Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the warm, cheesy, and hearty appeal of a delicious casserole. And if you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for a recipe that can be made in one pan and still taste like it took hours of effort. That’s exactly what you get with this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. Layers of savory meat sauce, cheesy goodness, and pillowy ravioli come together to create a dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone around the table.

What’s even better is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply want a satisfying meal for your family, this casserole is a showstopper that delivers on flavor and convenience. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

This casserole is not only quick and simple to make but also incredibly flavorful. It’s packed with all the classic flavors of a hearty lasagna, but with the convenience of ravioli. The richness of the meat sauce, combined with the gooey melted cheese and tender ravioli, creates a comfort food masterpiece that’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Plus, you can easily customize it to your preferences by switching up the types of cheese or sauce you use. If you’re craving a meal that feels like a hug in a casserole dish, this one is for you!

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What Kind of Ravioli Should I Use for This Casserole?

When choosing ravioli for this casserole, you want to pick a type that complements the rich, meaty sauce. Cheese-filled ravioli is the most common and works beautifully with this recipe, but you could also experiment with other flavors like spinach, mushroom, or even sausage. Fresh or frozen ravioli both work well—just make sure to cook frozen ravioli before assembling the casserole, as fresh ravioli will soften perfectly while baking.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re looking to make a few adjustments to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions, here are some substitution ideas:

1. Ground Beef: If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute for ground beef in the meat sauce. It will still give you that savory flavor but with fewer calories.
2. Ricotta Cheese: If you’re not a fan of ricotta, try cottage cheese or mascarpone for a smoother, creamier texture.
3. Sauce Choices: While marinara sauce is typically used, you can switch it out for a vodka sauce, Alfredo, or even a pesto sauce to create a different flavor profile.
4. Dairy-Free or Vegan Options: For a dairy-free version, swap the cheeses for plant-based alternatives, and opt for a vegan ravioli filling (many stores offer plant-based ravioli options now).

No matter what substitutions you make, this casserole will still come together beautifully with whatever ingredients you have on hand.

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Ingredients for This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

1. Frozen Ravioli
   Ravioli forms the heart of this dish. You’ll need about a pound of frozen ravioli, typically filled with cheese, though any flavor you prefer can work as a substitution. The ravioli adds layers of softness and texture to the casserole, making it filling and comforting.
2. Ground Beef
   The ground beef gives the casserole its rich, hearty base. It provides that satisfying meaty flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese and ravioli. You can use lean beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
3. Marinara Sauce
   This simple, classic tomato sauce is the backbone of the casserole’s flavor. Its savory, slightly tangy taste complements the cheese and beef beautifully, creating a rich, balanced sauce that soaks into the ravioli.
4. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
   Mozzarella adds that gooey, melty texture that everyone loves in casseroles. It melts into the layers, binding everything together while adding a mild and creamy flavor.
5. Parmesan Cheese
   Parmesan brings a sharp, nutty flavor to the casserole. When sprinkled on top, it gives the dish a lovely golden-brown crust once baked, adding both texture and depth of flavor.
6. Ricotta Cheese
   Ricotta cheese helps to create a creamy, cheesy layer in between the ravioli and sauce. It provides a smooth and fluffy texture that balances out the richness of the meat and mozzarella.
7. Garlic
   Garlic adds a subtle aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the sauce, giving it an extra layer of richness.
8. Onion
   A finely chopped onion is often added to the meat sauce for an extra touch of sweetness and savory flavor, making the casserole more flavorful and aromatic.
9. Italian Seasoning
   A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme elevates the dish with classic Italian flavors that work wonderfully with the ravioli and sauce.
10. Olive Oil
    Used to sauté the onions and garlic, olive oil is a great base for bringing out the flavor in the vegetables and meat, ensuring that the sauce has a silky consistency.

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole will cook evenly and get that golden, bubbly finish on top.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once the beef is browned and cooked through, pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Then, place a layer of frozen ravioli on top of the sauce. Make sure the ravioli is evenly distributed and not overlapping too much. Spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the ravioli, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Repeat the Layers

Continue layering the remaining sauce, ravioli, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella on top. You should have about two layers of ravioli and cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Let It Rest

After baking, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

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How Long to Cook the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Bake the casserole for a total of 35–40 minutes. Start by covering it with aluminum foil and baking for the first 25 minutes to help the ravioli cook through and the sauce meld. Then, uncover it and bake for another 10-15 minutes to allow the top to become golden brown and bubbly.

