Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole: 1 Comfort Food Secret

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole has become my ultimate comfort food, and I’m so excited to share it with you! The first time I made this, the aroma of simmering marinara and savory beef filled my kitchen, promising a truly decadent meal. It’s layers of tender cheese ravioli smothered in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with bubbly mozzarella – pure bliss. It’s a dish that always makes my family ask for seconds. Ready to create some magic in your own kitchen? Let’s get cooking this amazing Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole!

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

This dish is a true winner for so many reasons. Here’s why it’s destined to become a favorite:

• It’s incredibly easy to assemble, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• The layers are wonderfully cheesy, with a blend of creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella.
• It’s packed with rich, savory flavors that satisfy any craving.
• The texture is divine – tender ravioli enveloped in a luscious sauce.
• It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for stress-free entertaining.
• This casserole is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
• It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Gathering these Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ingredients is the first step to pure comfort! The star of the show is the 25 oz package frozen cheese ravioli, which cooks perfectly in the oven. For the rich, savory base, we’ll use 1 lb ground beef, 1 small onion, chopped, and 2 cloves garlic, minced. The sauce comes together with 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce and 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes. The magic happens with the creamy filling, which features 1 cup ricotta cheese – this is key for that authentic Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with ricotta texture – along with 1/2 cup sour cream and 8 oz cream cheese, softened. For that ultimate cheesy topping, you’ll need 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t forget 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper, to taste. Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice pop of color!

How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Making this delightful Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is easier than you might think! Get ready for a truly decadent meal.

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. This prep ensures your casserole won’t stick.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the 1 lb ground beef with the 1 small onion, chopped and 2 cloves garlic, minced until the beef is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from being too oily.
3. Step 3: Stir in the 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce and 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes with the beef mixture. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a delicious, rich sauce. This forms the base of our flavorful Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.
4. Step 4: While the sauce simmers, prepare the creamy filling. In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 8 oz cream cheese, softened. Mix until it’s wonderfully smooth and creamy. This is what gives the casserole its signature richness.
5. Step 5: Now, it’s time to assemble! Spread about half of the meat sauce mixture evenly over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then, layer the 25 oz package frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce. Dollop and spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the ravioli.
6. Step 6: Add the remaining meat sauce over the ricotta layer. This ensures every bite of the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is packed with flavor. Top this with 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, along with the 1 tbsp Italian seasoning.
7. Step 7: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This initial baking time helps everything heat through evenly.
8. Step 8: Carefully remove the foil. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is beautifully golden brown and melted. The aroma of this baked Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole will fill your home!
9. Step 9: Let the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the delicious creamy sauce to set slightly, making for cleaner slices. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like!

Pro Tips for the Best Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Want to elevate your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make this dish truly outstanding.

• Don’t skip softening the cream cheese! It ensures a silky smooth filling without lumps, contributing to that amazing Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole creamy sauce.
• For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture; it really enhances the dairy notes. You can learn more about uses for nutmeg in cooking.
• If you’re using a leaner ground beef, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan when browning to prevent dryness.
• Always err on the side of slightly undercooking the ravioli if you’re using fresh ones, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

What’s the secret to perfect Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

The secret is the balance of creamy, cheesy filling with a robust meat sauce. Using good quality ricotta and ensuring the cream cheese is truly softened is key for that luxurious, Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole rich flavor. For more on achieving the best texture, check out our author’s tips.

Can I make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is a fantastic Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole dinner idea for meal prep. Assemble the entire casserole (up to the final cheese topping), cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

The most common pitfall is a dry casserole. Ensure you have enough sauce, use at least 2% ricotta and cream cheese, and don’t overbake it. Also, make sure to drain the beef well to avoid a greasy final product. For more food safety guidelines, consult official resources.

Best Ways to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

This rich and creamy pasta bake is a showstopper on its own, but serving it with a few simple sides really makes it a complete meal. For a classic Italian-American experience, pair it with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. This cuts through the richness beautifully. I also love serving this as a Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole family favorite alongside some crusty garlic bread – perfect for soaking up any extra sauce!

Another great option is steamed or roasted broccoli or asparagus. These simple vegetables add a nice freshness and color to the plate. It’s a hearty dish that truly satisfies, making it perfect for Sunday dinner or any occasion where you want to impress without a lot of fuss. You can find more about contacting us for recipe variations.

Nutrition Facts for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

When you’re diving into this rich and creamy dish, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: 510
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 950mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use for your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. For more information on our practices, please see our privacy policy.

How to Store and Reheat Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

One of the best things about this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is how well it stores, making it a perfect Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole weeknight meal solution. After baking, let the casserole cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the creamy sauce to set up a bit, making it easier to portion. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can learn more about our disclaimer regarding recipe results.

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or place it in freezer-safe containers. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Then, either microwave individual portions until heated through or reheat the entire dish, covered, in a 350°F oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until bubbly and hot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

What is a Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

A Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is essentially a decadent, layered pasta bake that feels incredibly luxurious, hence the name. It typically features cheese ravioli layered with a rich meat sauce and a creamy, three-cheese mixture, all baked until bubbly and golden. It’s the ultimate comfort food that tastes like a million bucks without the fuss! For more about us, visit our about page.

How to make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

To make this incredible dish, you’ll start by browning ground beef with onions and garlic, then simmering it with marinara and crushed tomatoes. Separately, you’ll whip together ricotta, sour cream, and cream cheese for a creamy filling. Then, you layer the meat sauce, frozen cheese ravioli, the creamy filling, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan before baking. It’s a straightforward process that yields spectacular results.

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen for my Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you opt for fresh ravioli, you’ll likely need to reduce the baking time slightly, as fresh pasta cooks faster. Keep an eye on it, and test for doneness. Fresh ravioli will also contribute to a wonderful texture in your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.

What kind of sauce is best for a Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

A good quality marinara sauce forms the base for this classic Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole recipe. You can use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own from scratch. Some people also like to add a touch of tomato paste to the sauce for a deeper flavor, or even a splash of red wine when simmering the meat mixture for an even richer taste.

Variations of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole You Can Try

While this classic Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is amazing as is, don’t be afraid to get creative! For a lighter take, you could try a vegetarian version by omitting the beef and adding sautéed mushrooms and zucchini to the marinara sauce. If you’re looking for a quicker meal, consider using fresh ravioli, which reduces the overall baking time for this Million Dollar Ravioli Bake. To truly elevate this dish into an Upscale Ravioli Casserole Dish, try adding a layer of spinach and ricotta mixture or even some crumbled Italian sausage instead of ground beef for an extra burst of flavor.

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