If you love the comforts of cheesy, saucy Italian dishes but want something a little different and incredibly indulgent, the Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. This luscious casserole layers tender beef ravioli with a creamy, flavorful cheese mixture and rich marinara, all baked until bubbly and golden. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser that brings all the joy of classic lasagna with a playful, luxurious twist that’ll make you wonder why you haven’t tried it sooner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is in its straightforward yet carefully balanced ingredients. Each component adds a key element to the dish: from the hearty ravioli providing satisfying texture, to the creamy cheeses elevating every bite with richness and depth. The herbal spices and zesty marinara bring it all together with vibrant flavor.
- Frozen beef ravioli (25 ounces): The star of the dish, offering a perfect meaty filling with a tender pasta shell.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds velvety creaminess that blends beautifully with the sour cream for that signature silky filling.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings tang and moisture, keeping the layers luscious and smooth.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, divided): Provides a nutty, salty kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic powder (2 teaspoons): Contributes warm, aromatic notes without overpowering the dish.
- Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): A fragrant mix of herbs that perfectly complements the tomato sauce and cheese.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness and depth, rounding out the spices.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances all flavors and highlights the cheeses and herbs.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (3 cups, divided): Melts beautifully, forming that irresistible gooey top layer.
- Marinara sauce (24 ounces): Rich and tangy, the perfect zesty base and binder for the layers.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start off by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help the cheese melt quickly and develop that lovely browned, bubbling crust that makes baked pasta dishes so inviting.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, half of the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined. This creamy blend is the luscious heart of your lasagna layers, offering richness and flavor that bind the ravioli together.
Step 3: Layer the Lasagna
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread a generous ¼ cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. This helps prevent sticking and starts the saucy foundation you’ll build on. Arrange half of the frozen beef ravioli in a single even layer over the sauce—the frozen ravioli will cook perfectly in the oven, soaking up all those wonderful flavors.
Next, spread half of your creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli, smoothing it out so every bite has that dreamy texture. Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella across this layer for irresistible gooeyness. Then spoon half of the remaining marinara sauce on top to keep everything moist and flavorful. Repeat this layering process once more, ending with the ravioli, cream cheese mixture, mozzarella, and finally the remaining marinara sauce.
Step 4: Add the Final Cheese Topping and Bake
Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. Cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture, then bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown. This finishing step delivers that classic golden crust so many of us love on a baked pasta dish.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley across the top. The fresh green not only adds a pop of color but also brightens the rich, creamy flavors of the lasagna. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can give a complementary zing if you like a little kick.
Side Dishes
This lavish dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance its richness. Garlic bread or warm baguette slices are also fantastic for sopping up every last bit of sauce and melted cheese. Roasted seasonal vegetables offer a wholesome contrast and add color to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—it makes each serving feel special and perfect for cozy nights in or casual dinner parties. You can also layer the ingredients in glass bakeware so your guests can peek through the lasagna layers before digging in. It’s a feast for the eyes as much as the palate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better when allowed to meld overnight, making it ideal for next-day lunches or a quick dinner fix.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! To freeze, assemble the entire dish but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 to 25 minutes. If you’re reheating individual servings, a microwave works well—just cover loosely to trap steam and keep the cheese melty and delicious without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli will work wonderfully but it will cook faster, so keep an eye on it while baking and reduce the covered baking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the beef ravioli for cheese or vegetable-filled ravioli and use a vegetarian marinara sauce. You’ll still get all the creamy, cheesy goodness with slightly different flavors.
Can I prepare this dish entirely ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the whole lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bake just before serving to keep the layers fresh and the cheese perfectly melted.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the lasagna?
Covering the dish while reheating, either with foil when using the oven or a vented cover in the microwave, traps moisture and prevents the layers from drying. Adding a splash of marinara sauce on top before reheating can also help.
Can I substitute the cream cheese with ricotta?
You can! Ricotta will give a lighter, grainier texture, but still delicious. Consider blending ricotta with a bit of cream or sour cream to keep the mixture creamy and spreadable like the original recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so special about the Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe that makes every meal feel like a celebration. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavors that everyone will adore. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or savoring it yourself, this dish promises an unforgettable experience that’s both simple and stunning. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite at your dinner table.
Print
Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna is a delicious, easy-to-make baked pasta dish layering frozen beef ravioli with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan, all topped with mozzarella and marinara sauce. It combines the comforting elements of lasagna with the convenience of ravioli, baked to bubbly perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
Ravioli Layer
- 1 (25-ounce) package frozen beef ravioli
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cheese and Sauce
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, divided (½ cup in cream cheese mixture, ½ cup for topping)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the lasagna.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and salt until smooth and well mixed.
- Layer the Lasagna – First Layer: Spread ¼ cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Add Ravioli Layer: Arrange half of the frozen beef ravioli in a single layer over the marinara sauce to create the first pasta base.
- Spread Cream Cheese Mixture: Dollop and spread half of the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly over the ravioli to add rich creaminess.
- Sprinkle Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella evenly over the cream cheese layer for gooey cheesy texture.
- Add Marinara Sauce Layer: Spread half of the remaining marinara sauce over the mozzarella layer, ensuring full coverage for moistness and flavor.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the ravioli, cream cheese mixture, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce layers in the same order to build the lasagna.
- Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and the remaining ½ cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer for a golden, bubbly crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake for 30 minutes to heat through and melt the cheeses.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned to perfection.
Notes
- Do not thaw the frozen ravioli before assembling; they bake well from frozen.
- Covering the dish with foil initially prevents the cheese from burning and helps the filling heat evenly.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from chilled.
- You can substitute beef ravioli with cheese or spinach ravioli for a different flavor profile.
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set before serving.
