Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rich, creamy, and indulgent dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With layers of tender ravioli, a luscious cheese blend, and hearty marinara meat sauce, it’s comfort food at its best. The “million dollar” name comes from the decadent flavors and creamy texture packed into every bite. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and sure to impress everyone around the table.
1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
1 lb ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup sour cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook garlic & ground beef in olive oil until browned. Drain fat.
3. Stir in marinara, basil, oregano, salt & pepper. Simmer 5 min.
4. Mix cottage cheese, ricotta, sour cream & 1 cup mozzarella.
5. In greased baking dish, layer meat sauce, ravioli, cheese mixture. Repeat.
6. Top with mozzarella & Parmesan. Bake 30 mins covered, then 15 mins uncovered.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Kcal: 450 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. No need to thaw the frozen ravioli.
2. Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Prepare Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella. Mix until well blended.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish. Arrange a single layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce. Spoon half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli, spreading gently. Repeat the layers: meat sauce, ravioli, and the remaining cheese mixture. Finish with the final layer of meat sauce.
5. Add Topping & Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set for cleaner slices. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This rich casserole pairs beautifully with lighter sides to balance the meal. Serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, garlic breadsticks, or steamed green beans or broccoli. For a complete Italian feast, offer a starter of bruschetta or a simple antipasto platter.
How-to Summary
Brown beef with garlic, mix with marinara and herbs. Combine cottage cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and some mozzarella. In a baking dish, layer meat sauce, frozen ravioli, and cheese mixture. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 15-20 minutes until golden. Let rest before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen? Yes, but reduce the initial covered baking time by about 10 minutes to prevent overcooking, as fresh pasta cooks faster.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time? Assemble the casserole completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since it will be cold.
Can I substitute the cottage cheese? Absolutely. An equal amount of additional ricotta cheese or whole-milk ricotta makes a good substitute, though the texture will be slightly denser.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through.
Can I freeze this casserole? It freezes well after baking. Cool completely, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, covered, in the oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the ravioli by using it straight from the freezer—it will cook perfectly in the sauce. Do not skip draining the fat from the cooked beef, as it can make the final dish greasy. Ensure you let the casserole rest after baking; cutting into it immediately will cause the layers to run together. Finally, do not substitute low-fat dairy products liberally, as they can separate and alter the creamy, “million dollar” texture.
Conclusion
The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole truly lives up to its name, delivering maximum comfort and flavor with minimal fuss. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that simplifies a decadent pasta dinner into an easy layered bake. Whether for a busy weeknight, a potluck, or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe is a guaranteed hit that will have everyone asking for seconds.