Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping family dinner that brings together comfort food flavors and layers of creamy, cheesy goodness, Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole will absolutely steal your heart. This stellar bake combines tender cheese ravioli, a rich and savory beefy tomato sauce, and a dreamy trio of cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta, all bubbling beneath a crown of melty mozzarella and golden Parmesan. It’s that magical casserole everyone fights for seconds of, with the power to turn an ordinary weeknight into a celebration.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole so irresistible is the balance of classic, approachable ingredients, each chosen because they simply work together magic in the oven. This is a dish where every element counts—each layer building flavor, texture, and color in every bite.

• Frozen cheese ravioli (25 oz): The star of the casserole; these pillowy pasta pockets soak up all the creamy and tangy flavors.
• Ground beef (1 lb): Adds heartiness and classic comfort—swap for Italian sausage for extra zest if you like.
• Small onion, diced: Sautéed for sweetness and a subtle flavor base.
• Garlic cloves, minced (2): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma.
• Marinara sauce (24 oz jar): Offers bold, tomatoey richness; use a high-quality brand for best results.
• Cream cheese (8 oz), softened: Brings unmistakable creaminess and a hint of tang—that “million dollar” factor!
• Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds a gentle, velvety bite and extra smoothness.
• Ricotta cheese (1/2 cup): Lightens the cheese layer while keeping it lusciously rich.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): The gooey, classic topper—don’t skimp here.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): For that unmistakable nutty, salty finish.
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing and ensuring everything is ultra-flavorful from the start.
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp): The herb blend transforms the sauce into something extra-special.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances and enhances every other flavor.
• Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Just enough to add gentle warmth.
• Fresh parsley (for garnish): Gives a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color.

How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that once your casserole is assembled, it bakes up evenly with that irresistible bubbling and a golden top.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics & Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it soften for about three minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t brown. Now toss in your ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep things light but flavorful.

Step 3: Build Up the Sauce

With the beef still hot in the pan, stir in your minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, letting them get cozy with the meat for a minute. Now pour in that jar of marinara and let everything simmer gently for about five minutes—this mingling time does wonders for depth of flavor and moisture.

Step 4: Mix Up the Creamy Layer

While the sauce simmers, grab a mixing bowl and combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese. Stir until you have a smooth, creamy mixture without lumps. This rich layer is what makes Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole truly live up to its name!

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half the meat sauce across the bottom. Add a layer with half of your frozen ravioli, spreading them out in a single layer. Next, gently spread all of the cream cheese mixture right over the ravioli. Top with the remaining ravioli, then pour over the rest of the meat sauce. Finish with generous sprinkles of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the entire top.

Step 6: Bake to Bubbling, Golden Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes so everything softens and melds together. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbling, and beautifully golden in spots.

Step 7: Add Freshness and Serve

Let the casserole rest for five to ten minutes so it’s easier to slice and serve. Shower the top with fresh chopped parsley for color, zing, and a hint of garden brightness—the finishing touch your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole deserves.

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Garnishes

For that eye-catching, flavor-boosting final touch, a handful of fresh chopped parsley is classic. If you want a little more color, add a scatter of thinly sliced basil or a dusting of extra grated Parmesan right before serving. Let your personality shine—it’s all about making your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole look as inviting as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty, so pair it with lighter sides like a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, sautéed greens, or simple roasted vegetables. If you’re planning a truly comforting spread, warm garlic bread or a basket of soft dinner rolls is unbeatable for sopping up every bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For weeknight coziness, serve it straight from the baking dish for that homey, bubbling effect. But for a fun twist at parties or potlucks, try baking individual portions in ramekins, or use a muffin tin for bite-sized, hand-held servings. This turns Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole into both a family classic and a showy dish for gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors just keep getting better, and the casserole holds its structure beautifully, making reheated portions just as delectable as the first round.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead or save leftovers, Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole freezes like a dream. Wrap the cooled casserole (or individual portions) tightly, then freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating—this keeps the cheeses from separating and the pasta from getting mushy.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a covered baking dish at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes. If you’re short on time, single portions reheat quickly in the microwave—just add a splash of water or marinara and cover loosely to keep them moist. Either way, that top cheese layer stays wonderfully melty!

FAQs

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh ravioli cooks a bit faster, so reduce the baking time by up to 10 minutes. The texture will be slightly softer, but it’s still utterly delicious.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can swap in Italian sausage for a spicier version or ground turkey for something lighter. To make it vegetarian, simply skip the meat and use a plant-based crumble or load up on extra mushrooms and spinach in the sauce.

Do I have to use all three creamy cheeses?

The trio of cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta creates that ultra-luxurious “million dollar” feel, but you can use just two if needed—just increase those quantities slightly to maintain the same volume.

Can I assemble Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add an extra 5 to 10 minutes of baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What’s the best way to get a golden, bubbly top?

After the initial covered bake, removing the foil is key. For an extra-deep golden hue, switch on your broiler for the last 2 to 3 minutes—just watch carefully so the cheese doesn’t burn.

Final Thoughts

No matter the occasion, Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole has a way of turning dinner into a memory—one easy, cheesy, joy-filled bite at a time. Gather your favorite people and dive into this irresistible casserole; chances are, it’ll be requested again and again!

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