Description
This Hearty Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish featuring layers of tender ravioli, creamy cheeses, savory meat sauce, and a golden mozzarella and Parmesan topping. Perfect for family dinners, it combines easy-to-make components into a rich and satisfying casserole that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- Non-stick cooking spray or olive oil for greasing the dish
- 1 (20-ounce) package fresh cheese ravioli (or 24-ounce frozen ravioli)
- 1 (40-ounce) jar marinara sauce, divided
- 1 lb 90% lean ground beef
- ½ lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Toss Ravioli with Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the fresh or frozen ravioli with 1 cup of marinara sauce, coating the ravioli well. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and mild Italian sausage, cooking until browned and fully cooked through, approximately 10–12 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Add Marinara to Meat: Stir 2 cups of marinara sauce into the cooked meat mixture, blending well. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Layer Sauce in Baking Dish: Spread the remaining marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add First Ravioli Layer: Arrange one-third of the sauced ravioli over the marinara base in the baking dish.
- Spread Cheese Mixture: Evenly spread the creamy cheese mixture over the first ravioli layer.
- Add Remaining Ravioli: Layer the remaining ravioli on top of the cheese spread, completing the ravioli layers.
- Top with Meat Sauce: Pour the prepared meat and marinara sauce evenly over the top of the final ravioli layer.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the entire casserole to create a delicious cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to heat thoroughly and meld flavors.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly. For an extra browned top, optionally broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- You can use either fresh or frozen ravioli depending on availability. Adjust cooking times slightly if using frozen.
- For a spicier version, substitute mild Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage.
- Covering the dish while baking helps retain moisture and prevents the top from burning before the inside is heated through.
- Allowing the casserole to rest helps the layers set, making serving cleaner and easier.
- Optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor.
