Imagine all the flavor, satisfaction, and melting cheesy goodness of your favorite lasagna—without all the fuss! That’s exactly what you get with Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers, a dish that layers pillowy ravioli, a rich meat sauce, and a trio of dreamy cheeses into the ultimate comfort food bake. It’s a one-pan wonder that looks like you spent all afternoon, but tastes even better: bold, creamy, and endlessly craveable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients are the building blocks of a true classic. Each one adds something special, whether it’s hearty flavor, luscious creaminess, or that trademark cheese pull. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before diving in!
- Frozen Cheese Ravioli (1 bag, 25 oz): The shortcut pasta that makes these layers so quick and satisfying—straight from the freezer, no boiling needed.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Provides savory richness and heartiness for your meaty sauce.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the meat sauce; chop it fine for the best texture.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings aromatic punch and warmth to every bite.
- Marinara Sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): The backbone of your sauce—choose your favorite brand for best results.
- Ricotta Cheese (1 cup): Essential for creamy, classic lasagna vibes; gives a lovely mellow tang.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The “million dollar” secret for extra richness and velvety layers.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds lightness and just a hint of zip to the cheese mixture.
- Shredded Mozzarella (2 cups): Melty, stretchy cheese pulls—sprinkle generously for irresistible tops and middles.
- Grated Parmesan (1/2 cup): For that golden, salty finish and final layer of flavor.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Instantly amps up the Italian flair—use store-bought or your own blend.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Highlights every other flavor—season to taste.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle kick to balance the richness.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: Keeps your beautiful Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers from sticking to the pan.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray—there’s nothing worse than losing a cheesy corner to sticking! This quick step guarantees easy serving and zero cleanup headaches later.
Step 2: Build Flavor with the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and the onion turns soft and fragrant; this takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just one minute more to infuse the sauce with extra depth. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat—your layers will stay rich, not greasy. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer gently for five minutes, allowing all those savory flavors to mingle.
Step 3: Mix the Dreamy Cheese Layer
While your sauce simmers away, grab a medium bowl and combine the ricotta, softened cream cheese, and sour cream. Add in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything’s smooth and creamy—this is the layer that truly makes these Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers unforgettable! The blend should taste tangy, rich, and herby all at once.
Step 4: Get Layering!
Now for the fun part. First, spread a small amount of your prepared meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish—just enough to lightly coat it. Next, arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer (no need to thaw!). Top with half of the cheese mixture, spreading it gently for even coverage. Spoon on half of the meat sauce, then top with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers: ravioli, remaining cheese mixture, the rest of the meat sauce, and finish with the last cup of mozzarella. Finally, a sprinkle of Parmesan crowns the top.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover your layered masterpiece with foil and bake for 30 minutes—this ensures everything melts together and the flavors soak in. Remove the foil and bake another 15 to 20 minutes, letting the top get irresistibly bubbly and golden brown. Once done, let it rest for 10 minutes; this helps those Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers hold together when you slice.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil over each bubbly slice for a touch of freshness and a pop of color. A little extra grated Parmesan never hurts, either—just shower it over the top before serving for bonus cheesy flair.
Side Dishes
All this rich, tomatoey, cheesy goodness pairs beautifully with a big green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or some garlicky roasted vegetables. Don’t forget warm, crusty bread for mopping up every last bit of sauce—it turns Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers into a cozy, complete feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, cut the lasagna into neat squares and serve atop a bed of fresh greens on individual plates, or tuck each portion into a shallow bowl for ultimate comfort food vibes. For a family-style touch, set the casserole dish right on the table and let everyone scoop their own dreamy layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any extra Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, leftovers stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Assemble it fully, but don’t bake—simply wrap well with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding about 15 extra minutes to the covered bake time. Individual cooled portions can also be wrapped and frozen for on-demand comfort.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 20 minutes, covered). In a pinch, microwave on medium power in a covered dish, but keep an eye out so the cheese stays melty and doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen in these Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli will work perfectly—just layer them in as you would the frozen ones. Your baking time might be a little shorter, so check for bubbly, golden cheese as your cue it’s ready.
What’s the best way to prevent the lasagna from falling apart when slicing?
Letting your Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers rest for about 10 minutes after baking allows everything to set. Use a sharp spatula and slice gently for perfect, picture-worthy layers every time.
Can I add spinach or vegetables to the layers?
You sure can! Add a layer of baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or zucchini ribbons between your cheese and sauce layers for extra color and nutrition—it’s a great way to make this dish your own.
Can I swap ground beef for sausage (or go half and half)?
Definitely! Italian sausage (or a beef-sausage blend) adds even more flavor and a little spice to your Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers. Just cook as you would the beef and enjoy an amped-up version.
Is this recipe nut free?
Yes, none of the ingredients in this recipe contain nuts as written, making it a safe and satisfying main course for nut-sensitive friends and family.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to wow your family and friends—Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers is truly one of those recipes everyone will ask for again and again. It’s comforting, impressive, and secretly so easy. Give it a try soon, and savor every luscious bite!
Print
Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in layers of cheesy goodness with this Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna recipe. It’s a decadent twist on classic lasagna, using cheese-filled ravioli for a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Frozen Cheese Ravioli:
- 1 bag (25 oz)
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other:
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook Ground Beef: Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet. Add garlic, then marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: Mix ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
- Layer: Spread meat sauce in dish. Layer ravioli, cheese mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella; repeat. Top with Parmesan.
- Bake: Cover with foil, bake 30 minutes. Uncover, bake 15–20 minutes more until golden. Rest before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground sausage or mix beef and sausage for added flavor.
- Variation: Use spinach or meat-filled ravioli.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
