If you’re craving a comforting, show-stopping dinner that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to make, the Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers Recipe is exactly what you need. This delicious twist on classic lasagna layers creamy cheese-filled ravioli with rich meat sauce and a luscious blend of cheeses for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. It’s perfect for family nights, special occasions, or whenever you want to wow guests with minimal fuss and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential—they each bring a unique layer of flavor, creaminess, or herby goodness that makes this dish sing.
- Frozen cheese ravioli (25 oz): The star of the dish, providing tender, cheesy bites with every forkful.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Adds a hearty, savory base that balances the rich cheeses.
- Small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Enhances the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- Marinara sauce (24 oz jar): The tangy tomato sauce ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Adds a creamy texture that smooths out the layers.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): Provides richness and a velvety finish.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Offers a subtle tang that brightens the creamy cheese filling.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Gives gooey, melty goodness on every layer and on top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Sprinkled on top for a nutty, golden crust.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean herbs.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild kick to balance the richness.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures the layers don’t stick and help achieve crisp edges.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onion softens, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the sauce rich but not greasy. Stir in the marinara sauce and let everything simmer gently for 5 minutes so the flavors meld into a hearty, savory sauce that will make every bite irresistible.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix until you have a smooth, evenly blended mixture. This luscious cheese filling adds a silky texture and a slight tang that perfectly complements the meaty layers and pasta.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna Layers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray so your lasagna doesn’t stick. Begin the layering process by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish—this prevents sticking and kicks off the flavors. Next, arrange half the frozen ravioli in an even layer over the sauce. Dollop half the creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli and gently spread it out. Spoon half the remaining meat sauce over the cheese, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers exactly—ravioli, cheese mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella—until all ingredients are used up, finishing off with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for that golden, crispy finish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover your assembled dish with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This uncovered baking melts and browns the cheese layers so your lasagna stays bubbly with a golden top that’s just begging for a fork. When the timing’s up, allow the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes to let the layers set and make slicing easier. Your Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers Recipe is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich cheese and hearty sauce. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving can also elevate each bite with a silky finish. If you want a little heat, red pepper flakes add a lovely subtle kick that pairs beautifully with the Italian seasoning.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty and filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce and cheese. For a veggie boost, roasted or steamed broccoli or asparagus work wonderfully and bring color and crunch to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of a traditional baking dish, try layering this in individual ramekins for charming personal servings that make each guest feel special. You can also present slices on a rustic wooden board for a casual, family-style meal presentation. To change things up, swap out the cheese ravioli for spinach or meat-filled ravioli for unique flavor twists while keeping the same delicious layering technique.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay tasty and fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for planned meals or hearty lunches the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. For best results, assemble the lasagna but do not bake it; cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen by adding extra baking time, keeping the foil on longer and then unveiling for the last portion of baking to get that lovely golden top.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, cover the portion with foil to avoid drying out and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 to 25 minutes depending on the size of the portion. You can also microwave individual servings on medium power for a couple of minutes but be cautious not to overcook and lose that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli can add a delicate texture and cooks faster, so reduce your baking time slightly to prevent overcooking. Just be careful during layering as fresh ravioli may be more delicate.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative while keeping the sauce and cheese layers the same for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this dish dairy-free or vegan?
While this recipe is cheese-heavy and central to its flavor, you can swap the cheeses for dairy-free alternatives and use a plant-based ground meat substitute. Just be sure to choose a flavorful marinara to keep the layers rich and satisfying.
What can I use if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
You can create your own blend with dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. A pinch of each will capture the classic Italian flavor and work perfectly in this recipe.
How do I know when the lasagna is fully cooked?
The lasagna is done when it’s bubbly around the edges, the cheese on top is melted and golden, and the internal temperature reaches about 160°F. Letting it rest for 10 minutes also helps set the layers for perfect slices.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make the Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers Recipe, it feels like a little celebration at home. The layering of cheesy ravioli with rich meat sauce and creamy cheeses creates something that’s both comforting and impressive without hours in the kitchen. Whether you serve it for family dinner or your next gathering, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to love and even easier to share. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your new go-to dinner favorite!
Print
Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Layers is a delicious, comforting baked pasta dish that combines layers of frozen cheese ravioli, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese mixtures, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan. This easy-to-make casserole brings together the best flavors of Italian-inspired cuisine with minimal prep and heartwarming results, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat mixture. Allow it to simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Layer Ingredients in Dish: Spread a small amount of meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the frozen ravioli on top of the sauce. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli, then spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of ravioli, followed by the remaining cheese mixture, the rest of the meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese. Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to set, which helps with slicing and serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground sausage or a combination of beef and sausage for a more flavorful meat sauce.
- Try using spinach or meat-filled ravioli as a variation to add different textures and tastes.
