Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty dish that will quickly become a family favorite. This casserole combines rich layers of ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and mozzarella cheese with tender ravioli. The addition of spinach brings a nice touch of greens to balance out the indulgence, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious. With its layers of savory flavors and gooey cheese, this recipe offers the perfect balance of convenience and satisfaction, ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 16 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen ravioli
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the thawed and drained spinach with ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix until well combined.
5. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce mixture at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Layer with half of the frozen ravioli, followed by half of the spinach mixture, half of the remaining meat sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, spinach mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
9. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.
10. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour (40 minutes covered, 20 minutes uncovered)
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

1. Meat-Free Version: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein such as lentils, mushrooms, or a vegetarian meat substitute to make this casserole vegetarian.
2. Extra Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
3. Different Cheese: Use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, or fontina cheese for a different flavor profile. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top adds an extra salty, savory finish.
4. Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce to give the dish a little kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake according to the recipe.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
   Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Sauté it briefly until wilted, then drain any excess moisture before using it in the ricotta mixture.
2. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
   Yes, fresh ravioli will work just as well. You may need to slightly adjust the cooking time depending on the type of ravioli used.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
   Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
4. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, if you don’t have ravioli, you can substitute with other types of pasta like tortellini, rotini, or rigatoni.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare this casserole the day before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
6. Can I use a different cheese?
   Yes, you can use a variety of cheeses such as provolone, gouda, or a blend of Italian cheeses to suit your taste.
7. Can I freeze the casserole before baking?
   Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
8. Can I make this without ricotta?
   Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a cream cheese mixture if desired.
9. Is this casserole gluten-free?
   No, this recipe uses regular ravioli which contains gluten. However, you can use gluten-free ravioli or gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
10. Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
    Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the meat sauce, or layer in some sautéed kale or broccoli for extra nutrition.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the heartiness of a meat sauce, the creaminess of cheese, and the satisfying texture of ravioli. It’s a filling and flavorful dish that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. With its layers of cheesy goodness and savory filling, this casserole is a great way to make dinner feel like a special occasion, even on a busy weeknight.

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