If you are craving the creamy, cheesy comfort of lasagna but want a fun twist that saves you time and adds a wow factor, the Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is your new best friend. This dish layers luscious cheese ravioli with a rich meat sauce and a dreamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s the ultimate indulgence that combines convenience and gourmet flavor, making weeknight dinners or special gatherings a celebration every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe comes from its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each one enhancing the dish’s rich taste and satisfying texture. From the tender ravioli that form the foundation to the creamy cheese blend and savory meat sauce, every component plays an essential role.
- Frozen cheese ravioli: The perfect shortcut that replaces traditional lasagna noodles with a delectably soft and cheesy base.
- Ground beef: Adds hearty flavor and a meaty texture that balances the creamy layers.
- Marinara sauce: Brings a tangy, herby tomato richness that ties the whole dish together.
- Cream cheese: Softens and enriches the cheese mixture for a luscious mouthfeel.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess, cutting through the richness for balance.
- Cottage cheese: A lighter cheese option that adds texture and moisture inside the layers.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy goodness that blankets the lasagna.
- Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty finish and a golden crust.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with classic Italian flavors.
- Garlic powder: Offers a subtle savory punch without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and herbal brightness as a garnish.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This caramelization is key as it builds deep, savory flavors. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy. Once the beef is ready, stir in the marinara sauce and let the mixture meld while you handle the cheese blend.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese along with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures each bite is bursting with that perfect creamy, tangy, and herby flavor. This mixture will be the luscious layer that sets this lasagna apart from any other.
Step 3: Assemble Your Layers
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and preheat your oven to 375°F. Begin by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking and add flavor right from the base. Next, layer half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce—it’s important not to thaw them so they maintain their shape while baking. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering once more: ravioli, cheese mixture, then meat sauce. Finally, top it all with the remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bake to Cheesy Perfection
Cover the dish with foil to trap moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This step allows the top to become golden and bubbling, signaling that your Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is ready. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the layers settle and make serving easier.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh chopped parsley as a garnish not only brightens the dish visually but also introduces a subtle herbaceous note that complements the cheesy richness beautifully. For an extra touch, consider a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This creamy and filling Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, green salads dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar. Garlic bread or warm, crusty artisan bread are also perfect to soak up any leftover sauce, making every bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, slice the lasagna into neat squares and serve on individual plates garnished with a sprig of basil or a small mound of microgreens. You can also serve it family-style with a big serving spoon nestled in the dish, letting everyone dig into that cheesy, saucy goodness together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent drying out.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Simply assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe container or well-wrapped baking dish, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding extra baking time if it’s still cold inside.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. If short on time, microwave on medium power, covered, stirring halfway through to keep the cheese creamy and avoid dryness.
FAQs
Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Absolutely! Ricotta is a classic lasagna cheese and works perfectly as a substitute if you prefer a smoother, creamier texture in your Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe.
Is it okay to use Italian sausage instead of ground beef?
Yes, swapping in Italian sausage can add a wonderful depth of flavor and a little extra spice, making the dish even more flavorful and rich.
Do I need to thaw the ravioli before assembling the lasagna?
Nope! Using frozen ravioli straight from the bag helps maintain their shape during baking and saves you prep time, making this recipe even more convenient.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply omit the ground beef or Italian sausage and use a marinara sauce without meat. The creamy cheese layers will keep the dish satisfying and delicious.
How long does the Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe take to make from start to finish?
The total time is just about 1 hour and 5 minutes, including preparation and baking, making it an ideal hearty meal that doesn’t keep you waiting all day.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing recipe that feels special but is surprisingly easy to pull together, give the Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe a try. It’s a comforting dish that brings joy with every cheesy, saucy bite and is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen — just like it is in mine!
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Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna is an easy, cheesy, and comforting baked pasta dish that layers frozen cheese ravioli with a rich meat sauce and creamy cheese mixture for a delightful twist on classic lasagna. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, it combines hearty ground beef, creamy cheeses, and flavorful Italian seasonings all baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly until no longer pink, then drain excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Stir the marinara or pasta sauce into the cooked beef, combining well; set aside the meat sauce mixture.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the frozen ravioli evenly over the sauce. Next, spread half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining ravioli over the cheese, spread the remaining cheese mixture, then spoon the remaining meat sauce on top. Finish by topping with the remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking an additional 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown, giving the dish a lovely crust.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes out of the oven before slicing to allow it to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For a different flavor, substitute Italian sausage for the ground beef.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking to save time on busy days.
- Ricotta cheese can be used instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture and traditional taste.
