Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Do you love hearty, cheesy, and soul-warming casseroles? Then this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a must-try recipe! Packed with layers of rich flavors and gooey cheese, it’s a meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're feeding a large family or looking for an impressive dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole will quickly become a household favorite. Read on to learn how to make this irresistible Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, step by step. Let's get started on creating this delicious masterpiece!

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What is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a decadent and rich pasta dish featuring layers of cheesy ravioli, ground beef, and a luxurious blend of cottage cheese, ricotta, and sour cream. Topped off with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s then baked to perfection with marinara sauce and herbs. This casserole gets its name because it tastes like a million bucks but is incredibly easy to make.

It combines the best of Italian comfort food with the ease of a casserole—making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. What’s more, you can prep it in advance, refrigerate or freeze it, and pop it in the oven when you're ready to serve.

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Ingredients List for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to gather for this rich and creamy casserole. All of the ingredients are easy to find and contribute to the bold flavors and creamy textures that make this dish unforgettable.

• 1 package (25 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli – The star of the dish! Using frozen ravioli saves time without compromising flavor.
• 1 pound ground beef – Adds a savory and hearty component to the casserole.
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce – The sauce binds the entire dish together. Opt for your favorite brand or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
• 1 cup cottage cheese – Creamy and slightly tangy, it helps create the 'million-dollar' creamy layer.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese – Another creamy element that makes this dish indulgent.
• ½ cup sour cream – The secret to making the filling extra rich and smooth.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts into gooey perfection on top of the casserole.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds that final savory touch, perfect for crisping up under the broiler.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the garlic and enhancing the flavors.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil – A classic Italian herb that enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Adds a slightly peppery, earthy taste.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning the dish.
• Fresh parsley for garnish – Optional, but it adds a bright pop of color and freshness.

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Substitutions and Variations for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

If you need to tweak the recipe to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences, there are several substitutions and variations you can try.

• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the ground beef for sautéed vegetables like zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also use plant-based meat substitutes for a hearty alternative.
• Different Protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage can be used in place of beef if you want a different flavor profile.
• Pasta Options: While this dish calls for cheese ravioli, feel free to experiment with other types of ravioli, like spinach and ricotta or beef-filled. You can even try tortellini for a fun twist.
• Cheese Variations: If you're out of ricotta or cottage cheese, you can substitute with mascarpone or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
• Low-Fat Option: Use low-fat versions of the cottage cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella to lighten up the dish.
• Sauce Options: Instead of marinara, you could use a meat sauce, a tomato basil sauce, or even Alfredo for an ultra-creamy version of this casserole.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole may sound fancy, but it's incredibly easy to assemble. Here’s how you do it.

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a light coat of olive oil to ensure easy cleanup.
2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease.
3. Sauté the garlic: After draining the beef, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Then, stir in the marinara sauce, basil, and oregano. Simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mix the creamy filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and sour cream. Stir until well mixed. This will form the 'million-dollar' creamy layer that sets this dish apart.
5. Layer the casserole: In your prepared baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce mixture on the bottom. Next, add half of the frozen cheese ravioli in an even layer. Then spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli, followed by another layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce on top.
6. Add the cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the ravioli: Since the ravioli will cook in the oven, there’s no need to boil them beforehand. This saves you time and ensures the pasta doesn’t become mushy.
• Not draining the beef: After cooking the ground beef, make sure to drain off any excess grease to avoid an overly greasy casserole.
• Skimping on the cheese: This dish is all about indulgence, so don’t skimp on the cheese. The gooey layers are what make it so satisfying!

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Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole can take it from simple to stunning! Consider the following tips to make your dish truly shine.

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Family-Style: This casserole is perfect for family-style serving. Simply place the casserole dish on the table with a large serving spoon, allowing everyone to help themselves.
• With Sides: Pair this rich dish with a light side salad or garlic bread to balance the flavors. Roasted vegetables also make a wonderful, colorful accompaniment.

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Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, basil, or even chives adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Use a Cast Iron Skillet: Instead of a regular baking dish, prepare and bake the casserole in a cast iron skillet for rustic presentation.
• Serve Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, cut the casserole into neat squares and place each portion on a plate, garnished with parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.

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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Broil for a Crispy Top: For an extra crispy and golden top, turn on the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to ensure it doesn’t burn!
• Customize Your Layers: Feel free to add extra layers of sautéed vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, for additional nutrition and flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes! If you have fresh ravioli, it will work just as well. Just note that fresh ravioli cooks more quickly, so keep an eye on the baking time.

Can I freeze Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
Absolutely. Once assembled, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the baking instructions.

Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
You can easily make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.

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Conclusion

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is comfort food at its finest. Layers of tender cheese ravioli, savory ground beef, and creamy cheeses come together to create a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Try it tonight for a meal that tastes like a million bucks—without the fuss. Enjoy!

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