Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers Recipe
If you’re searching for a show-stopping comfort food that’s as easy to assemble as it is delicious, Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers is about to become your new signature dish. Imagine pillowy cheese ravioli, creamy ricotta, tangy marinara, and a glorious trio of gooey cheeses, all stacked in luscious layers and bubbling to golden perfection. This clever casserole takes all the best flavors of a traditional lasagna and adds a “million dollar” twist—using ravioli not only saves time, but makes every bite extra decadent and irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers is all about using simple, bold ingredients that each play a starring role. From rich marinara to velvety ricotta and plenty of melty cheese, every component builds the flavor, texture, and hearty satisfaction!
- Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred or homemade sauce for that savory, tomato-packed foundation.
- Frozen Cheese Ravioli: These serve as your “noodle” and cheese layers all in one for incredible ease and flavor.
- Ground Beef: Provides a rich, savory heartiness to balance all the creamy and cheesy goodness.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds a silky, creamy element and classic lasagna taste.
- Sour Cream: The secret ingredient for extra tang and a luxurious texture in every bite.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers that iconic, stretchy, melty cheese pull we all crave.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Lends nutty, salty depth and a golden-baked crust on top.
- Italian Seasoning: Infuses aromatic herbs that tie the whole dish together.
- Garlic Powder: A punch of garlicky flavor with no fuss.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Critical for seasoning everything to mouthwatering perfection.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): For a splash of color and a touch of fresh flavor when serving.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink and perfectly browned. This step coaxes out all the flavor and sets the savory tone for your Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers. Drain off any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy.
Step 2: Simmer with Sauce and Seasonings
With the ground beef still in the skillet, stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it bubble for a few minutes so all the flavors meld together and the beef soaks up that wonderful herby, garlicky goodness.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, blend together ricotta cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy. This combination is truly what sets these Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers apart—don’t skip the sour cream, as it adds an extra layer of richness and tang that really takes the dish over the top!
Step 4: Layer Like a Pro
Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Begin by spreading about one-third of the beefy marinara sauce over the bottom. Next, arrange half the frozen ravioli in an even, single layer. Dollop and gently spread half of your ricotta-sour cream mixture over the ravioli, and sprinkle with a third of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers—sauce, ravioli, creamy ricotta mixture, mozzarella—one more time, reserving some cheese for the top!
Step 5: Finish with Cheesy Goodness
For the final flourish, spread the rest of the meat sauce on top, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella, and finish with a generous dusting of Parmesan. This triple-cheese crown is what gives Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers their signature golden, bubbly finish.
Step 6: Bake and Let Rest
Cover your casserole with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes to get everything nicely heated through. Then, discard the foil and bake another 15 minutes until the top is bubbling and beautifully golden. Patience is key—let it rest for 10 minutes after baking so the layers set and slicing is a breeze!
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers
Garnishes
Sprinkle on a shower of fresh-chopped parsley for a pop of color and light herbal note that cuts through all that cheesy richness. You can also add extra Parmesan just before serving for an added touch of decadence. If you like a little kick, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes at the table.
Side Dishes
This hearty main pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of those luscious layers. Don’t forget a loaf of warm, crusty garlic bread—perfect for scooping up every last saucy, cheesy bite of Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party twist, serve generous squares on individual plates and top with a tiny basil leaf or mini mozzarella ball. Or, dish up family-style right from the baking dish and let everyone dig in. Leftovers reinvent beautifully as a next-day lunch, stacked inside a sandwich roll or toasted bread for a Ravioli Lasagna melt.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers, cool any leftovers to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors only deepen as they rest, making leftovers a real treat!
Freezing
This dish is fantastic for freezing. Either portion out individual servings or freeze the entire (fully baked and cooled) casserole. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 20-30 minutes for a whole casserole or 10-15 minutes for single servings. For best results, add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top in the last few minutes for that newly melted effect!
FAQs
Can I use meat or spinach ravioli instead of cheese ravioli?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite kind of ravioli—the layers will be just as delicious, and it’s a fun way to add even more personality to your Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers.
Can I assemble this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the uncooked casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Italian sausage is a fantastic alternative, adding even more flavor and a little spice. You can also use ground turkey, ground chicken, or keep things vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Do I need to thaw the ravioli before layering?
No need to thaw—the beauty of Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers is using the ravioli straight from the freezer. It cooks perfectly in the oven and won’t become mushy.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely! Look for your favorite gluten-free ravioli brand and a gluten-free marinara sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy adaptation!
Final Thoughts
Nothing says comfort and celebration quite like a big, bubbling pan of Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers! Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or sharing with a table of friends, this easy baked pasta is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and watch it disappear—your new favorite crowd-pleaser awaits!
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Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta bake that combines the flavors of lasagna and ravioli into one comforting dish. Layers of frozen cheese ravioli, seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta mixture, and gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses are baked to perfection, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Layer:
- 1 (25-ounce) package frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and mix in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, blend ricotta cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread meat sauce in a greased baking dish. Layer ravioli, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with remaining sauces and cheeses.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use Italian sausage for a spicier flavor.
- Dish can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
