If you’re seeking the ultimate comfort food that delivers both crowd-pleasing flavor and effortless preparation, look no further than Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. This irresistible dish brings together pillowy cheese ravioli, a rich and hearty meat sauce, and a luxuriously creamy cheese layer—all crowned with bubbling golden mozzarella. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but deliciously decadent for company, making every bite feel like a splurge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how simple staples work their magic in this casserole! Each ingredient plays its own special role: from the savory heartiness of the beef to the creamy trio of cheeses, every element is essential for that signature melt-in-your-mouth experience and classic Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole flavor.
- Frozen Cheese Ravioli: These are the star of the show, shortcutting the process while delivering tender pasta pockets stuffed with creamy cheese.
- Ground Beef: Provides a savory, filling base and classic comfort-food flavor; substitute with turkey or sausage for a twist.
- Diced Onion: Sautéed until sweet and soft, onion brings aromatic depth to the sauce.
- Minced Garlic: Adds that essential Italian touch and boosts the sauce’s flavor profile.
- Marinara Sauce: Pick your favorite jarred version for rich tomato flavor that ties everything together—homemade works too!
- Cream Cheese: The secret to luscious texture in the cheese layer; be sure it’s softened so it blends right in.
- Sour Cream: Offers tang and creaminess for a balanced, dreamy filling.
- Cottage Cheese: Brings lightness and body to your cheese mixture—substitute with ricotta if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into an oozy, golden lid of cheesy deliciousness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Finishes the casserole with sharp, nutty flavor and a touch of salty bite.
- Olive Oil: Helps gently sauté the onions, adding a subtle richness to your base.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste—don’t underestimate their impact!
- Fresh Parsley (optional): For a burst of color and fresh flavor on top—totally optional but highly recommended.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Onion Mixture
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, sautéing until it becomes translucent and releases its sweetness. Toss in the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until it’s browned all over. Stir in the minced garlic, cook it for just about a minute so it doesn’t burn, then season with salt and pepper—this foundation packs a punch of nostalgia and depth!
Step 2: Make the Sauce
After your beef mixture is fragrant and golden, pour in the marinara sauce and give it a good stir. Let the flavors mingle for a quick minute, then remove the skillet from heat. This shortcut sauce is hearty, bold, and every bit as satisfying as homemade. Trust me, nobody will guess it starts with a jar!
Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese (or ricotta if you’re swapping). Stir until everything is lusciously smooth. This layer is the “million dollar” secret—it melts into the ravioli, blanketting each bite in tangy, creamy richness that’ll leave everyone at your table asking for seconds.
Step 4: Assemble the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. To kick things off, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer half the frozen ravioli over the sauce, followed by half of the cheese mixture, then half the remaining meat sauce, and finally a generous sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat all the layers in the same order: ravioli, cheese mixture, sauce, and end with your remaining mozzarella plus a shower of Parmesan on top.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Cover your masterpiece with foil, slide it in the oven, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. The aroma will be absolutely mouthwatering. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this ensures you get those perfect, oozy layers. Sprinkle on fresh parsley for a little color and freshness, if you like.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Garnishes
Once baked, garnish your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with a flurry of chopped fresh parsley or even a few basil leaves. This simple touch brightens up the hearty casserole and adds a pop of color that makes it extra inviting on the table. For a little heat, red pepper flakes work beautifully too!
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with a fresh green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy flavors, or serve it alongside crisp garlic bread that’s perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted or sautéed vegetables, like broccolini, asparagus, or zucchini, are also fantastic companions for this cozy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, bring the piping-hot casserole right to the table and let everyone dig in. If you’re feeling a little fancy, divide the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole into individual ramekins or mini baking dishes before serving, giving each guest their own showstopping portion. You can even garnish each serving with a dollop of herbed ricotta or extra Parmesan for an upscale touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole holds up beautifully and is just as comforting warmed up for lunch the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it whole or portioned into single servings for grab-and-go meals—label the container with the date and enjoy within three months for best results.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat thawed casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melted. Microwave reheating is fine for individual portions—cover lightly to keep the cheese from drying out. If reheating straight from frozen, allow extra time in the oven and keep it covered until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Absolutely! Ricotta gives the cheese filling a creamier, smoother texture—it’s a wonderful substitute if you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, and the casserole will still turn out perfectly decadent.
Do I need to thaw the ravioli before layering?
No need to thaw! One of the joys of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is that you can use the frozen cheese ravioli straight from the bag. This saves on prep time and keeps the assembly super simple.
What’s the best way to make this dish vegetarian?
Simply use meatless ravioli and swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or sautée extra mushrooms for an equally hearty, delicious result. Be sure your marinara is vegetarian as well.
Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready (add a few extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from the refrigerator).
How do I keep the cheese layer extra creamy?
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing, and blend the cheeses thoroughly for a smooth, even texture that melts beautifully into each bite. Don’t be afraid to use full-fat dairy for maximum creaminess!
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a treasured favorite—I can’t wait for you to taste just how comforting, easy, and crave-worthy it is. Give this recipe a whirl the next time you want to treat yourself or wow your loved ones; after the first bite, you’ll know why I keep coming back to it again and again!
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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 (25-ounce) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Sauté onions and beef: In a skillet, sauté diced onion in olive oil until translucent. Add ground beef, cook until browned. Add garlic, cook for 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare meat sauce: Stir in marinara sauce. Remove from heat.
- Mix cheese: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
- Layer ingredients: In a greased baking dish, layer meat sauce, ravioli, cheese mixture, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers. Top with Parmesan.
- Bake: Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover, bake for 15 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be used instead of beef.
- Ricotta can be substituted for cottage cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
