Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli is not just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace on a plate. Imagine layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese, all coming together in a luxurious lasagna that captures the heart of Italian cuisine. This dish combines the beloved elements of classic lasagna with the ease of frozen ravioli, creating an unforgettable dining experience. Whether it’s a family gathering or a weeknight dinner, this Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli will steal the show and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli
This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and convenience. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with this best cheesy ravioli recipe:
- Flavorful Layers: Each forkful offers a delightful mix of savory beef, tangy marinara, and creamy cheeses.
- Easy Preparation: With frozen ravioli, you save time without sacrificing taste, making it an easy cheesy ravioli preparation.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this comforting dish, perfect for family dinners.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.
- Customizable: Add vegetables or switch to a vegetarian million dollar ravioli for a twist.
- Impressive Presentation: This luxury ravioli dish looks stunning, making it ideal for entertaining guests.
- Rich History: Enjoy a dish that combines tradition with modern convenience, rooted in Italian cuisine.
- Hearty Portions: You’ll have plenty to feed a crowd, making this dish perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients for Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli
Gather these items:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
- 1 lb beef Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 32 oz (2 lbs) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 (15 oz) containers whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lb (4 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz (2 cups) shredded provolone cheese
- Non-stick cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing
How to Make Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and beef Italian sausage; brown for 8-10 minutes, breaking up the meat. Drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced yellow onion; sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Push meat to one side, add tomato paste to the cleared side; cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in 1/2 cup beef broth; scrape up browned bits from the pan. Simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Stir in fresh chopped parsley and basil. Taste and adjust seasonings. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 6: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Step 7: Shred mozzarella and provolone if not already shredded. Keep frozen ravioli separated; no pre-cooking is needed as they cook in the oven.
- Step 8: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread about 1.5 cups of meat sauce on the bottom. Arrange a single layer of ravioli (approx. 1/3 total).
- Step 9: Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over ravioli, spread gently. Sprinkle 1.5 cups mozzarella and half of the provolone cheese.
- Step 10: Ladle another 1.5 cups of meat sauce over cheese. Place a second single layer of ravioli (approx. 1/3 total). Dollop remaining ricotta mixture and spread. Sprinkle another 1.5 cups mozzarella and remaining provolone.
- Step 11: Arrange the last single layer of ravioli (approx. 1/3 total). Pour remaining meat sauce over ravioli. Generously sprinkle remaining shredded mozzarella and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese.
- Step 12: Loosely cover dish with aluminum foil (tent slightly). Place on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove foil, increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) (optional, or keep at 375°F/190°C), and bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Step 13: Remove from oven and let rest on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot with a fresh green salad and crusty bread.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli
Keep these in mind:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh herbs can elevate your dish significantly.
- Don’t rush the simmering process; allowing the sauce to develop flavors over time is crucial.
- For added richness, substitute some of the beef with ground pork or turkey.
- Experiment with different cheese blends to create your own gourmet ravioli recipe.
Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli
This dish can be served in numerous ways:
- Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Top with extra cheese and fresh herbs for an impressive presentation.
- Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, enhancing the cheesy pasta delight.
How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli
To store leftovers, simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. For reheating, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal any day of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli
What is Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli?
Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli is a luxurious dish that combines layers of ravioli with rich meat sauce and multiple cheeses, creating a mouthwatering experience.
Can I make Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate or freeze. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve for a quick and tasty meal.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli?
Be sure not to overcook the meat sauce, and allow the lasagna to rest before slicing to ensure clean cuts and well-defined layers.
Variations of Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli You Can Try
Here are a few creative twists on this classic dish:
- Swap out the meat for sautéed vegetables for a delicious vegetarian million dollar ravioli.
- Add spices or herbs to the ricotta mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- Try using different sauces, such as Alfredo or pesto, for a unique take.
Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli: 10 Layers of Comfort
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna – Ultimate Beef Comfort Food
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
- 1 lb beef Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 32 oz (2 lbs) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 (15 oz) containers whole milk ricotta cheese, drained
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lb (4 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz (2 cups) shredded provolone cheese
- Non-stick cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing
Instructions
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and beef Italian sausage; brown for 8-10 minutes, breaking up the meat. Drain excess fat.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add diced yellow onion; sauté 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic; cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Push meat to one side, add tomato paste to cleared side; cook 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in 1/2 cup beef broth; scrape up browned bits from the pan. Simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, 1 cup beef broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in fresh chopped parsley and basil. Taste and adjust seasonings. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Shred mozzarella and provolone if not already shredded. Keep frozen ravioli separated; no pre-cooking is needed as they cook in the oven.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread about 1.5 cups of meat sauce on the bottom. Arrange a single layer of ravioli (approx. 1/3 total).
- Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over ravioli, spread gently. Sprinkle 1.5 cups mozzarella and half of the provolone cheese.
- Ladle another 1.5 cups of meat sauce over cheese. Place a second single layer of ravioli (approx. 1/3 total). Dollop remaining ricotta mixture and spread. Sprinkle another 1.5 cups mozzarella and remaining provolone.
- Arrange the last single layer of ravioli (approx. 1/3 total). Pour remaining meat sauce over ravioli. Generously sprinkle remaining shredded mozzarella and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese.
- Loosely cover dish with aluminum foil (tent slightly). Place on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove foil, increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) (optional, or keep at 375°F/190°C), and bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot with a fresh green salad and crusty bread.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg