Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
When you think about easy weeknight meals, the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole often comes to mind. Its layers of ravioli, savory meat, and creamy sauce create a dish that not only satisfies but also impresses. You might appreciate its versatility, allowing you to tailor the ingredients to your preferences. This casserole’s name suggests extravagance, but what makes it truly special? As you explore the elements that contribute to its appeal, you’ll uncover some surprising twists that elevate this dish beyond the traditional.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for its incredible ease and delicious flavors.
This dish is fast to prepare, taking only about 15-20 minutes of prep time, perfect for those busy weeknights. With pre-made ingredients like frozen ravioli and jarred marinara sauce, you won’t spend hours in the kitchen. The dish’s versatile nature allows you to serve it for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck.
Layering the casserole is straightforward, making meal assembly stress-free. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since it’s a one-dish recipe.
You can customize it easily by swapping cheeses, meats, or adding veggies like spinach or mushrooms to boost flavor and nutrition.
It’s a crowd-pleaser, ideal for gatherings, and reheats well for tasty leftovers throughout the week.
Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness!
History
Originating from the rich traditions of Italian cuisine, the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole combines beloved elements of baked pasta with a luxurious flair. This dish highlights the classic ravioli, often filled with cheese, and pairs it with a creamy sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser. Over time, chefs and home cooks have enhanced this recipe by incorporating various fillings, cheeses, and sauces, reflecting personal tastes. The name “Million Dollar” signifies its rich, indulgent nature. Inspired by viral dishes, it emphasizes bold flavors and multiple cheese varieties. Today, you can find numerous adaptations, ranging from different pasta shapes to the addition of meats and fresh herbs, showcasing the dish’s flexibility and appeal in modern kitchens. The combination of layers of cheese-filled ravioli and creamy sauce creates a unique dining experience that is both comforting and indulgent.
Recipe
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a delightful and comforting dish, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. With layers of cheesy goodness, savory meat, and flavorful marinara sauce, this casserole is sure to impress everyone at the table. The combination of ravioli, cheese sauce, and fresh ingredients creates a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious, making it a favorite for both kids and adults alike. Preparing this casserole is straightforward, and you can customize it to your liking with different types of meat or cheese. This dish is particularly popular due to its high satisfaction rate among families.
The steps involve cooking the ravioli, browning the meat, and layering the ingredients in a baking dish. Once it’s baked, you’ll enjoy a hearty meal that’s easy to serve and even easier to love. Let’s immerse ourselves in the ingredients and instructions to bring this mouthwatering dish to life.
Ingredients
- 1 package of ravioli (fresh or frozen)
- 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, ricotta, or a blend)
- 2 cups spinach or fresh herbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350-375°F. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the ravioli according to package instructions until they’re al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage or ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until slightly golden. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Start layering the casserole by spreading a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add a layer of spinach or fresh herbs, followed by a layer of cooked ravioli and the cheese sauce.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with marinara sauce and a generous topping of shredded cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve alongside a green salad or garlic bread.
For the best experience, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese blends and pasta shapes to suit your taste. Adding Italian seasoning or garlic powder can enhance the flavors even more.
This casserole also makes for excellent leftovers, so consider making a double batch for easy meal prep throughout the week. Enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole!
Final Thoughts
The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy to any gathering.
This dish perfectly combines the best elements of lasagna and ravioli, making it a satisfying choice for family dinners or special occasions. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it truly lives up to its “million dollar” name. You can prepare it using different methods, like the oven or slow cooker, which adds convenience. To enhance your meal, serve it with lighter sides like a fresh salad or garlic bread.
You can also customize it by adding your favorite ingredients, ensuring everyone enjoys this frozen beef ravioli culinary masterpiece. It’s a dish you’ll want to share and celebrate.
FAQ
Got questions about making the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole? You’re not alone! The main ingredient is cheese-filled ravioli, which gives the dish its luxurious feel.
For the creamy sauce, combine cheeses, heavy cream, and seasonings. Remember to cook the ravioli just right—fully cooked but not overdone. This dish can be prepared using various cooking methods, such as an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or oven.
When layering, alternate cooked ravioli, cheese sauce, and meat sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
After baking, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. You can mix things up by using different cheese blends or sauces.
For sides, consider lighter options like green salads or roasted veggies. Happy cooking!
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 1 package of ravioli fresh or frozen
- 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese mozzarella, ricotta, or a blend
- 2 cups spinach or fresh herbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350-375°F. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the ravioli according to package instructions until they're al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage or ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until slightly golden. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Start layering the casserole by spreading a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add a layer of spinach or fresh herbs, followed by a layer of cooked ravioli and the cheese sauce.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with marinara sauce and a generous topping of shredded cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve alongside a green salad or garlic bread.
- For the best experience, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese blends and pasta shapes to suit your taste. Adding Italian seasoning or garlic powder can enhance the flavors even more.
- This casserole also makes for excellent leftovers, so consider making a double batch for easy meal prep throughout the week. Enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole!