Layers of flavor stack up like a treasure chest waiting to be revealed. I've always loved how lasagna brings people together, but this Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna takes it to a whole new level. Imagine tender ravioli, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese blends all baked into one unforgettable dish. It's comfort food with a twist, and I can't wait to share how simple it is to make. Trust me, you'll want to see what's inside.
What You'll Love About This Recipe
This Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna is a game-changer for your dinner table, combining simplicity with gourmet flavors. Effortless Preparation: Using frozen ravioli eliminates the need for layering pasta sheets, saving you time. Rich and Creamy: A blend of cheeses and a savory meat sauce create a decadent, comforting dish. Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining, it's a recipe everyone will rave about.
Recipe
Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna is a luxurious twist on the classic lasagna, combining the convenience of store-bought ravioli with rich, homemade flavors. This dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 1 (25 oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground Italian sausage and ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the Alfredo sauce and ricotta cheese.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce. Arrange a layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce.
- Spread half of the Alfredo-ricotta mixture over the ravioli, followed by a layer of meat sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Repeat the layers: ravioli, Alfredo-ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and cheeses.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes:
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use a meatless marinara sauce.
- You can use fresh ravioli instead of frozen, but reduce the baking time by 10 minutes.
Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Equipment
To make Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna, having the right equipment guarantees a smooth cooking process. Here's what you'll need:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling ravioli
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk or fork for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
- Sharp knife or kitchen shears
- Aluminum foil (optional for covering)
Nutrition
This Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna is a hearty and indulgent dish, packed with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. Here's a breakdown of its key nutritional aspects:
- High in protein from cheese, ground beef, and ravioli.
- Contains calcium and vitamins from ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
- Rich in carbohydrates, providing energy from pasta and sauce.
- Moderate fat content, primarily from cheese and meat.
- Includes essential nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and potassium.
- Calories per serving are elevated due to its dense, satisfying ingredients.
What to Serve With This Recipe
When I make Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna, I love pairing it with classic sides like garlic bread and Caesar salad for a complete meal. Roasted veggies add a healthy touch, but I can't forget a glass of Chianti to bring it all together. And if there's room for dessert, my go-to is tiramisu—it's the perfect sweet finish!
Garlic Bread
Though it's hard to imagine lasagna without its trusty sidekick, garlic bread is the perfect partner to balance out those rich, cheesy layers. I love experimenting with garlic pairing, using roasted garlic for sweetness or fresh cloves for a bold kick. Trying different garlic varieties, like elephant or black garlic, can add unique twists. It's simple, satisfying, and makes every bite of lasagna even better.
Caesar Salad
While garlic bread's a classic match for lasagna, I always find a Caesar salad brings a fresh, crunchy contrast that cuts through the richness. I love playing with dressing options, like classic creamy Caesar or a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Crouton varieties, such as sourdough or garlic Parmesan, add extra flavor and texture. It's a simple side that balances the meal without stealing the spotlight.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are my go-to side for Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna because they add a hearty, healthy touch without competing with the main dish. I love using seasonal produce like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots to brighten the plate. The roasting process deepens their flavor profiles, making them sweet and smoky. They're easy to prep, and their simplicity lets the lasagna shine while adding variety to the meal.
Chianti Wine
When I serve Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna, I always reach for a bottle of Chianti because its earthy, fruity notes perfectly balance the dish's rich flavors. This wine pairing feels like a match made in Italy. If you ever get the chance, try vineyard tours in Tuscany—it's where I first fell in love with Chianti's charm. Trust me, it'll elevate your meal to pure magic!
Tiramisu Dessert
After savoring the rich flavors of Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna paired with Chianti, it's only fitting to end the meal with something sweet and indulgent. I love serving tiramisu for its perfect coffee pairing and delicate ladyfinger layers. The creamy mascarpone and cocoa dusting balance the meal beautifully. It's light yet satisfying, and always leaves my guests smiling. Trust me, it's the ideal finale!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Freeze Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna?
I can freeze lasagna, but I'll follow freezing tips to keep it fresh. I'll wrap it tightly or use airtight containers for storage methods, removing air to prevent freezer burn and labeling it with the date.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare?
I'll tell you, the prep time sneaks up faster than you think—chopping, layering, and prepping all those ingredients takes patience. The cooking duration? That's when the magic happens, but you'll need to wait a bit longer.
Can I Use Homemade Ravioli Instead?
I'd use homemade ravioli if I wanted more control over ravioli texture and pasta thickness. Thinner pasta works better for delicate layers, but I'd make sure it's sturdy enough to hold the filling through baking.
What Type of Cheese Works Best?
When I choose cheese, I focus on cheese pairing and cheese melting. I'd pick a mix of ricotta for creaminess, mozzarella for stretch, and Parmesan for sharpness. They melt beautifully and balance flavors perfectly in any dish.
Is This Recipe Suitable for Vegetarians?
I'm picturing a dish that's a garden of flavors, vibrant and hearty. If you're exploring vegetarian options, this recipe shines with meatless alternatives, swapping out meat for rich, plant-based layers that'll satisfy even the most discerning palate.