Tips for Perfect Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Ravioli: Layer the ravioli in a single layer to ensure it cooks evenly. Overlapping ravioli can make the layers soggy and uneven.
2. Use Full-Fat Cheese: For the creamiest, meltiest result, stick with full-fat cheeses like whole-milk ricotta and full-fat mozzarella. They melt beautifully and give the casserole its indulgent texture.
3. Cook the Meat Sauce to Perfection: Let the meat sauce simmer to blend the flavors before assembling the casserole. This step ensures your sauce is rich and flavorful.
4. Rest the Casserole: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to cut into neat squares.
5. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix up the cheese layers. Adding provolone, fontina, or cheddar for a different cheese pull or flavor profile is always a fun option.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure a perfectly baked casserole with just the right balance of flavors and textures!

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

1. Not Pre-cooking the Ravioli: While frozen ravioli doesn’t always need to be cooked before adding to the casserole, it’s essential to thaw them or slightly pre-cook them if you’re using thick-filled or larger ravioli. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from becoming soggy in the casserole.
2. Overbaking or Underbaking: Be mindful of the baking time. Overbaking can cause the cheese to dry out and lose that creamy texture, while underbaking may leave your ravioli too firm and the sauce not fully set.
3. Using Low-fat Cheese: Low-fat cheeses don’t melt or brown as well as their full-fat counterparts, which can affect both the texture and flavor of your casserole. Stick to regular mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan for the best results.
4. Skipping the Resting Time: After baking, resist the urge to dive straight into the casserole. Letting it rest for 5-10 minutes allows the sauce and cheese to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve without making a mess.
5. Not Enough Sauce: If you skimp on the sauce, the ravioli may dry out during baking. Ensure you have enough sauce to cover the ravioli and create a rich, flavorful base that enhances the dish.

What to Serve With Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Salad Pairings

1. Caesar Salad
   A classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons, Parmesan cheese, and creamy dressing complements the richness of the casserole.

Bread Options

2. Garlic Bread
   You can’t go wrong with a warm, buttery, and garlicky bread to dip in the extra sauce from your casserole.
3. Crusty French Bread
   A rustic French baguette, sliced and served with olive oil or butter, pairs perfectly with a cheesy casserole.

Vegetable Sides

4. Roasted Vegetables
   Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms add freshness and balance out the richness of the casserole.
5. Steamed Broccoli
   A simple side of steamed broccoli is a great way to add a touch of greenery and a mild crunch.
6. Sautéed Spinach
   Sautéed spinach with garlic and olive oil makes for a healthy and flavorful side that complements the creamy casserole.

Light Sides

7. Tomato Basil Salad
   A light, refreshing tomato basil salad with balsamic vinegar provides a cool contrast to the warmth of the casserole.
8. Caprese Skewers
   Skewered mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze are light and flavorful, perfect alongside the heavy casserole.

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Storage Instructions

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole can be easily stored for later meals. After it cools to room temperature, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 2–3 months.

To reheat, either bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes (covered to prevent drying out) or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Estimated Nutrition

While this casserole is indulgent, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition for one serving:

• Calories: 450-500
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 20g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g

Please note, the nutrition information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. For a lighter option, you can make substitutions like using ground turkey, low-fat cheese, or reducing the amount of cheese in the recipe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare the dish as instructed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before placing it in the oven to bake as directed.

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, you can absolutely use fresh ravioli. Just be sure to reduce the baking time slightly, as fresh ravioli cooks faster than frozen.

Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free ravioli and ensure that your sauce and other ingredients (such as cheese and seasonings) are also gluten-free.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and use a meatless marinara sauce or add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor.

Can I freeze the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes very well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes or until bubbly.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Certainly! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as provolone, gouda, or cheddar. Just be sure to use a melty cheese for the best texture.

How do I make sure the ravioli doesn’t get soggy?

To prevent soggy ravioli, make sure you have enough sauce to cover them but not overwhelm them. You can also bake the casserole uncovered for a few minutes at the end to allow the top layer of cheese to crisp up.

How many servings does this casserole make?

This casserole typically serves 6-8 people, depending on portion size. It’s great for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for the next day!

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Conclusion

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that will impress family and friends alike. It’s cheesy, savory, and perfect for any occasion. If you loved this recipe, be sure to save it on Pinterest and share it with your loved ones! The rich layers of flavor and ease of preparation make this casserole a family favorite in no time!

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