Indulge in the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for Dinner Tonight!

Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food delight with our irresistible Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. This decadent pasta dish is a true crowd-pleaser, combining layers of savory ground beef, Italian sausage, and a rich, creamy cheese mixture – all baked to perfection under a golden-brown mozzarella topping. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or craving a cozy weeknight meal, this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is sure to become a new household favorite.

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Unraveling the Origins of Ravioli and Casseroles

Ravioli, those beloved little pockets of pasta filled with delectable ingredients, have a long and storied history dating back to the 14th century in Italy. Meanwhile, the casserole, a comforting dish baked in a single dish, has been a staple in households across the world for generations. When you combine these two culinary icons, the result is a Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole that elevates the classic comfort food experience to new heights.

In today’s fast-paced world, families cherish the moments when they can gather around the table and savor a hearty, homemade meal. This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole captures that essence, providing a delicious and satisfying way to bring loved ones together for a shared dining experience.

Ingredients for the Perfect Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ lb Italian sausage (or substitute with extra ground beef)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 5-6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 (24-oz) jars spaghetti sauce
• 1 tsp garlic & herb seasoning blend
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 5.3 oz Boursin garlic & herb cheese spread (or softened cream cheese)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For Assembly:

• 1 (25-oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Optional garnish: fresh chopped parsley or basil

Cooking Techniques for the Perfect Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

The key to creating a Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole that will have your family and guests raving lies in the careful preparation of each component. First, browning the ground beef and Italian sausage with the diced onion and minced garlic develops a deep, savory flavor that forms the foundation of the dish. Simmering the spaghetti sauce with the perfect blend of seasonings ensures a rich, well-balanced sauce that complements the other layers.

Preparing the cheese mixture is an art in itself, as the combination of cottage cheese (or ricotta), sour cream, Parmesan, and Boursin (or cream cheese) creates a luscious, creamy texture that takes the dish to new heights. Layering the components with precision – the meat sauce, ravioli, and cheese mixture – ensures that every bite is a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Browning Meats & Aromatics:

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease.

Make the Sauce:

Stir the spaghetti sauce, garlic & herb seasoning, Italian seasoning, sugar, black pepper, and salt into the browned meat mixture. Let the sauce simmer on low heat while you prepare the other layers.

Prepare the Cheese Layer:

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’re mostly smooth.

Preheat Oven & Layer:

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 on top. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.

Bake:

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.

Garnish & Serve:

Once out of the oven, you can optionally sprinkle fresh chopped parsley (or basil) over the top. Let the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

Customizing Your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

The beauty of this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole recipe is its versatility. If you’re looking to switch things up, you can easily substitute the Italian sausage with extra ground beef for a less spicy version. Vegetarians can opt for a meatless option by using plant-based crumbles or omitting the meat altogether and focusing on the rich, creamy cheese layers.

To add more vegetables to the dish, consider incorporating sautéed spinach, sliced mushrooms, or diced bell peppers into the meat sauce or cheese mixture. For a flavor twist, experiment with different seasoning blends or swap the Boursin cheese for another herbed or flavored cream cheese.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

One of the best things about Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is that it makes for fantastic leftovers. Simply cover any remaining portions tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat individual servings in the microwave or place the entire casserole back in the oven at 350°F (≈177°C) until warmed through, being careful not to dry it out.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Million Dollar Baked Ziti
• Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta
• Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Pancakes
• Tater Tot Pizza Casserole

FAQs About Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

What are some recommended side dishes to serve with Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

To complement the rich flavors of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, consider serving a light side salad with a vinaigrette dressing to balance the heaviness of the dish. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is also a fantastic choice for soaking up any remaining sauce. Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, can add a nutritious and colorful element to the meal. For a classic touch, serve steamed green beans or a Caesar salad to elevate your dining experience.

Can I prepare Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole in advance. Assemble the casserole as instructed but refrain from baking it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly if it’s cold from the fridge.

How can I make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole spicier?

To add some heat to your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the meat sauce while it simmers. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild sausage or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture. For an extra kick, top the casserole with pepper jack cheese instead of, or in addition to, mozzarella cheese before baking.

What are some tips for ensuring my Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole doesn’t become too watery?

To prevent your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole from becoming watery, make sure to drain any excess fat from the meat after browning it. Additionally, when using spaghetti sauce, opt for a thicker variety or reduce it on the stovetop to concentrate the flavors and decrease liquid content. It’s also helpful to avoid overcooking the ravioli, as they will absorb some liquid while baking. Lastly, let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking before serving, allowing it to set up and firm up a bit.

Indulge in the Comfort of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

With its irresistible layers of savory meats, creamy cheeses, and tender ravioli, this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a true family-pleasing masterpiece. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or craving a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. So why not give it a try and experience the sheer deliciousness of this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for yourself? Your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you!

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