Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the definition of comfort food for chilly evenings or big gatherings. It delivers layers of pillowy ravioli, a rich ricotta blend, plenty of gooey mozzarella, and a robust meat marinara that bakes into something irresistible. When everyone at the table sighs after the first bite, you know it is a winner.

Ingredients

• Ground beef or Italian sausage: Look for fresh quality meat with good marbling for the best flavor
• Small onion: Sweet or yellow onion works best for the savory base
• Garlic: Always choose fresh cloves for a punchy aroma
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred variety or homemade if you have time
• Cheese ravioli: Fresh or frozen work equally well Make sure the filling is creamy mozzarella and ricotta cheese for best results
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredding your own from a block gives superior melt and stretch
• Parmesan cheese: Buy a wedge and grate it fresh for a nutty finish
• Ricotta cheese: Whole milk ricotta makes the creamiest filling
• Sour cream: Adds luscious tang to the ricotta mixture
• Cream cheese: Softened at room temperature for easy blending and richness
• Egg: Helps bind the creamy layer together
• Parsley: Fresh is aromatic and bright Choose vibrantly green leaves
• Salt and black pepper: Seasoning for depth and balance

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375 F and prepare a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray so nothing sticks

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

Brown ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat Stir and break up the meat until it is evenly browned and the onion is soft and translucent about seven minutes Drain off the excess fat so the casserole stays rich not greasy Add minced garlic to the beef and cook for about a minute until it smells fragrant Stir in marinara sauce and simmer five minutes to deepen the flavors Remove from the heat

Make the Ricotta Mixture:

In a medium bowl mix ricotta cheese sour cream softened cream cheese egg parsley salt and pepper Stir well until you have a fluffy and smooth mixture worth sneaking a taste

Assemble the Casserole:

Spoon a thin layer of the meat sauce across the bottom of your baking dish Arrange half the ravioli in a single even layer on top Gently spread half the ricotta mixture over the ravioli and top with half the remaining meat sauce Sprinkle one cup of mozzarella evenly over this Repeat these layers ravioli ricotta meat sauce and finish with the remaining mozzarella plus the Parmesan cheese for a golden crust

Bake:

Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake for thirty minutes This helps everything meld together Uncover and bake ten to fifteen minutes more until the cheese is melted golden and bubbling

Serve:

Let your casserole rest five to ten minutes so the layers set and slices come out perfectly Sprinkle with more parsley for color and a hint of freshness

Pin it

Storage Tips

This casserole keeps for up to five days covered in the refrigerator Reheat gently in the oven for best results For longer storage wrap tightly with foil and freeze up to three months Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Italian sausage instead of beef for added spice For a vegetarian twist swap the meat sauce for sautéed mushrooms and spinach Dairy free cheese or plant based ravioli work if you need a non dairy option If you do not have sour cream try plain Greek yogurt in the ricotta mixture

Serving Suggestions

Serve generous slices with garlic bread and a big green salad For a cozy dinner add roasted vegetables or steamed green beans Kids love it with buttery corn or peas Sometimes I sprinkle extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes on individual servings for an extra boost

Pin it

Cultural Historical Context

Baked ravioli casseroles are a beloved staple in Italian-American kitchens blending pasta night traditions with hearty Midwestern baking rituals Layered casseroles like this became popular in twentieth century America for their ease and ability to feed a crowd Millons of families have made some version of this for holidays and lazy Sundays

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use Italian sausage instead of ground beef?

Yes, Italian sausage can be substituted for ground beef or combined for extra flavor. Just cook it fully before layering.

→ Is it better to use fresh or frozen ravioli?

Both fresh and frozen ravioli work well. There's no need to thaw frozen ravioli; assemble directly in the dish.

→ Can I assemble this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble up to a day in advance and store covered in the fridge. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if chilled.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Try layering in spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 3 days, or freeze portions up to 3 months. Reheat until warmed through.

→ Is there a way to make this vegetarian?

Omit the meat and use extra veggies, or a plant-based meat alternative, in the sauce for a vegetarian version.