Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

If you're craving a rich, indulgent, and cheesy pasta dish that’s sure to impress, this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is just what you need. Layered with tender ravioli, a creamy ricotta and cream cheese mixture, savory marinara sauce, and topped with gooey melted cheese, this casserole lives up to its "million dollar" name. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to wow your guests with minimal effort. Best of all, it’s easy to assemble and can be made ahead of time!

This recipe combines the convenience of store-bought ravioli with a homemade feel, offering rich flavors and a comforting, baked texture. Read on to discover how to make this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, along with substitutions, tips, and variations.

What Is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a decadent baked pasta dish that layers frozen or fresh ravioli with a rich, creamy mixture of cream cheese, ricotta, and sour cream. It’s then topped with marinara sauce and plenty of mozzarella cheese, making it ultra-cheesy and incredibly satisfying. The "million dollar" part refers to how rich and indulgent it tastes, even though it’s made with budget-friendly ingredients and takes very little effort.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

• Ravioli – 1 (24-ounce) package of frozen cheese or meat ravioli (fresh ravioli works too).
• Ground Beef – 1 pound, cooked and crumbled (optional for a meaty version).
• Marinara Sauce – 2 cups, store-bought or homemade.
• Cream Cheese – 8 ounces, softened.
• Ricotta Cheese – 1 cup, for creaminess.
• Sour Cream – ½ cup, adds a little tang and extra creaminess.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – 2 cups, for that melty, cheesy topping.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup, for extra flavor.
• Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon, for seasoning the cheese mixture.
• Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon, to add flavor to the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper – To taste.

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh Parsley – Chopped, for a pop of color.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – For a little heat if you like it spicy.

Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is easy to customize. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Different Ravioli Flavors: Use spinach, mushroom, or sausage ravioli instead of cheese or meat ravioli for variety.
• Add Vegetables: Add cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted zucchini in between the layers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Use Ground Turkey or Sausage: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, sausage, or even ground chicken for a lighter or different meat option.
• Vegetarian Version: Simply omit the ground beef and load up on veggies or use veggie-filled ravioli.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ravioli and check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free for a celiac-friendly dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make this easy and delicious Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little olive oil.
2. Cook the Ground Beef (Optional): If using ground beef, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a little salt and pepper. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Layer 1: Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
   • Layer 2: Add half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer on top of the sauce.
   • Layer 3: Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli.
   • Layer 4: Sprinkle half of the cooked ground beef (if using) over the cheese mixture.
   • Layer 5: Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the ground beef.
   • Layer 6: Repeat the layers: add another ½ cup of marinara sauce, the rest of the ravioli, the remaining creamy cheese mixture, ground beef, and another cup of shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top layer and sprinkle with any remaining cheese. This will give the casserole a beautiful cheesy, bubbly top.
6. Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

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

1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: If using, brown the beef and set aside.
3. Prepare Cheese Mixture: Mix ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream for the filling.
4. Layer the Casserole: Alternate layers of ravioli, cheese mixture, marinara, and ground beef.
5. Bake Covered: Bake the casserole covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake until bubbly and golden.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened so it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients. If it's too cold, you'll have a lumpy mixture.
• Overcooking the Casserole: Keep an eye on the casserole after removing the foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
• Using Too Little Sauce: The ravioli will soak up some of the marinara during baking, so make sure to use enough sauce to keep the casserole moist and flavorful.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Serve Hot: Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is best served hot and fresh from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking to make it easier to cut into servings.
• Pair with Sides: Serve with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the casserole with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and a pop of color.

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

For easy serving, use a large spoon or spatula to scoop portions onto plates. The casserole is hearty and filling on its own, so it’s a complete meal, but pairing it with a light green salad or garlic bread will balance the richness.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

To make the dish visually appealing, garnish the top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil and a little grated Parmesan. Serve the casserole in the center of the table family-style for an inviting, homey presentation.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold.
• Freezer Friendly: Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble the casserole, then wrap it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
• Customize the Layers: Feel free to add more layers of ravioli and sauce if you’re feeding a crowd or want a taller casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
A: Yes, fresh ravioli will work just as well! You may need to reduce the baking time slightly since fresh ravioli cooks faster.

Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef or substitute it with cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce instead of marinara?
A: Yes, for a creamier version, you can swap the marinara sauce for Alfredo sauce. It will give the casserole a different flavor, but it will still be deliciously creamy and cheesy.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is everything you want in a comfort food dish—rich, creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try this recipe today and enjoy the luxurious flavors of this indulgent casserole that tastes like a million bucks!

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