The Irresistible Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Tucking into a comforting million dollar ravioli casserole feels like winning a culinary lottery without spending a dime.

Layers of cheesy goodness promise an extraordinary meal that breaks free from ordinary pasta dishes.

Hearty ingredients blend together in a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers with unexpected charm.

Creamy ricotta, zesty marinara, and melted mozzarella create a luxurious landscape of comfort.

Our simple approach means minimal effort for maximum deliciousness, ensuring you can craft restaurant-quality magic in your own kitchen.

Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly this casserole will become your new go-to dinner sensation.

Why Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Tastes Like A Million Bucks

• Create Hearty Comfort: Dive into a soul-warming pasta casserole packed with rich, meaty flavors that hugs your taste buds with every single bite.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn to layer ingredients like a pro, transforming basic pantry staples into a restaurant-quality meal without complex culinary skills.
• Perfect Family Gathering Dish: Designed to feed a crowd, this crowd-pleasing recipe brings everyone together with its irresistible cheesy goodness and satisfying protein-packed layers.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your family's preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible for different dietary needs and taste preferences.

All The Ingredients For Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Pasta Shells or Ravioli: Large pasta shapes that create a delicious base for this hearty casserole.
• Ground Beef: Provides rich, meaty flavor and protein to the dish.
• Italian Sausage: Adds extra depth and spicy notes to the meat sauce.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy, smooth layer between pasta and sauce.

• Diced Tomatoes, Marinara Sauce: Deliver a classic Italian tomato base with robust flavor.
• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Blend of herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's flavors.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide melty, golden topping that creates a crispy, flavorful crust.
• Eggs: Help bind the ricotta mixture and add structure to the casserole.
• Olive Oil: Used for browning the meat and adding a subtle richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and light herb flavor.

Easy Steps To Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish And Pasta

Preheat oven to 375°F and generously grease a large baking dish. Cook pasta shells or ravioli in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 2-3 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown Meat And Create Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and brown ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break meat into small crumbles until no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat from the meat and return to skillet.

Step 3: Add Sauce Ingredients

• Diced tomatoes
• Marinara sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Mix Ricotta Filling

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk eggs and combine ricotta cheese, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 5: Layer Casserole Base

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent pasta from sticking.

Step 6: Arrange Pasta And Cheese Layers

Arrange pasta shells or ravioli in a single layer. Spread ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta. Pour remaining meat sauce over the ricotta layer, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 7: Top With Cheese

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

across the top of the casserole.

Step 8: Bake The Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Finish And Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips To Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Even Better

• Optimize Pasta Cooking: Cook pasta shells or ravioli 2-3 minutes less than package instructions to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente texture.
• Control Meat Moisture: Thoroughly drain excess fat from browned meat to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Layer Strategically: Spread a thin sauce layer on the baking dish bottom before adding pasta to prevent sticking and create a delicious foundation for the dish.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Allow casserole to rest 10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and flavors blend, resulting in a more cohesive and delectable meal.
• Fresh Herb Finishing: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, hearty casserole and enhance overall visual appeal.

Creative Ideas For Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Vegetarian Pasta Bake: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta shells or zucchini noodles to accommodate gluten sensitivities while maintaining the dish's rich flavor profile.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, kalamata olives, and swap marinara for arrabbiata sauce to create a more intense, zesty Mediterranean-inspired casserole.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with roasted eggplant or cauliflower layers, keeping the cheesy meat sauce and ricotta for a lighter, low-carbohydrate meal option.

What To Serve With Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Savor Complementary Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that perfectly matches the rich, meaty tomato sauce and cuts through the creamy cheese layers.
• Herb-Infused Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or herbed focaccia to soak up delicious sauce and provide a crispy textural contrast to the soft pasta casserole.
• Fresh Salad Balancer: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to introduce a zesty, refreshing element that cleanses the palate between hearty bites.
• Crisp Beverage Option: Enjoy a cold, light beer like a pilsner or Italian lager that helps refresh the mouth and complements the robust flavors of the meat and cheese dish.

Storage Tips For Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing bacterial growth.
• Wrap casserole securely in aluminum foil or freezer-safe container. Freeze entire dish or individual portions for up to 2-3 months. Label with date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying, bake 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil during last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate.

FAQs About Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Answered

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. Simply cover and store in the refrigerator, then bake when ready to serve.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests shells or ravioli, you can substitute with other pasta varieties like penne or ziti that hold sauce well.

• How can I make this dish lighter?

Use lean ground beef or turkey, reduce cheese quantity, and opt for part-skim ricotta to create a healthier version of the casserole.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and verify that marinara sauce and seasonings are gluten-free certified.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 60-70 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole brings Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with luxurious layers of pasta and rich sauce. Gooey cheese and hearty meat create a satisfying meal that promises delightful flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 2 boxes (16 oz) pasta shells or large ravioli
• 1 package (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells

Protein and Cheese:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 2 jars (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook pasta shells or ravioli in salted boiling water until just al dente, typically 2-3 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and brown ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking meat into small crumbles until no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes.
4. Drain excess fat from the meat and return to skillet. Add diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk eggs and combine ricotta cheese, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture.
6. Layer the bottom of the baking dish with a thin spread of meat sauce to prevent pasta from sticking.
7. Arrange pasta shells or ravioli in a single layer, then spread ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.
8. Pour remaining meat sauce over the ricotta layer, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese across the top of the casserole.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
12. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
13. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

• Swap ground beef and sausage with plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
• Use gluten-free pasta shells or ravioli to make this dish completely gluten-free without compromising taste or texture.
• Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium marinara sauce and limiting added salt, perfect for heart-healthy diets.
• Enhance protein content by incorporating additional lean meats like ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg