Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Experience the comforting flavors of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, featuring layers of cheese ravioli, hearty meat sauce, and a creamy, cheesy topping. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a decadent weeknight dinner! With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this casserole is ideal for family gatherings or a cozy night in.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Casserole
• For Garnish
• How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
• Step 3: Combine the Cheese Mixture
• Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
• Step 5: Bake
• Step 6: Cool and Serve
• How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
• Pair with a Fresh Salad
• Add Garlic Bread
• Serve with Steamed Vegetables
• Offer Extra Toppings
• How to Perfect Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
• Best Side Dishes for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
• Reheating Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
• Can I customize my Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
• How long does it take to make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
• Can I use homemade marinara sauce instead of jarred?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready for the oven in no time.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of cheese ravioli and savory meat sauce makes it a hit with both kids and adults.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs, making it adaptable for any occasion.
• Comfort Food Classic: The creamy texture and rich flavors provide the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Leftovers Galore: This casserole keeps well, providing delicious leftovers that are perfect for lunch or dinner later in the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having everything prepared will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning beef evenly without crowding the pan.
• Mixing bowl: Ensures all ingredients are combined thoroughly for a smooth cheese mixture.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal size for layering your ingredients and baking evenly.
• Aluminum foil: Helps retain moisture during baking, resulting in a tender casserole.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1 (25-ounce) package frozen cheese ravioli
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (28-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese, divided

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat:
1. Cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled.
2. Drain any excess grease.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce and remove from heat. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl:
1. Mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, half of the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt until smooth.
2. Gently fold in the frozen ravioli ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the ravioli and cheese mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the meat sauce over this layer. Finally:
– Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
– Add 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving to help set those delicious layers. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Serving Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a delightful experience that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dining table. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, here are some creative ways to present this delicious dish.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons add a nice contrast to the cheesy layers.

Add Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread: Toasted bread topped with garlic butter enhances the meal’s flavor and is perfect for scooping up leftover sauce.
• Cheesy Garlic Knots: These soft knots are loaded with cheese and garlic, making them an irresistible side.

Serve with Steamed Vegetables

• Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy touch, balancing the dish’s richness.
• Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with lemon zest add freshness and color to your plate.

Offer Extra Toppings

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkling chopped basil or parsley on top of each serving elevates presentation and flavor.
• Extra Cheese: Providing additional grated Parmesan or mozzarella for guests who want more cheesy goodness can be a hit.

How to Perfect Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

To ensure your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Boldly Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavors.
• Boldly Preheat Your Oven Properly: Ensuring your oven is fully preheated before baking will help achieve that bubbly, golden cheese topping.
• Boldly Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes after baking helps the layers set for easier serving.
• Boldly Layer Strategically: Distributing ingredients evenly while layering helps ensure every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
• Boldly Experiment with Cheeses: Mixing different cheeses like ricotta or cheddar can add unique flavors to your casserole.

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Best Side Dishes for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

When planning your meal around the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, pairing it with the right side dishes enhances the entire dining experience. Here are some tasty options:

1. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter make a perfect dipping companion for the casserole.
2. Caprese Salad: Combining fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze adds brightness.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts provide a savory crunch that pairs well with creamy dishes.
4. Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, olives, and cheeses offers variety and is great for sharing.
5. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs complements the hearty flavors of the casserole without overpowering it.
6. Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter option, serve spiralized zucchini tossed in olive oil as a refreshing side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, it’s easy to trip up on certain details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using the wrong type of ravioli: Always use cheese ravioli for the best flavor and texture in this casserole.
• Overcooking the meat: Cook the ground beef just until browned; overcooking can lead to a dry sauce.
• Not letting it rest: Skipping the resting time after baking can cause the layers to fall apart when serving.
• Forgetting to grease the pan: Make sure to grease your baking dish properly to prevent sticking.
• Skipping fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh cheese and herbs whenever possible for a richer flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Freeze individual portions or the whole casserole in a freezer-safe container.
• It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 25 minutes, then uncover until bubbly.
• Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through, checking regularly.
• Stovetop: For smaller portions, add a bit of water or sauce in a pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a delicious layered dish featuring cheese ravioli, meat sauce, and creamy cheese toppings that create comforting flavors.

Can I customize my Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or swap out ground beef for turkey or sausage based on your preference.

How long does it take to make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

This dish takes about 1 hour total, including preparation and cooking time, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.

Can I use homemade marinara sauce instead of jarred?

Yes! Homemade marinara adds a personal touch and can enhance the overall flavor of your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.

Final Thoughts

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, allowing you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand. Give it a try, and enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love!