Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

why make this recipe

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a dish that brings comfort and warmth to the dinner table. It is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend meal. This casserole combines the heartiness of ground meat, rich marinara sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender ravioli into a single, satisfying dish. Not only does it please the whole family, but it also impresses guests with its delicious layers of flavor.

One of the best aspects of this dish is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients based on your personal preference or dietary needs. Whether you choose ground beef, turkey, or sausage, the casserole remains flavorful and filling. Plus, if you want to experiment with different types of cheese, it can add a fun twist to the traditional recipe.

Moreover, this casserole is budget-friendly, allowing you to serve a hearty meal without breaking the bank. With minimal prep time and a straightforward cooking process, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of loved ones. So, if you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require advanced cooking skills, Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the perfect choice.

how to make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Making Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole involves simple steps and only requires basic cooking skills. Follow this guide to whip up this delightful dish that will surely become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/sausage)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly throughout.

2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef (or your choice of ground meat) over medium heat. As it cooks, break it into small pieces. This will help it mix better with the other ingredients. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat.

3. Add the Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked meat. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes. This gives the sauce time to absorb some of the flavors from the meat.

4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: While the meat and sauce are simmering, take a mixing bowl and combine the ricotta cheese, large egg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything thoroughly until well-combined.

5. Assemble the Casserole: In a large baking dish, start layering the casserole. First, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce across the bottom. Next, add half of the ricotta mixture on top of the sauce. After that, sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and then some grated Parmesan.

6. Add the Ravioli: Now, take the frozen cheese ravioli and layer them evenly over the cheese mixture. On top of the ravioli, pour more meat sauce. Then, repeat the layering process with the remaining ricotta mixture and mozzarella cheese.

7. Finish with More Meat Sauce: After you finish layering all the ingredients, top the casserole with the remaining meat sauce and a final layer of mozzarella cheese.

8. Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that time, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This helps the cheese become bubbly and golden.

9. Let it Sit: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the layers to set, making it easier to serve.

10. Garnish and Serve: If you like, garnish the casserole with fresh basil before serving. Slice it into portions, and enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole!

how to serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

When it comes to serving Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, there are plenty of delightful options. This dish is often a meal on its own, thanks to the variety of flavors and ingredients packed into each layer.

1. Plating: Use a spatula to slice through the layers of the casserole, ensuring you get a good mix of ravioli, cheese, and sauce on each plate. Place a generous portion on each dish.

2. Garnishes: Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh basil on top for an added touch. It makes the dish look inviting and adds a hint of fresh flavor.

3. Side Dishes: To complement the casserole, consider serving a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. This adds freshness to the meal and balances the richness of the casserole. Garlic bread, stuffed breadsticks, or a crisp vegetable stir-fry can also be great sides to soak up the sauce.

4. Beverage Pairings: To accompany this dish, serve it with a glass of red wine, like Chianti or a Merlot. If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, sparkling water or homemade lemonade can refresh your palate.

how to store Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

If you have leftovers or want to prepare the casserole ahead of time, storing it correctly ensures it stays delicious.

1. Cool Completely: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature after cooking. This helps prevent condensation that can make the dish soggy.

2. Use Airtight Containers: Transfer leftover casserole into airtight containers. Make sure to portion it out into smaller servings for easy access during reheating.

3. Refrigeration: Store the casserole in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within a few days. It can last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days.

4. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. This dish can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

5. Reheating: To reheat, you can thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warm. If it seems dry, drizzle a little marinara sauce over the top before reheating.

tips to make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Creating the perfect Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is easier with a few helpful tips:

1. Choose Quality Ingredients: Select a good quality marinara sauce and cheese. Quality ingredients make a significant difference in flavor.

2. Add Veggies: To boost nutrition, consider adding vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers into the layers. Saute them first to soften before mixing them in with the meat sauce.

3. Experiment with Cheeses: While traditional mozzarella and ricotta cheese work great, don’t hesitate to blend in provolone, gouda, or even a hint of goat cheese for different flavors.

4. Make It Spicy: If you enjoy some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the meat sauce or mix in a bit of spicy sausage.

5. Quicker Preparation: If you want to save time, prepare the casserole ahead of time. You can assemble it the night before and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it the next day.

variation

The beauty of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole lies in its versatility. Here are some variations you might consider:

1. Different Proteins: Instead of beef, use ground turkey or chicken. Moreover, you can also use Italian sausage for a richer taste.

2. Vegetarian Version: For a meatless option, skip the meat altogether and add roasted vegetables, such as mushrooms and eggplant, or use a mix of spinach and ricotta for added texture.

3. Different Sauces: While marinara is a classic choice, try using Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist or even a pesto base for a unique flavor profile.

4. Ravioli Filling: Experiment with different ravioli fillings, such as spinach and cheese or mushroom ravioli. It enhances the dish’s flavor and gives it an unexpected twist.

5. Herbs and Spices: Make the dish your own by adding herbs such as oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning to amplify the flavors of the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the ingredients and store it in the fridge, then bake it when you are ready to eat. It can also be frozen for later use.

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

While frozen ravioli works best for this casserole, you can use fresh ravioli. Just reduce the baking time slightly, as fresh pasta cooks faster than frozen.

How do I know when the casserole is done cooking?

The casserole is done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top, typically after about 40 minutes of baking—25 minutes covered with foil and then an additional 15 minutes uncovered.

Can I adjust the cheese varieties in the recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for mozzarella and Parmesan, feel free to mix in other cheese types, such as provolone or cheddar, based on your preference.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or skip it entirely. Just remember to adjust your seasoning to keep the flavor balanced.

By following the above guide, you can create your version of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole that suits your taste. With its simplicity and deliciousness, this dish is bound to become a staple in your meal rotation! Enjoy your cooking adventure, and happy eating!

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