Experience the Comfort of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Today!

Gather around the table for a delectable dish that’s sure to have your family and friends raving – the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. This indulgent, layered masterpiece combines savory Italian flavors, gooey cheeses, and the convenience of frozen ravioli for a comfort food experience that’s out of this world. Whether you’re looking to impress at your next potluck or simply crave a hearty, satisfying meal, this recipe is bound to become a new family favorite.

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The Comfort of Casseroles

There’s just something about a warm, bubbly casserole that soothes the soul and brings people together. The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the epitome of comforting, indulgent fare – layers of seasoned ground beef and Italian sausage, creamy cheesy goodness, and pillowy soft ravioli, all baked to perfection. This dish has the power to transform an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, or to be the star of any potluck or gathering.

What Makes This Ravioli Casserole “Million Dollar”?

The secret to the “million dollar” status of this casserole lies in the blend of rich, flavorful ingredients. From the savory Italian-style meat sauce to the luxurious cheese mixture, every element works together to create a truly decadent and satisfying dish. The addition of Boursin garlic and herb cheese spread elevates the creaminess, while the combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and sour cream results in a dreamy, indulgent texture. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you feeling like a million bucks after taking that first bite.

Overview of Recipe and Benefits

The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a layered masterpiece that’s simple to assemble but delivers restaurant-quality results. Frozen cheese ravioli are nestled between a flavorful meat sauce and a creamy, cheesy mixture, then baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Not only is this dish incredibly delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your family’s tastes, making it a crowd-pleasing option for busy weeknights or special occasions. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy its comforting flavors again and again.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Meat Sauce

• Ground Beef: Choosing a high-quality, lean ground beef ensures a rich, meaty flavor in the sauce.
• Italian Sausage: Adding Italian sausage to the meat mixture provides an extra boost of savory, spiced flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can substitute with more ground beef.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients are the foundation for the sauce, infusing it with depth and complexity.
• Spaghetti Sauce: Using a flavorful, pre-made spaghetti sauce simplifies the process and allows the other ingredients to shine. You can also opt for a homemade sauce if you prefer.
• Seasonings: A blend of garlic and herb seasoning, Italian seasoning, sugar, black pepper, and salt elevates the overall flavor profile of the meat sauce.

For the Cheese Mixture

• Cottage Cheese or Ricotta: Either of these soft, creamy cheeses can be used as the base for the cheese layer, providing a luxurious texture.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a tangy richness to the cheese mixture, balancing out the other ingredients.
• Parmesan Cheese: This savory, aged cheese contributes a depth of flavor that complements the other cheeses perfectly.
• Boursin Cheese: The garlic and herb Boursin cheese spread (or softened cream cheese) is the real star of this layer, infusing the casserole with an irresistible creaminess.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is the crowning glory, melting into a gooey, stringy layer on top of the casserole.

For Assembly

• Frozen Cheese Ravioli: Utilizing frozen ravioli makes this dish a breeze to assemble, while still providing that satisfying pasta element.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The generous topping of mozzarella cheese transforms the casserole into a melty, irresistible masterpiece.
• Optional Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a touch of vibrant color and freshness to the final dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown Meats & Aromatics

Start by browning the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the meat is cooked through, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, then drain any excess grease.

Make the Sauce

Next, stir the spaghetti sauce, garlic and herb seasoning, Italian seasoning, sugar, black pepper, and salt into the skillet with the meat and aromatics. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat while you prepare the cheese layer.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese (or ricotta), sour cream, Parmesan, Boursin (or cream cheese), and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix the ingredients until they are well incorporated and the mixture is mostly smooth.

Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (≈204°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread 1/3 of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce, then spread half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli. Repeat the layers, topping with the remaining meat sauce and 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

Serving and Garnishing

Once the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is out of the oven, you can optionally sprinkle fresh chopped parsley (or basil) over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the layers set and make it easier to portion out. Serve this comforting dish with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

One of the best things about the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is that it’s freezer-friendly. If you have leftovers, simply let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 30-40 minutes. This method helps to maintain the casserole’s delicious flavors and perfect texture, so you can savor the “million dollar” experience again and again.

FAQs About Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Can I add vegetables to the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables not only enhances the nutritional value of the casserole but also adds flavor and texture. Common options include spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can sauté these vegetables with the meat and aromatics at the beginning of the cooking process or layer them between the ravioli and cheese mixtures. Just be mindful of the moisture content; if using watery vegetables, you may want to reduce the sauce slightly to prevent the casserole from becoming too soupy.

How can I adjust the recipe for a smaller or larger serving?

To adjust the recipe, consider the number of servings you need. For smaller servings, you can halve the ingredients and use an 8×8 inch baking dish instead of a larger one. For larger servings, simply multiply the ingredient quantities and use a 9×13 inch baking dish. Keep in mind that baking times may also vary; larger casseroles may take a bit longer to cook through, while smaller ones may require less time. Monitor the casserole closely and use visual cues for doneness.

What are some alternative cheeses I can use if I don’t have the suggested ones?

If you’re looking to substitute cheeses, there are several options. For cottage cheese, you can use ricotta or even cream cheese for a thicker consistency. Instead of Boursin cheese, a herbed cream cheese or even goat cheese can provide a similar flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, a mix of Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can work well. Just ensure that any substitutions maintain a balance of creaminess and flavor to keep the casserole rich and satisfying.

Can I freeze leftovers of the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole leftovers! For best results, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or wrapping it tightly with aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, approximately 30-40 minutes. This method helps to maintain the flavor and texture of the dish.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Bacon Ranch Chicken and Penne Casserole
• Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Skillet
• Cheesy Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff Pasta
• Loaded Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese Bake

Conclusion: Indulge in the “Million Dollar” Experience

The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a true comfort food masterpiece that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheesy goodness, and pillowy soft ravioli, this casserole delivers an indulgent, “million dollar” dining experience right in your own home. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting and satisfying meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So gather your loved ones, dive into the cheesy, saucy goodness, and enjoy the “million dollar” flavors of this irresistible casserole.

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