Description
Million dollar ravioli casserole combines Italian-inspired layers of cheese, pasta, and savory meat sauce for a comforting family dinner. Hearty ingredients create a rich, satisfying meal that brings warmth and joy to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 (24 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli (or meat ravioli)
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the meat sauce by browning ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat at 350-375°F. Drain excess fat and incorporate marinara sauce, then set aside.
- Create a luscious cheese blend by whisking cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until silky and uniform.
- Establish a foundation in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom.
- Construct the first layer by arranging frozen ravioli across the sauce, then generously dollop half the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta.
- Sprinkle a liberal amount of shredded mozzarella across the cheese layer, creating a luxurious coverage.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining meat sauce, ravioli, creamy cheese mixture, and finish with a final blanket of mozzarella.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, ensuring even heat distribution.
- Uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and effervescent.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil and optional Parmesan cheese before serving immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier protein option that still delivers robust flavor.
- Enhance the cheese mixture’s richness by incorporating fresh herbs like basil or thyme, which will elevate the overall taste profile and add a vibrant aroma.
- Use no-boil or fresh ravioli to reduce prep time and maintain a more delicate texture throughout the casserole, ensuring each bite remains tender and delicious.
- Make this dish gluten-free by selecting gluten-free ravioli and verifying that marinara sauce contains no wheat-based additives, making it accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 561 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg