Grandma’s Gold: The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets luxury in this million dollar ravioli casserole that promises a rich, cheesy adventure.

Layers of pasta and savory ingredients create a decadent meal sure to impress.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the complex flavors melding together in each delightful bite.

Simple ingredients combine to craft an extraordinary dish that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Creamy textures and robust seasonings elevate this casserole beyond typical weeknight meals.

Families gather around the table, eager to dive into this irresistible creation.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for future dinner celebrations.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade marinara sauce instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade marinara will add a fresh, personalized touch to the casserole and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Is it okay to substitute ground beef with ground turkey?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner protein option. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned and fully cooked before layering in the casserole.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole You Need to Try

• Conquer Comfort Food: A hearty casserole that transforms classic ravioli into a crowd-pleasing dish packed with layers of rich flavors and cheesy goodness.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep steps and straightforward ingredients make this recipe perfect for busy families seeking a delicious dinner solution.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping ground beef for turkey, adding vegetables, or adjusting cheese combinations to suit personal taste preferences.
• Impress Without Stress: Delivers restaurant-quality taste with home-cooking convenience, making it ideal for casual gatherings or family meals that feel special.

Essential Ingredients for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Ground Beef: A flavorful base that adds hearty protein to the casserole.

• Ricotta Cheese, Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A creamy and rich combination that creates a luxurious texture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

• Marinara Sauce, Frozen Ravioli: A classic Italian-inspired sauce and convenient pasta that form the foundation of this comforting casserole.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential spices that add depth and traditional Italian flavor to the ground beef.

Cooking Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Made Simple

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for a delicious casserole adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle The Beef

Grab a skillet and cook the ground beef until it turns a beautiful brown color.

Drain away any excess fat, then sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to make the meat super tasty.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Mozzarella cheese (save some for topping)

Stir until everything is smooth and perfectly combined.

Step 4: Build The First Layer

• Seasoned beef mixture
• Creamy cheese blend

Step 5: Create The Second Layer

Pour another layer of marinara sauce over the first layer.

Add another set of ravioli and spread more of the cheese mixture on top.

Step 6: Add The Finishing Touches

• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling with deliciousness.

Insider Tips for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the dish lighter.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier alternative.
• Drain meat thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and ensure crisp texture.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make cutting easier.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an extra burst of flavor and aromatic touch.

Creative Twists on Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Vegetarian Ravioli Bake: Replace ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles for a meat-free version that's packed with protein and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free ravioli and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, swap marinara for arrabbiata sauce, and mix in some crumbled feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired casserole.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute ravioli with roasted cauliflower florets and layer with the same cheese and meat mixture for a keto-friendly alternative.

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Comforting Family Feast: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, cheesy layers. Warm garlic bread on the side adds a perfect crunchy complement.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings where everyone craves a satisfying, crowd-friendly meal. Its impressive look and delicious taste will make you the star of any potluck.
• Weekend Meal Prep Magic: Divide the casserole into individual portions for easy weeknight dinners. Refrigerate or freeze extra servings for quick, stress-free meals during busy weeks when cooking time is limited.
• Game Day Crowd-Warmer: Cut into smaller squares as an appetizer for sports watching parties. Guests will love digging into these cheesy, meaty bites that pack maximum flavor in every serving.

Storing Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with Care

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the casserole completely before transferring to prevent moisture buildup.
• Avoid leaving the dish at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.

Ultimate Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty million dollar ravioli casserole combines rich Italian flavors with comforting pasta layers. Cheese, marinara, and ground beef create a memorable meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 package (25 ounces / 709 grams) frozen cheese ravioli
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Dairy and Cream Components:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a cozy environment for the casserole’s transformation.
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef thoroughly, eliminating excess fat, and enhance with aromatic garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for robust flavor.
3. Create a luxurious cheese blend by gently combining ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and a portion of mozzarella until smooth and creamy.
4. Establish a flavorful foundation by spreading marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish, creating a vibrant base for layering.
5. Arrange the first layer of frozen ravioli, ensuring complete coverage of the sauce.
6. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the ravioli, creating a hearty protein layer.
7. Generously spread the prepared cheese mixture atop the beef, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Repeat the layering process with additional marinara sauce, another set of ravioli, and remaining cheese mixture.
9. Crown the casserole with a sprinkle of Parmesan and the remaining mozzarella, promising a golden, crispy top.
10. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the surface turns gloriously golden and the edges bubble with anticipation.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
• Reduce fat content by using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of traditional beef.
• Choose whole wheat or gluten-free ravioli to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping the dish’s delicious essence.
• Enhance nutrition by sneaking finely chopped spinach or zucchini into the cheese mixture for extra veggie goodness.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg