Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Are you ready to indulge in a dish that's rich, creamy, and full of flavor? The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a showstopper that combines the best of Italian flavors in one easy, crowd-pleasing dish. This casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even special occasions where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Packed with cheese, marinara sauce, and tender ravioli, this recipe will make your taste buds sing. Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to make this irresistible meal, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions to elevate your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole to the next level.

this Recipe

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What is a Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is an indulgent, layered baked pasta dish that earns its name from the luxurious ingredients that make it taste like a million bucks! This casserole features layers of pillowy ravioli, creamy ricotta or cream cheese mixture, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning. The result is a rich, hearty, and utterly delicious dish that feels like pure comfort food. It’s the perfect combination of Italian flavors that’s easy to assemble and bakes to perfection.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Before diving into the step-by-step process, it’s important to gather all the essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this decadent casserole:

1. Ravioli (2 pounds) – You can use either frozen or refrigerated ravioli. Cheese-stuffed ravioli works best for a rich, creamy result, but meat ravioli also works if you want to add a bit more protein.
2. Marinara sauce (4 cups) – A jarred sauce works fine, or you can use your favorite homemade marinara. The rich tomato flavor pairs perfectly with the cheesy layers.
3. Ricotta cheese (1 cup) – If you prefer a creamier texture, you can substitute this with cream cheese or cottage cheese for an equally delicious layer.
4. Sour cream (½ cup) – This adds a tangy, rich element to the casserole and blends well with the ricotta layer.
5. Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups) – Melted mozzarella creates that gooey, stretchy layer of cheese that ties the casserole together.
6. Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup) – A sprinkle of Parmesan gives the dish a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the other cheeses.
7. Ground beef or Italian sausage (optional, 1 pound) – For a heartier casserole, you can add cooked ground beef or sausage to the marinara layer. This is optional, but it adds protein and extra flavor.
8. Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon) – This blend of herbs brings a burst of flavor to the casserole, making it taste like your favorite Italian restaurant dish.
9. Garlic powder and onion powder (1 teaspoon each) – These seasonings add depth and complexity to the sauce.
10. Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish) – A sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up or accommodate dietary preferences, there are several substitutions and variations you can try:

• Ravioli: While cheese ravioli is traditional, you can experiment with different fillings like spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or even lobster ravioli for a gourmet twist.
• Sauce: Marinara is classic, but feel free to use a creamy Alfredo sauce for an even richer casserole. You can also mix the two sauces for a "pink sauce" variation.
• Cheese: Instead of ricotta, you can use cream cheese for a creamier texture or cottage cheese for a lighter, lower-fat option. Mozzarella can be swapped out for provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.
• Meat: Ground turkey, chicken sausage, or plant-based meat crumbles are great alternatives to ground beef or pork sausage if you're looking for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ravioli if you or your guests have dietary restrictions. Make sure all other ingredients (like the marinara sauce) are also gluten-free.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients and considered any substitutions, it’s time to prepare the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. This easy, step-by-step guide will help you create a perfectly layered and delicious dish.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a light coating of olive oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier later.
2. Prepare the ravioli according to the package instructions. If using frozen ravioli, boil them until they float to the top and are tender. For refrigerated ravioli, cook them briefly—just 3 to 4 minutes will do. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the meat (if using). In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain any excess fat. Season the meat with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
4. Mix the ricotta layer. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta (or cream cheese), sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir until smooth and well blended.
5. Assemble the casserole. Begin by spreading 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ravioli on top of the sauce. Next, spread half of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli, followed by half of the ground meat (if using). Top with another layer of marinara sauce. Repeat the layers one more time, ending with a final layer of marinara.
6. Top with cheese. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake the casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
8. Let it rest. Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes slicing easier.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the ravioli: If the ravioli are boiled too long, they can become mushy in the casserole. Cook them until just tender, as they will continue cooking in the oven.
• Not draining excess fat from the meat: If you add cooked ground meat to your casserole, make sure to drain off any excess fat to avoid a greasy dish.
• Skipping the resting time: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking ensures that the layers stay intact when serving.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

To make your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole look as amazing as it tastes, consider the following serving and presentation tips:

• Garnish generously. Fresh parsley or basil leaves sprinkled over the top add a vibrant pop of color and a fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• Serve with sides. This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, will complement the Italian flavors perfectly.
• Use a spatula to serve. A large spatula will help you lift clean, well-formed slices of casserole without disturbing the layers.

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Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

When it comes to presentation, the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole shines all on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate it:

• Use a decorative baking dish. If you're serving this for a special occasion, bake the casserole in a colorful or ceramic baking dish that can go straight from oven to table.
• Serve individual portions. For a more formal dinner, you can bake the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for each guest.
• Add layers of garnish. After baking, garnish with not only fresh herbs but also a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic reduction for added elegance.

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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead. This casserole can be assembled up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge, covered, and bake it when you're ready to serve.
• Freezing leftovers. Leftovers freeze well. Portion the casserole into individual servings and freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and delicious meal.
• Adjust the cheese ratio. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add extra mozzarella or Parmesan to make the dish even cheesier.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
A: Absolutely! Fresh ravioli works just as well in this recipe. Just reduce the cooking time, as fresh ravioli tends to cook faster than frozen.

Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Yes! Simply omit the ground beef or sausage, and use cheese or spinach ravioli for a satisfying meat-free version.

Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze the casserole before baking?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. When ready to cook, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.

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Conclusion

The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rich, hearty, and indulgent dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With layers of cheese, marinara, and tender ravioli, this casserole is comfort food at its finest. It’s easy to make, customizable with your favorite ingredients, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you're cooking for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds. Don't wait—try this recipe today and enjoy a meal that tastes like a million bucks!

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