Name: Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 packages (25 ounces each) frozen cheese ravioli; 1 pound ground beef; 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce; 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rich, cheesy, and hearty baked pasta dish that layers frozen cheese ravioli with a creamy cheese blend, savory meat sauce, and a generous topping of melted mozzarella. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the indulgent flavors of lasagna with the convenience of frozen ravioli. The creamy cheese mixture adds a luxurious texture, while the meat sauce provides a satisfying depth of flavor. It’s a versatile dish that’s great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or special occasions.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 packages (25 ounces each) frozen cheese ravioli
1 pound ground beef
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Mix until well blended.
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Place a layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli, followed by a generous layer of meat sauce.
Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 8 servings. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, and cooking time is about 45 minutes, totaling around 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Variations

Meat Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a vegetarian option.
Cheese Alternatives: Use mascarpone or cream cheese in place of ricotta or cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicier casserole.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh basil or thyme into the cheese mixture for added aroma and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole wrapped tightly in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warm.

FAQs

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh ravioli can be used. Reduce the initial baking time by about 10 minutes to prevent overcooking.

What can I substitute for cottage cheese?

Ricotta cheese is a common substitute for cottage cheese and provides a similar creamy texture.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?

Ensure that the diced tomatoes are well-drained, and consider sautéing any added vegetables to remove excess moisture.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes, adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the dish.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a decadent and satisfying meal that’s sure to please any crowd. Its rich layers of cheese, hearty meat sauce, and tender ravioli make it a go-to recipe for comfort food lovers. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is bound to impress.