Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rich, cheesy, and comforting dish that tastes like a million bucks! This easy-to-make casserole features layers of cheese-filled ravioli, creamy ricotta, savory marinara sauce, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or even a potluck.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Uses frozen or refrigerated ravioli for a quick assembly.
• Ultra Cheesy & Creamy: A blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan makes this casserole extra indulgent.
• Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love.
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day and reheats beautifully.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb frozen or refrigerated cheese ravioli
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess grease. Stir in the marinara sauce and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, sour cream, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Assemble the casserole:
   • Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
   • Add a layer of ravioli (uncooked).
   • Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli.
   • Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
   • Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish & Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use spinach and mushrooms instead of ground meat.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage.
• Extra Creamy: Add a layer of cream cheese for extra richness.
• Low-Carb: Use zucchini slices or cooked spaghetti squash instead of ravioli.
• Different Cheese Options: Try provolone, fontina, or gouda for a unique flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze before or after baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Do I need to cook the ravioli before baking?

No, the ravioli cooks in the sauce while baking, making this recipe even easier!

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes! Fresh ravioli will cook a bit faster, so reduce baking time by about 5 minutes.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

You can, but ravioli adds extra cheese and flavor. If using regular pasta, cook it first.

How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?

Drain any excess grease from the meat and avoid using too much sauce. Let the casserole rest after baking to help it set.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini make great additions for extra flavor and nutrition.

What can I serve with this casserole?

Serve with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How do I make this casserole extra cheesy?

Add an extra layer of shredded cheese between the layers and on top before baking.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes! Cottage cheese works as a substitute, though it has a slightly different texture.

What’s the best way to freeze this casserole?

Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly and freeze. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 50-60 minutes.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a delicious, cheesy, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family, making a meal ahead, or looking for a comforting dinner, this recipe delivers every time. Try it out and enjoy a rich, flavorful casserole that tastes like a million bucks!

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