Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a hearty and indulgent Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring layers of cheese ravioli, savory ground beef and Italian sausage in a rich marinara sauce, balanced with creamy cream cheese and sour cream, then topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect as a comforting weeknight dinner or for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta Layer
- 1 (25-ounce) bag frozen cheese ravioli
Creamy Layer
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
Cheese Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and allow easy serving.
- Cook meat and aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion for about 7 to 8 minutes until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from being greasy. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add sauce and seasoning: Pour in the jar of marinara sauce along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Prepare creamy mixture: While the sauce simmers, in a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Assemble the casserole – first layer: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
- Add creamy layer and sauce: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the ravioli, then spoon the remaining half of the meat sauce evenly on top.
- Assemble the second layer: Repeat by layering the remaining ravioli, followed by the remaining cream cheese mixture and meat sauce.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the top of the casserole for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This ensures the ravioli cook through and the casserole heats evenly.
- Bake uncovered to brown: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow it to set, making it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a bit of heat and added depth of flavor in the dish.
- Feel free to swap marinara for your favorite pasta sauce to customize the taste.
