Million Dollar Ravioli Bake

Indulge in a rich, creamy, and cheesy baked pasta dish that’s as decadent as its name suggests. Million Dollar Ravioli Bake combines tender ravioli pillows, savory beef, creamy cheeses, and a luscious tomato sauce baked to bubbly perfection. The irresistible aroma of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese will fill your kitchen and make this hearty bake perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where comfort food is a must.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: approx. 450
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg

Why Make This Recipe

It’s a showstopper dish that comes together quickly and delivers robust, comforting flavors. The combination of creamy ricotta, sharp Parmesan, and gooey mozzarella with hearty beef and tomato sauce creates the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping, this bake is versatile and satisfying.

How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Bake

Ingredients:

1 package (about 24 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
1 lb ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook ravioli according to package instructions until al dente, drain and set aside.
In a skillet, brown ground beef with garlic; drain excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Stir marinara sauce into beef mixture and simmer for 5 minutes.
In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of beef sauce. Layer half of the ravioli, dollop ricotta cheese evenly over ravioli, and sprinkle with mozzarella.
Repeat layers with remaining ravioli, beef sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella. Top with Parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve this bake hot with a crisp side salad and warm garlic bread. It’s a complete meal that pleases both kids and adults alike.

How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
Don’t overcook the ravioli before baking to avoid mushiness.
Mixing cheeses helps create a flavorful and rich texture.
Let the bake rest a few minutes after coming out of the oven to set before serving.

Delicious Variations

Swap ground beef with Italian sausage or ground turkey.
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Use gluten-free ravioli for dietary needs.
Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh ravioli?

Yes, just adjust cooking time as fresh ravioli cook faster.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese or cream cheese can be used as substitutes in a pinch.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate before baking, or freeze for longer storage.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Ravioli Bake is a decadent, flavorful, and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare yet impressive enough to serve guests, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try it out and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite!