If ever there were a pasta bake that could make you the star of the dinner table, it’s Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, cleverly combining the ease of frozen ravioli with the luxurious flavors of a classic lasagna—all bundled up with the dreamiest, creamiest cheese filling imaginable. With golden, bubbling mozzarella, a tangy hint of marinara, and layer after layer of decadent comfort, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with friends (or keep for yourself, no judgment here!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in these Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers plays a starring role— whether for its flavor, melt factor, or the way it ties all those beautiful layers together. Keep it simple or swap in your favorites, but don’t skip the basics—each component brings its own special touch!
- Frozen cheese ravioli (25 oz bag): Using frozen ravioli means less fuss and no need for boiling pasta—plus, it brings unbeatable cheesy pockets to every single slice.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Adds juicy heartiness and classic lasagna savor; feel free to swap in Italian sausage or a veggie ground if you prefer.
- Yellow onion (1 small, diced): A base flavor builder for the meat sauce, giving every bite sweet and savory undertones.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Nothing beats freshly minced garlic for a fragrant, irresistible sauce.
- Marinara sauce (24 oz jar): Choose a robust, quality jarred sauce; it brings the whole layered experience together.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Instantly amps up the sauce with classic herbs.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for letting the flavors pop without overpowering.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds depth and a gentle kick to the sauce.
- Cream cheese (8 oz block, softened): This is the “million dollar” secret—a creamy, tangy richness for the cheese layer.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings extra smoothness and just a touch of tang.
- Cottage cheese (1 cup): Lends a light yet creamy texture, balancing all the rich flavors.
- Shredded mozzarella (2 cups): Melty, stretchy perfection that blankets the whole casserole.
- Grated Parmesan (½ cup): Sprinkled on top for a golden, salty finish you’ll crave.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh, herby pop of color right before serving.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of oil or nonstick spray. This simple step prevents any sticking and ensures your Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers lift out in picture-perfect squares every time.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef and diced yellow onion. Cook them together until the beef is fully browned and the onion is translucent, stirring occasionally to break up the meat. Carefully drain away any excess fat so you’re left with a beautifully savory base.
Step 3: Build the Meat Sauce
Stir in the minced garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to mingle and deepen. Once it’s thick and fragrant, remove the skillet from the heat—your sauce is ready for layering!
Step 4: Mix Up the Million Dollar Cheese Layer
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Blend them together until smooth and creamy (a hand mixer works wonders here, but a sturdy spatula and some elbow grease are just as effective). This is your secret weapon: the layer that truly makes these Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers irresistible.
Step 5: Layer Up!
Start assembling: Spoon a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Arrange half the frozen ravioli in a single, snug layer right over the sauce. Spread half the creamy cheese mixture on top, then cover that with more meat sauce and a generous sprinkling of shredded mozzarella. Repeat all the layers—ravioli, cheese mixture, meat sauce—and finish with the remaining mozzarella and all of the Parmesan for that signature golden crust.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven for 30 minutes—this keeps everything super moist as it bakes through. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and gloriously golden. Let your Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers rest for 10 minutes before serving—trust me, it’s worth the wait for perfect slices.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers
Garnishes
A shower of chopped fresh parsley right before serving makes a world of difference! It adds color, a whisper of freshness, and that irresistible “I made this just for you” touch to your piping-hot Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake is hearty, so pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette, or go classic with garlic bread to sop up every last speck of sauce. For a colorful table, add roasted vegetables or sautéed green beans, making the whole meal feel like a feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring the “wow” by serving Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers in individual ramekins, or cut the baked casserole into bite-size squares for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. If you want to get even fancier, try a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or a few ribbons of shaved Parmesan as a finishing flourish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers can be covered and refrigerated for up to four days. Slice while cold for tidy portions, then reheat only what you plan to eat—each serving holds up beautifully!
Freezing
This dish is a meal-prepper’s dream: assemble Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers up to the point of baking, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, or freeze pre-baked portions for an even quicker weeknight fix.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings of Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers in the microwave until warmed through, or bring the whole dish back to bubbling perfection in a 350°F oven, covered with foil for about 20 minutes. Add a splash of marinara if it looks a bit dry before baking.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef in Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers?
Absolutely! Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a plant-based meat alternative work well. Each will bring its own tasty twist, so use what you love or have on hand.
Could I use spinach or another flavor of ravioli?
Definitely! Spinach-and-cheese ravioli add a lovely green pop, or feel free to experiment with other fillings for a personal spin on your Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers.
Is cottage cheese essential for the cheese layer?
Cottage cheese is classic for adding lightness and subtle texture, but ricotta can be substituted for a richer result. Either way, the cheese layer keeps the dish creamy and luscious.
What’s the best way to make Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers ahead for a party?
Assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Give it a few extra minutes in the oven to heat through, and serve right from the bubbly casserole dish.
Can I freeze portions after baking?
Yes! Cut the cooled casserole into squares, wrap each tightly, and freeze. Reheat straight from frozen or thaw overnight and warm up in the oven or microwave for fuss-free leftovers.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about sharing a bubbling casserole full of Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers with your favorite people. If you’re searching for a comfort classic that’s as impressive as it is easy, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it! I can’t wait for you to taste every cheesy, saucy forkful.
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Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the luxurious layers of this Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna, a decadent twist on traditional lasagna that combines the convenience of frozen ravioli with the richness of a creamy cheese mixture and savory meat sauce.
Ingredients
Frozen Cheese Ravioli:
1 (25 oz) bag
Ground Beef Mixture:
1 pound ground beef, 1 small yellow onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture:
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese (softened), 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup cottage cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Ground Beef: Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet. Add garlic, marinara sauce, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: Combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
- Assemble Lasagna: Layer meat sauce, ravioli, cheese mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers. Bake covered, then uncovered, until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use beef or spinach ravioli for variety.
- This dish can be assembled a day ahead and baked when ready.
- It freezes well—just thaw overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
