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If you love the comforting layers of lasagna but crave a fun twist, the Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. This dish takes classic frozen beef ravioli and transforms it into a rich, creamy, and cheesy baked masterpiece, with layers of flavorful cream cheese mixture, savory marinara, and gooey mozzarella. It’s the perfect blend of familiar and decadent, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or friendly gatherings. Trust me, once you try this Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever made lasagna any other way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but each plays an essential role in creating the unforgettable flavor and texture of the Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe. From the tangy cream cheese mixture to the bubbly mozzarella topping, every element contributes to a dish that’s balanced, flavorful, and visually inviting.
- Frozen beef ravioli: The heart of the dish, providing hearty flavor and a satisfying bite without any extra prep work.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds a luscious, creamy texture that makes each layer rich and velvety.
- Sour cream: Brings tang and smoothness to the cream cheese mixture, helping to balance the richness.
- Parmesan cheese, divided: Offers sharp, salty notes that elevate every layer and crown the top beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Italian seasoning: This subtle herb blend enhances the sauce and cheese layers with classic Italian flair.
- Onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and complexity to the creamy filling.
- Salt: Essential to season and bring all the flavors together perfectly.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts to gooey perfection, creating that irresistible cheesy pull we all love.
- Marinara sauce: A rich, tangy tomato base that ties the whole dish together with comforting familiarity.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This sets the perfect temperature to bake the layers evenly and get that delightful golden cheese topping.
Step 2: Make Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, half of the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and salt. This creamy mixture will add richness and a luscious texture that’s essential to the flavor profile of this Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe.
Step 3: Layer the Lasagna
Grab your 9×13 inch baking dish and spread about a quarter cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom to keep things saucy and prevent sticking. Then lay half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer, spreading the creamy cheese mixture evenly over it. Sprinkle with one cup of shredded mozzarella, and spoon half of the remaining marinara sauce on top. This first layer sets the stage for the creamy, cheesy goodness to come.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Repeat the layering: ravioli, the rest of the cream cheese mixture, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce. Making sure to create those distinct layers that give this lasagna its classic yet fun structure.
Step 5: Add Final Cheese and Bake
Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 30 minutes covered to meld the flavors, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the top has a gorgeous golden crust.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens every bite of this rich lasagna. You can also add a few red pepper flakes for an extra touch of warmth if you like a little kick.
Side Dishes
Serve this creamy, cheesy star with simple green salads or roasted veggies to add freshness and balance. Garlic bread or warm focaccia rounds are perfect companions, soaking up every last bit of the luscious marinara sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe in individual ramekins or even layering it in clear glass dishes so guests can admire those beautiful layers before digging in. It’s also perfect for potlucks or family-style dinners where everyone can grab a generous helping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, leftovers will keep happily for up to 3 days, maintaining their creamy, cheesy goodness.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully! Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly with foil and plastic wrap or place the baked portion in a freezer-safe container. Frozen lasagna will stay delicious for up to 2 months — perfect for prepping meals in advance or saving dinner for a busy night.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes or until warmed through. For the best cheesy top, remove the foil the last 5 minutes to let the cheese bubble up again beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli works just as well and may even bake up a bit more tender. Just be mindful of the cooking time—fresh ravioli might require slightly less time in the oven.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the beef ravioli for cheese or vegetable-filled ravioli and choose a vegetarian marinara sauce. The creamy layers and cheese still deliver plenty of comforting flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely. You can assemble the Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe up to 24 hours in advance, keep it refrigerated, and bake it fresh when ready. This makes weeknight dinners or entertaining super convenient.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute that adds tang and freshness while keeping things creamy.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s not spicy by default, making it family-friendly. However, if you like a little heat, you can sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture or marinara sauce before baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe—it combines convenience, comforting flavors, and cheesy satisfaction all in one dish. Whether cooking for your family or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy every delicious, indulgent bite!
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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 rich and comforting baked casserole combining layers of cheesy cream cheese mixture, tender frozen beef ravioli, mozzarella, Parmesan, and savory marinara sauce. This easy, crowd-pleasing dish comes together quickly and bakes to golden perfection, making a satisfying meal for 8 servings.
Ingredients
Ravioli
- 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
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Other Cheeses
- 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (divided from total 1 cup)
Sauce
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna layers.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and salt. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Lasagna – First Layer: Spread ¼ cup of the marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Then lay half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer on top of the sauce.
- Spread Cream Cheese Mixture: Dollop and spread half of the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly over the layer of ravioli.
- Add Mozzarella and Sauce: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the cream cheese layer, then spread half of the remaining marinara sauce over the cheese layer.
- Repeat the Layers: Repeat the layering process: place the remaining ravioli in a single layer, spread the remaining cream cheese mixture, sprinkle with 1 cup more mozzarella cheese, and top with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Top with Cheese: Finally, sprinkle the top layer with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the remaining ½ cup Parmesan cheese for a cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the ravioli to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the lasagna cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, do not thaw the frozen ravioli before assembling the dish.
- You can substitute beef ravioli with cheese or vegetable ravioli if desired.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes to the marinara before layering.
- Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven.
- Ensure the baking dish is covered tightly with foil to prevent the lasagna from drying out during the initial baking.
