Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna

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Rich, indulgent, and packed with layers of irresistible flavor—Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna lives up to its name in every bite. This comfort food classic brings together tender cheese-stuffed ravioli, a luscious blend of cream cheese and ricotta, and a robust meat sauce layered under golden, bubbling mozzarella. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that tastes like you spent hours making it, but it’s surprisingly simple to pull off.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive potlucks, this lasagna skips the noodles and swaps in ravioli for a clever shortcut that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The creamy cheese filling melts into the savory beef sauce, while a touch of Italian seasoning and melty mozzarella create a cozy, oven-baked masterpiece that’s both comforting and crave-worthy.

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Ingredients for Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna

• 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the baking dish)

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Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed. Add the marinara or pasta sauce to the skillet, stir to combine, and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes to develop flavor. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.

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Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, and ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. This is your rich, velvety layer that will give the lasagna its “million dollar” texture.

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Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
Next, layer half of the frozen ravioli evenly over the sauce. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture on top of the ravioli. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese mixture.
Repeat the layers: ravioli, cheese mixture, and the rest of the meat sauce.

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Step 4: Add the Final Toppings

Sprinkle the top of the lasagna with the remaining 1 ¼ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. This will give the lasagna a beautifully cheesy, golden crust as it bakes.

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.

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Step 6: Let It Rest & Serve

Remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your decadent, cheesy masterpiece!

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: ~520
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 6g
• Sodium: 980mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes! Fresh ravioli works just as well. You may need to reduce the baking time slightly since they cook faster than frozen.

2. Is it necessary to thaw the ravioli first?

Nope! The beauty of this recipe is using frozen ravioli straight from the bag—no thawing needed.

3. Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Skip the meat and either increase the cheese or add a vegetable-based layer using sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

4. What’s the best type of ravioli for this dish?

Cheese ravioli is the classic choice, but feel free to use spinach, mushroom, or even meat-filled ravioli for extra depth.

5. Can I prepare this lasagna in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

6. What sides go well with this?

A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make perfect companions to balance the richness of the lasagna.

7. Is cream cheese mandatory in the filling?

It adds a silky richness, but you can substitute with cottage cheese or more ricotta if preferred.

8. How do I avoid a watery lasagna?

Make sure to fully drain your meat, don’t overdo the sauce, and allow the lasagna to rest before serving so it sets nicely.

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