Description
The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rich, cheesy, and indulgent baked pasta dish that combines layers of frozen cheese ravioli, savory marinara sauce, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy ricotta mixture. It’s a perfect comfort food for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. With its simple preparation and decadent flavor, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste without the hassle of making traditional lasagna.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease, then stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer for a few minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer.
Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and cheeses.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use frozen ravioli for the best texture; fresh ravioli may require a shorter cooking time.
- For extra creaminess, stir 4 oz of cream cheese into the ricotta mixture.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and store in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Freezer-friendly: Can be frozen before or after baking for easy meal prep.
- Customize the recipe with different proteins (Italian sausage, ground turkey) or vegetables (spinach, mushrooms).
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help the layers set before serving.