Sweet & Savory Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Have you ever stumbled upon a million dollar ravioli casserole that promises pure comfort and decadence?

Unexpected flavor combinations can turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Layers of cheese, pasta, and rich sauce create a delightful culinary adventure.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Hearty ingredients meld together in a way that feels both familiar and exciting.

Home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing dish will absolutely adore this recipe’s simplicity and wow factor.

Dig in and watch everyone around the table fall in love with every single forkful.

Why Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Feels Rich

• Layer ingredients quickly without complex techniques, making this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious result without extensive cooking experience.
• Swap ground beef for turkey, add extra veggies, or adjust cheese quantities to match personal preferences and dietary needs, creating a versatile meal that adapts to your kitchen.
• Packed with cheesy goodness and hearty meat sauce, this casserole guarantees clean plates and happy faces, turning dinner into a stress-free, enjoyable experience for everyone at the table.

All You Need for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base for the casserole with hearty flavor.
• Egg: Binding agent for the ricotta mixture, helps create creamy texture.

• Ricotta Cheese, Sour Cream, Cream Cheese: Creamy combination for luxurious filling, soft and tangy base.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creates stretchy golden top layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor to enhance overall taste.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce for rich, traditional Italian flavor.
• Onion: Provides sweet and savory base for meat sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth to meat sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish and light herbal notes.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.

• Ravioli: Pre-made pasta that serves as the main carbohydrate layer.
• Olive Oil or Nonstick Spray: Prevents sticking and helps with even cooking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray. Set your oven to warm up at 375°F.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Meat Base

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Drain any extra fat. Pour in marinara sauce and let it simmer gently for a few minutes.

Step 3: Whip Together Creamy Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Sour cream
• Cream cheese
• Beaten egg
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir until smooth and velvety.

Step 4: Layer Your Delicious Masterpiece

• First layer of ravioli
• Half of the cheese mixture
• Half of the meat sauce
• Sprinkle of mozzarella

Repeat these layers again, ending with a generous cheese topping.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover with aluminum foil and slide into the oven. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with extra parsley if you want a fresh touch. Slice and serve this crowd-pleasing comfort meal.

Pro Tips for Million Dollar Casserole Success

• Boost Flavor with Fresh Herbs: Chop fresh basil or oregano to sprinkle on top for an extra burst of aromatic freshness that elevates the entire dish.
• Prevent Soggy Ravioli: Use frozen or fresh refrigerated ravioli instead of dried to maintain better texture and prevent pasta from becoming mushy during baking.
• Customize Meat Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or plant-based meat alternatives to suit different dietary preferences without compromising taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking for convenient meal planning.
• Cheese Variation Pro Tip: Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding fontina, provolone, or goat cheese to create a more complex and rich flavor profile.

Keeping Ravioli Casserole Fresh and Ready to Serve

• Store leftover ravioli casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese top.
• For quick single servings, microwave individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Sides That Go Well With Ravioli Casserole

• Pair this creamy, rich ravioli casserole with crisp, acidic white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that cut through the heavy cheese layers and refresh the palate.
• Create a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness, adding zesty lemon and herbs to complement the hearty meat and cheese flavors.
• Serve warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic focaccia to soak up extra sauce, providing a delightful textural contrast and additional carbohydrate satisfaction.
• Prepare roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini with fresh basil and olive oil to introduce a green, nutritious element that lightens the dish's dense character.

Tasty Tweaks for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Vegetarian Deconstructed: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Use mushroom marinara sauce for deeper flavor and protein-rich alternative.
• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Swap traditional ravioli with gluten-free cheese ravioli or gluten-free pasta sheets. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Swap: Substitute ravioli with thinly sliced zucchini layers. Use low-carb marinara and reduce ricotta quantity for lighter meal option.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Replace dairy cheeses with cashew-based ricotta and dairy-free mozzarella alternatives. Use coconut cream instead of sour cream for creamy texture.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Luxurious million dollar ravioli casserole brings Italian comfort straight to your dinner table. Layers of cheesy pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy goodness promise a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 large egg

Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (245 g) ricotta cheese
• ½ cup (120 g) sour cream
• 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese, softened

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 ounces or 680 g) marinara sauce
• 1 package (25 ounces or 709 g) frozen or fresh cheese ravioli
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious baking vessel by coating with nonstick spray, ensuring complete surface coverage at 375F (190C).
2. In a robust skillet, transform ground beef and diced onions into a caramelized blend, eliminating excess oil. Introduce minced garlic, allowing aromatic notes to emerge, then incorporate marinara sauce and simmer until flavors intertwine.
3. Craft a luxurious cream mixture by whisking ricotta, sour cream, cream cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper until achieving a velvety consistency.
4. Establish a foundational layer of meat sauce in the prepared dish, then methodically construct alternating strata: ravioli nestled beneath creamy ricotta spread, followed by additional meat sauce and generous mozzarella sprinklings. Repeat layering sequence, culminating with a lavish cheese crown featuring both mozzarella and parmesan.
5. Shield casserole with aluminum foil, baking for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue roasting until cheese transforms into a golden, effervescent landscape, approximately 10-15 minutes.
6. Allow casserole to rest and settle for several minutes, permitting internal temperatures to stabilize. Optionally adorn with fresh parsley before serving, creating a visually enticing presentation.

Notes

• Customize the meat by using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Swap frozen ravioli with fresh or homemade varieties to elevate the dish’s texture and taste complexity.
• Reduce cheese content by using part-skim ricotta and low-fat mozzarella for a healthier alternative without compromising creamy goodness.
• Enhance meal prep by assembling the casserole ahead of time and refrigerating until ready to bake, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg