Best Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe That Wows Every Time

Culinary magic happens when million dollar ravioli casserole brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

Cheese melts into golden layers that promise deliciousness beyond expectations.

Weeknight meals need something special to break monotony.

Hearty ingredients combine for a dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Home cooks appreciate simple techniques that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Rich, creamy textures invite everyone to savor each delightful bite.

This casserole will make you the kitchen hero your loved ones adore.

Best Dishes To Serve With Ravioli Casserole

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich meaty tomato sauce, cutting through its richness while enhancing the dish's deep flavors.
• Serve with Crisp Garlic Bread: Prepare toasted artisan bread rubbed with fresh garlic and olive oil, perfect for soaking up extra sauce and providing a crunchy textural contrast to the creamy pasta casserole.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, featuring peppery arugula leaves and shaved parmesan to balance the hearty main dish with a zesty, refreshing side.

Store And Reheat Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, preserving quality for up to 3 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Common Questions About Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the combination of pasta, cheese, and mild seasonings makes this dish appealing to children. The meat sauce is flavorful without being too spicy, and the cheesy top layer adds extra enjoyment.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

• What type of meat works best in this recipe?

Ground beef and Italian sausage are ideal, providing a rich, robust flavor. However, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option without sacrificing taste.

Why Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Tastes Like A Million Bucks

• Create Hearty Family Meals: Perfect for bringing everyone together around the dinner table with a classic comfort dish that satisfies all ages.
• Simplify Cooking Process: One-pan preparation reduces kitchen cleanup and streamlines meal preparation, making it a stress-free cooking experience for busy home cooks.
• Layer with Love: Build delicious flavors through carefully selected ingredients like Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and multiple cheese varieties that blend beautifully in each bite.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching proteins, adding vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to match family preferences and dietary needs without compromising taste.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Ingredients List

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the casserole..
• Italian Sausage: Provides a spicy and robust taste that enhances the overall meat mixture..

• Pasta Shells or Ravioli: The foundation of the dish that creates a comforting base for the casserole..

• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy and smooth layer that adds richness to the dish..
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a golden, stretchy topping that provides a classic cheesy texture..
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty flavor that complements the other ingredients..
• Eggs: Bind the ricotta mixture and help create a cohesive texture..

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory flavor base for the meat sauce..
• Parsley: Offers a fresh and bright garnish that adds color and mild herbal notes..

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that provides the primary liquid and flavor for the casserole..
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Add depth and thickness to the sauce..
• Dried Basil, Oregano: Traditional Italian herbs that enhance the overall flavor profile..
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste..

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle richness to the dish..
• Aluminum Foil: Helps control the cooking process and prevent excessive.

Easy Instructions For Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Preheat The Oven And Prepare Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F and generously coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent any stubborn sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Meat Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and sizzle for a quick 30 seconds to release its aromatic magic.

Step 3: Brown The Meat Perfectly

Introduce ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Break down the meat into tiny crumbles, cooking thoroughly until no pink remains and a rich, golden-brown color develops.

Step 4: Build The Sauce Foundation

• Marinara sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Dried basil
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the sauce simmer and meld flavors for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Cook Pasta With Care

Boil pasta shells or ravioli according to package instructions. Aim for slightly undercooked texture to prevent mushiness during baking.

Step 6: Mix Creamy Ricotta Layer

• Ricotta cheese
• Beaten eggs
• Chopped parsley

Blend until smooth and well-combined.

Step 7: Layer The Casserole Base

Spread the partially cooked pasta across the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute the ricotta mixture over the pasta.

Step 8: Pour Meat Sauce Generously

Cover the ricotta layer completely with the seasoned meat sauce, ensuring every inch is deliciously coated.

Step 9: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses across the top, creating a golden, melty blanket.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 11: Rest And Settle

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes. This allows flavors to harmonize and helps the dish set.

Step 12: Serve And Enjoy

Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

Tips That Make Million Dollar Ravioli Even Better

• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Choose Quality Cheese: Select fresh, high-quality ricotta and mozzarella for superior taste and creamy texture in your pasta bake.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook pasta shells to prevent mushiness, allowing them to finish cooking perfectly in the oven's heat.
• Layer Carefully: Spread each layer evenly to guarantee consistent flavor and texture in every delicious bite of the casserole.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative for a lighter, healthier version of the dish.

Million Dollar Ravioli – Fun Flavor Ideas

• Vegetarian Pasta Bake: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free, maintaining the same layering and baking technique.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, keeping the rich cheese and sauce components for a lighter meal option.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, swap Italian herbs for za'atar seasoning, and incorporate feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired casserole.

Gilded Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5-10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets luxury in this million dollar ravioli casserole, blending Italian-inspired flavors with hearty American home cooking. Cheesy layers and rich marinara create a soul-warming dish that invites you to savor each indulgent bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 1 box pasta shells or large ravioli
• 16 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Meat:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb italian sausage
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• 2 cloves garlic

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 2 large eggs (for binding)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté chopped onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
3. Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking the meat into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
4. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture, then stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper, simmering the sauce for 10 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, cook pasta shells or ravioli according to package instructions, ensuring they are slightly undercooked to prevent mushiness during baking.
6. In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, and chopped parsley, whisking until smooth and well-incorporated.
7. Layer the partially cooked pasta in the prepared baking dish, then spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.
8. Pour the seasoned meat sauce over the ricotta layer, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the top, creating a generous cheese blanket.
10. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
11. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and set.
12. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

• Adjust pasta cooking time carefully to prevent overcooking, as shells or ravioli will continue cooking in the oven’s heat.
• Drain meat thoroughly to reduce excess grease and prevent a soggy casserole bottom.
• Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter, health-conscious version of the dish.
• Allow casserole to rest before serving, which helps ingredients set and makes cutting and serving easier.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 685
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg