistakes to avoid to ensure your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole turns out perfectly:

• Skipping the foil: Be sure to cover the casserole with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. This ensures that everything gets fully heated through before the top gets crispy.
• Using cold cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the other cheeses. If it's too cold, it won't blend smoothly, leaving lumps in the creamy layer.
• Overcooking the ravioli: You don’t need to pre-cook the ravioli. Just layer them in frozen; they’ll cook perfectly in the oven.
• Undercooked ground beef: Make sure your ground beef or sausage is fully cooked before layering it in the casserole. The oven won’t cook the meat further—it’s just for heating and melting everything together.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is already a star on its own, but here are some tips to elevate its presentation and serving:

• Family-style serving: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish at the table for a rustic, family-style dinner. Garnish the top with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Pair with a side salad: Serve the casserole with a fresh, simple salad tossed with a vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Add garlic bread: A side of warm garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks is the perfect way to complete the meal and soak up the extra sauce.

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How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

This hearty casserole is best served hot, straight from the oven. Slice it into portions and plate it alongside a fresh green salad or some garlic bread for a complete, comforting meal. It's also perfect for potlucks or family gatherings because it can feed a crowd and is easy to transport in the baking dish. Be sure to garnish each plate with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for an added touch of color and flavor.

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Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

While Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a homey dish, here are some ideas to make it look more elegant:

• Serve in individual ramekins: For a more personalized touch, divide the casserole into smaller individual dishes before baking. This makes for a fun, restaurant-style presentation.
• Garnish with herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or even chives can brighten the dish and make it look more appetizing.
• Add Parmesan crisps: Serve with homemade Parmesan crisps for a fancy garnish. Just bake small mounds of Parmesan cheese until golden and crispy, then use them to top the casserole when serving.

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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole turns out perfectly every time:

• Double the recipe: If you're feeding a larger group or want to have leftovers, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a larger casserole dish. Just extend the baking time slightly to ensure everything is heated through.
• Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven as directed.
• Freeze for later: This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it into the oven and bake as directed.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. It may take an additional 10-15 minutes of baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What sides go well with Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

This rich casserole pairs well with lighter sides like a fresh garden salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted asparagus. You can also serve it with garlic bread or a simple antipasto platter for a complete meal.

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Conclusion

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this easy-to-make casserole is sure to be a hit. With layers of rich cheese, hearty meat sauce, and tender ravioli, it truly feels like a million-dollar meal without a million-dollar effort! Give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting flavors of cheesy pasta perfection tonight!

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