Can I make the million dollar ravioli casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through.

Can I freeze the casserole before baking?

Yes, you can. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can use cottage cheese as an alternative. For a creamier texture, blend the cottage cheese until smooth before mixing it with other ingredients.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the ground meat and use a vegetable-based marinara sauce. You can also add layers of sautéed vegetables, like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini, for added texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, use the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture.

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh ravioli works well and often doesn’t require pre-cooking. Just layer it directly into the casserole for a perfectly cooked result.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe: Rich, Easy, and Delicious

Description

A rich and creamy million dollar ravioli casserole that combines layers of tender ravioli, marinara sauce, and cheese for a dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb frozen or fresh cheese ravioli
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup ground beef or sausage (optional, cooked and drained)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the ravioli according to package instructions if frozen. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella until smooth.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
Layer half the ravioli over the sauce, followed by half the cheese mixture.
If using ground meat, layer half of it over the cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, cheese mixture, and meat, finishing with marinara sauce on top.
Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, let cool for 5 minutes, and serve.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the ground meat and add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
You can freeze this casserole before baking for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Calories: 480
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 90mg

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