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 or a family gathering. Its blend of rich flavors and delightful textures makes it a standout choice for any occasion.

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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
• Family-Style Serving
• Individual Portions
• With Garlic Bread
• Side Salad
• Topped with Fresh Herbs
• How to Perfect Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
• Best Side Dishes for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
• Reheating Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
• Can I make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?
• What variations can I try with Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
• Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
• How do I reheat leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time, this casserole comes together in about 15 minutes.
• Rich Flavors: The combination of creamy cheese and savory meat sauce creates a deliciously satisfying meal.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cheesy pasta! This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or add a salad for a complete meal.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare it ahead of time and bake when you’re ready to serve!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to make the preparation smooth and effortless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning the ground beef evenly, ensuring rich flavor in the meat sauce.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining the creamy cheese mixture without making a mess.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: The right size for layering all ingredients to achieve that perfect casserole shape.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, you will need the following 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.

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 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 it. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil:
1. Bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove 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 the layers. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a delicious, hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Family-Style Serving

• Serve directly from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style meal. This encourages everyone to dig in and share!

Individual Portions

• For a more refined presentation, spoon individual servings onto plates and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

With Garlic Bread

• Pair with warm garlic bread for a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the creamy casserole.

Side Salad

• A fresh side salad adds a light contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole. Consider a simple mix of greens with vinaigrette dressing.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving for an aromatic finish.

How to Perfect Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

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

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choosing high-quality marinara sauce and fresh cheeses can significantly enhance the flavor of your casserole.
• Don’t Overcook the Meat: Brown the ground beef until it’s just cooked through; overcooking can make it tough and dry.
• Layer Evenly: Spread each layer evenly to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor throughout the dish.
• Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix different types of cheeses, such as provolone or gouda, for added depth of flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

The right side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that pair well with Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.

1. Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots brushed with garlic butter make for a perfect side that complements Italian flavors.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with parmesan cheese and croutons offers a refreshing crunch alongside the rich casserole.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a colorful and nutritious addition to balance out the richness of the dish.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a vibrant green touch and is easy to prepare while you bake your casserole.
5. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a delightful appetizer before diving into the main dish.
6. Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, olives, and cheeses makes for an appealing starter that sets an Italian tone for dinner.
7. Italian Herb Focaccia: This fluffy bread infused with herbs can soak up any leftover sauce from your casserole.
8. Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter option, serve spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil and garlic as a fresh alternative to pasta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the Preheating: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps the cheese get bubbly and golden brown.
• Not Greasing the Dish: Failing to grease the baking dish can cause your casserole to stick. Use nonstick cooking spray or oil to prevent this issue.
• Overcrowding Ingredients: Adding too many layers or ingredients can affect cooking time. Stick to the recipe for balanced flavors and textures.
• Underestimating Cooling Time: Cutting into your casserole right after baking can lead to a messy serving. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes to set properly.
• Ignoring Ingredient Temperature: Using cold cream cheese can create lumps in your cheese mixture. Always soften cream cheese beforehand for a smooth blend.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil, heating for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Use microwave-safe dishes, covering loosely, and heat in short intervals until warmed through, about 3-5 minutes.
• Stovetop: Transfer portions to a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a comforting dish made with layers of cheese ravioli, meat sauce, and creamy cheeses. It’s perfect for family dinners!

Can I make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge before baking. Just add extra cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What variations can I try with Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

You can customize it by using different types of pasta, adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or using ricotta instead of cream cheese.

Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade marinara sauce adds a personal touch and enhances the flavors of the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.

How do I reheat leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Refer to the reheating instructions above for safe and effective methods to enjoy leftovers!

Final Thoughts

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is not only simple but also versatile and satisfying. You can easily customize this dish with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Give it a try for your next family dinner!