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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 44 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American-Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked pasta dish combining layers of cheesy sauce, savory meat sauce, and tender frozen cheese ravioli. This American-Italian casserole delivers rich flavors with a creamy ricotta mixture, melty mozzarella, and a crispy golden topping, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or family gathering.


Ingredients

Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Mixture

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

Assembly

  • 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and allow for even cooking.
  2. Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy.
  3. Make the Meat Sauce: Stir the marinara or pasta sauce and Italian seasoning into the cooked meat. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to combine all flavors evenly.
  4. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, blend together sour cream, softened cream cheese, and ricotta cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  5. Assemble the Casserole Layers: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce in a single layer. Spoon dollops of the cheese mixture evenly over the ravioli, then spread more meat sauce on top, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  6. Layer the Remaining Ingredients: Repeat the layering with the remaining ravioli, cheese mixture, sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese for a flavorful, golden crust.
  7. Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the ravioli to cook through and the flavors to meld.
  8. Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden and slightly crispy.
  9. Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving for a fresh, aromatic touch.

Notes

  • Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
  • You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, uncovered or covered, for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Use fresh herbs like oregano or thyme in the sauce for additional flavor variations.