Description
Creamy Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole blends Italian-American comfort cuisine with rich layers of cheese and pasta. Cheesy goodness meets hearty family-style dining, promising a satisfying meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (25 ounces) bag frozen cheese or meat ravioli
- 1 (24 ounces) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure smooth food release.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, carefully draining excess fat. Introduce marinara sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Create a luxurious cheese blend by whisking cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Establish a robust foundation by spreading a thin meat sauce layer across the baking dish. Strategically arrange the first batch of frozen ravioli, then generously distribute half the cheese mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan to create a decadent initial layer.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining ravioli, cheese mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan, building a multi-dimensional flavor profile.
- Shield the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and heat thoroughly.
- Uncover the dish and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant finish, then serve piping hot to capture maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary variety.
- Prevent soggy texture by using slightly frozen ravioli and avoid thawing before layering to maintain structural integrity.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh minced garlic or red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for extra depth and subtle heat.
- Reduce dairy content by using low-fat cheese alternatives or creating a vegan version with cashew-based cheese substitutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 530 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 740 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg