If you adore ultra-cheesy, crowd-pleasing comfort food, then Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna is about to become your new obsession! This irresistible casserole takes the best parts of lasagna—layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and a creamy cheese blend—and reinvents them with the shortcut magic of frozen cheese ravioli. Bursting with flavor, hearty enough for a big family gathering, and simple enough for a busy weeknight, this is the kind of dish you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna is that each ingredient helps create that signature, crave-worthy flavor and texture. From the savory meat sauce to the creamy ricotta filling and melty cheese topping, nothing here is extra—every element earns its place!
- Frozen cheese ravioli (25 oz): Using pre-stuffed ravioli adds instant cheesy goodness and saves you a ton of time layering traditional noodles.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Adds hearty, savory depth to the sauce—swap for Italian sausage if you want a spicier vibe.
- Small onion, diced: Gives that natural sweetness and rounds out the flavors in the meat sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Don’t skip the garlic! It lifts the marinara and makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
- Marinara sauce (24 oz jar): Pick your favorite jarred sauce or go homemade for even more personality.
- Ricotta cheese (15 oz container): This brings creamy richness to every bite—no dry lasagna layers here!
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): The secret ingredient for extra silkiness in the cheese filling.
- Large egg: Binds the cheese mixture so your layers stay perfectly set.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melty, stretchy mozzarella means every forkful is pure comfort.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): For classic Italian flavor and that gorgeous, golden crust.
- Italian seasoning (1 tbsp): Brings together oregano, basil, and more—making the dish taste like it’s simmered for hours.
- Salt (1/2 tsp) and black pepper (1/4 tsp): Just enough seasoning to amplify all those rich flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top adds color and a fresh finish.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna
Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Meat
Preheat your oven to 375°F to get it nice and hot. Grab your favorite large skillet and cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat. Stir occasionally, breaking up the beef, until it’s browned and the onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes. Add in the minced garlic, cook for just one minute more, then drain any excess fat—this keeps the dish perfectly balanced and not greasy!
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes. This step infuses the beef with the bright, herby flavors of the marinara, giving your Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna its signature rich taste. The sauce will thicken and fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture
While the sauce simmers, mix up your creamy cheese layer! In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, sour cream, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything’s smooth and well blended—this luscious mixture is what sets this lasagna apart from the ordinary.
Step 4: Layer Everything Up
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make cleanup a breeze. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom (this keeps your ravioli from sticking and adds flavor right from the start!). Arrange a layer of frozen cheese ravioli across the sauce, then dollop and spread on half the ricotta mixture. Add another layer of meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers once, ending with the remaining meat sauce, then top with both mozzarella and Parmesan for that lavish cheesy finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, then bake another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown around the edges. Let your Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting in—this allows the layers to set and makes serving a breeze.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna
Garnishes
Scatter a handful of chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving for a pop of color and herby aroma. For a zesty kick, add a few grinds of fresh black pepper or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Simple, but totally restaurant-worthy!
Side Dishes
Nothing complements Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna like some fresh, crusty garlic bread to mop up those extra saucy bits. Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal veggies for a full, balanced meal that’ll keep everyone happy.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, cut the lasagna into perfect squares and serve on a bed of baby spinach or arugula. Use mini cast iron skillets or individual ramekins for a dinner party twist, or garnish every plate with a single basil leaf for that five-star look without any fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna taste just as wonderful the next day! Simply transfer the cooled slices to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The layers will meld even more overnight, making for a super-cozy lunch or second dinner.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, this dish freezes beautifully. Assemble completely—just don’t bake it yet. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. To cook from frozen, either thaw overnight in the fridge, or bake straight from the freezer, adding about 20 extra minutes covered (and finish uncovered until bubbling and hot).
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to keep in the moisture, for 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave a slice for quick gratification, but the oven keeps the top crispy and the layers perfectly intact!
FAQs
Can I use fresh or refrigerated ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh or refrigerated ravioli work wonderfully in Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna. Just remember they’ll cook faster, so reduce your baking time by 5–10 minutes to avoid overcooked pasta.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by using cheese ravioli and replacing the ground beef with a mix of sautéed veggies, like mushrooms and spinach, or your favorite plant-based meat substitute.
Is it okay to assemble the lasagna the night before?
Definitely! You can assemble everything the night before, cover tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator. Add just a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold pan.
Can I add extra veggies to the sauce?
Go for it! Chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even diced zucchini are fantastic additions that tuck perfectly into the layers and add a boost of nutrition and flavor to Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna.
How do I prevent a watery lasagna?
Draining excess fat from the beef and letting the sauce simmer to thicken helps a lot. Also, allow the bake to rest before slicing; that way, the layers set up beautifully and you get perfect squares every time.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna, there’s no going back—it’s a true comfort classic that’s both show-stopping and blissfully easy. Gather your ingredients and see just how simple it is to bring family and friends together over a bubbling pan of pure, cheesy joy!
Print
Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna. Layers of cheesy ravioli, savory meat sauce, and creamy ricotta come together in a decadent casserole that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
Ricotta Mixture:
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook beef and onion: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned. Add garlic, cook for 1 minute, then drain excess fat.
- Prepare meat sauce: Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix ricotta: In a bowl, mix ricotta, sour cream, egg, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Layer ingredients: In a baking dish, layer meat sauce, ravioli, ricotta mixture, and cheeses. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then bake uncovered until golden.
- Rest and serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Consider using fresh ravioli for a slight adjustment in baking time.
- Enhance with spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- This dish freezes well and is great for leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
