Jackpot Ravioli Casserole Recipe: Rich Flavor, Simple Steps

Comfort food reaches new heights with this million dollar ravioli casserole that promises to delight taste buds and warm hearts.

Layers of cheesy goodness blend perfectly with tender pasta and rich marinara sauce.

Weeknight dinners never looked so tempting or tasted so incredible.

This crowd-pleasing dish combines simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will fall head over heels for this irresistible casserole that transforms ordinary ingredients into a spectacular dinner.

Prepare to be the culinary hero at your next family gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40-45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 475 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything That’s In Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein base and rich flavor for the sauce.
• Onion: Adds sweet depth and aromatic foundation to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Brings intense, robust flavor and enhances overall savory notes.
• Marinara Sauce: Creates a classic, tangy base that binds all ingredients together.

• Ricotta Cheese: Delivers smooth, creamy texture with mild, fresh taste.
• Sour Cream: Contributes subtle tanginess and helps create silky mixture.
• Cream Cheese: Ensures extra richness and helps bind ingredients smoothly.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating stretchy, golden-brown top layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty finish and helps create crispy cheese crust.

• Egg: Helps bind ricotta mixture and provides structural integrity.
• Parsley: Introduces fresh, herbal brightness and visual appeal.
• Salt: Enhances and balances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the dish.
• Ravioli: Serves as the delicious pasta foundation for the entire casserole.

Helpful Tools For Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for mixing ricotta, sour cream, and other creamy ingredients.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Key for layering and baking the entire casserole.
• Aluminum Foil: Needed to cover the casserole during initial baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping parsley and preparing ingredients.

Easy Way To Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Oven Warmth and Dish Prep

Crank up the oven to a toasty 375F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or oil rub to prevent sticking.

Meaty Sauce Magic

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onions until they’re perfectly caramelized. Toss in some garlic for an extra flavor punch. Pour in marinara sauce and let it simmer, creating a rich, aromatic base that’ll make mouths water.

Creamy Cheese Blend

Whip together ricotta, sour cream, and cream cheese until silky smooth. Fold in an egg and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a luxurious, velvety mixture that’ll elevate the entire dish.

Layering Extravaganza

Start with a thin meat sauce blanket on the bottom of the dish. Layer ravioli like delicious building blocks, then spread the creamy cheese mixture. Repeat the process, finishing with a generous shower of mozzarella and Parmesan that’ll create a golden, crispy top.

Baking Brilliance

Cover the dish with foil and let it bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil for the final 10-15 minutes, allowing the cheese to transform into a bubbling, golden masterpiece.

Serving Sensation

Let the casserole rest briefly, then serve up these gorgeous layers of comfort. Optional: Scatter some fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips To Tweak Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this casserole ahead of time by assembling everything except baking, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Simply pop it in the oven when ready to serve, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Protein Power Play: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or plant-based meat alternatives for diverse flavor profiles and dietary needs. Each protein brings a unique twist to the classic recipe.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding fontina, provolone, or goat cheese to the ricotta mixture for extra depth and richness. Mix and match to create your signature blend.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free ravioli or substitute with zucchini ribbons and layer like traditional ravioli. This adaptation ensures everyone can enjoy this hearty, comforting dish without compromising taste or texture.
• Veggie Boost: Incorporate sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers between layers for added nutrition and flavor complexity. These vegetables enhance the casserole's overall taste and nutritional value.

Best Ways To Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Cheesy Comfort Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy layers.
• Bread Basket Brilliance: Serve warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up the delicious meat sauce and catch every last drop of cheesy goodness.
• Wine Lover's Delight: Complement the robust flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which perfectly matches the tomato and beef notes in the dish.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or additional parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and beautiful green accent to the golden-brown casserole.

Save And Reheat Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Later

• Refrigerator Storage Solution: Keep leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freezer Friendly Technique: Wrap the entire casserole or individual portions in heavy-duty aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen meals stay delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and ensure even heating throughout the dish.
• Portion Control Strategy: Slice casserole into individual servings before storing. This approach makes grab-and-go meals easier, reduces waste, and helps maintain the casserole's structural integrity during storage and reheating.

Mouth-Watering Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty million dollar ravioli casserole delivers pure comfort from Italian-American kitchens. Melted cheese, rich meat sauce, and tender pasta create a satisfying meal families will crave.

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Ingredients

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• 1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) marinara sauce
• 1 package (25 oz / 709 g) frozen or fresh cheese ravioli
• 1 lb (453 g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.
2. Meat Sauce: Sauté ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat, breaking meat into fine crumbles. Drain excess fat, add garlic, and incorporate marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to develop deep flavor profiles.
3. Cheese Mixture: Blend ricotta, sour cream, cream cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper into a smooth, creamy consistency.
4. First Layer Assembly: Spread a thin meat sauce base in the baking dish. Layer ravioli completely, cover with half the ricotta mixture, add half the meat sauce, and sprinkle mozzarella generously.
5. Final Layer Construction: Repeat layering with remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Crown the casserole with a final blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
6. Baking Process: Seal with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
7. Serving Presentation: Rest the casserole 5-10 minutes to allow layers to stabilize. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish before serving.

Notes

• Master Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned and crumbled to prevent large chunks, maximizing flavor distribution and even cooking texture.
• Drain Fat Completely: Remove excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and maintain a clean, rich flavor profile without unnecessary oil.
• Cheese Layer Balance: Spread ricotta mixture evenly to create consistent creamy layers, avoiding thick or thin patches that might disrupt the casserole’s smooth texture.
• Foil Covering Technique: Keep aluminum foil loosely tented to prevent cheese from sticking and allow proper heat circulation during initial baking stage, ensuring even cooking and moisture retention.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 475
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg