Million Dollar Cheese Ravioli

This Million Dollar Ravioli recipe is all about big flavors with minimal fuss. Tender ravioli, hearty beef, and two decadent sauces bubble together to create layers of rich comfort. It is one of those one-pan wonders that never fails to impress friends as much as family at busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

I first threw this together when I found both sauces in my pantry and some frozen ravioli in the freezer. Now it is my go-to when everyone wants cheesy pasta without the work.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Adds hearty flavor and protein, choose an 80 to 85 percent lean blend for juicier results
• Onion and fresh garlic: Create a savory base for the meat and sauce, pick a firm onion and plump garlic cloves for the brightest taste
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the richness, always use freshly cracked pepper if possible
• Garlic powder and Kinder’s Buttery Garlic and Herb seasoning: Layer even more flavor, try to pick up Kinder’s or substitute with your favorite herbed garlic blend
• Italian seasoning: Brings a classic herby aroma, look for a fresh or recently opened jar to keep flavors vibrant
• Ragu Tomato Garlic and Onion sauce: Offers zesty tomato depth, choose this variety for its hint of sweetness and aromatic garlic
• Kroger Roasted Garlic Alfredo sauce: Brings a creamy garlicky richness, opt for this brand for the right thickness or use another high quality Alfredo if needed
• Frozen cheese ravioli: Is the pasta star, make sure it is only half thawed so it holds its shape during the simmer
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Forms an oozy topping, always go for block cheese you shred yourself for the best melt and pull

Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Place ground beef into a large skillet over medium heat and break it up as it cooks, let it brown fully so you get flavorful bits on the bottom, about 7 to 9 minutes

Add the Aromatics:

Stir in diced onion and minced garlic letting them cook with the beef until the onions are soft and turning nearly translucent, for extra depth let the mixture gently sizzle but do not let the garlic brown

Season Everything:

Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, Kinders Buttery Garlic and Herb seasoning, and Italian seasoning over the beef and onion mixture, stir until seasonings are fragrant and evenly distributed, taste and adjust as needed

Combine Sauces:

Pour in the entire jar of Ragu Tomato Garlic & Onion sauce and the Alfredo sauce, stir well to fully combine with the meat, taking time to scrape the bottom of the pan so all browned beef bits flavor the sauce

Add Ravioli and Simmer:

Add the frozen cheese ravioli straight into the sauce mixture, stir gently to coat every ravioli, try not to break them apart, cover the pan and reduce heat to low, let everything cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, the ravioli will absorb sauce and become tender and cheesy in the center

Finish with Cheese:

Once ravioli are soft and the sauce is bubbling, sprinkle all of the shredded mozzarella over the top, put the lid back on to let the cheese melt, do not rush this step, full melting can take 5 minutes and gives that signature “million dollar” gooey cheese layer

Serve and Enjoy:

Use a big spoon to scoop generous servings onto plates and dig into your creamy dreamy ravioli dish

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I always love the moment the mozzarella goes on top and melts into a stretchy blanket there is just something about that bubbling cheese finish that turns regular pasta into true comfort food and my kids fight over the crispy corner bits every time

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. I like to reheat individual servings in the microwave with a splash of water or extra sauce to loosen up the cheese. The dish also freezes well for about two months so consider making a double batch.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey for a lighter taste. If you do not have both sauces on hand, use two jars of tomato based sauce for a tangier flavor or two jars of Alfredo for pure creaminess. Spinach or beef filled ravioli work just as well as cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Million Dollar Ravioli is a filling main dish but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli and hot garlic bread. If you want a bit of spice, scatter red pepper flakes or fresh chopped basil over the top right before serving.

Cultural and Historical Context

Baked and skillet pastas are classic for busy Italian American families because they deliver comfort in one pan. The layered sauciness and cheesy top pay homage to classic baked ziti and lasagna traditions in a simpler format. This dish is not authentic Italian but it sure wins hearts at any table.

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Serve this right from the skillet for easy family style dining. It is sure to be a new favorite with everyone at the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh ravioli can be used. Reduce the cooking time as fresh pasta cooks faster than frozen.

→ What sauce alternatives can I use?

You can swap in homemade tomato or Alfredo sauce, or try a marinara with added herbs for a different twist.

→ Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Omit the ground beef and use plant-based crumbles or add sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

→ Which cheese works best besides mozzarella?

Try provolone, cheddar, or an Italian blend for added flavor and gooeyness alongside or instead of mozzarella.