Description
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate cheesy, creamy, and comforting dinner! Made with layers of frozen ravioli, a rich meat sauce, and a dreamy cheese blend, it’s a foolproof crowd-pleaser. The best part? No need to pre-boil the ravioli! Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry family. Try this easy baked pasta dish tonight!
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease, then stir in marinara sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli. Repeat with another layer of meat sauce, ravioli, and cheese mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Cool & Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready!
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15-20 extra minutes.
- Cheese Substitutes: Swap cottage cheese for ricotta, or add extra mozzarella for a cheesier bite.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a meat-free version.
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg