Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for a no-fuss, wildly satisfying meal that will have everyone racing to the table, look no further than Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. This baked pasta masterpiece layers pillowy ravioli, a creamy cheese blend, hearty meat sauce, and plenty of gooey, golden cheese on top. It’s the kind of comforting, flavor-packed dish that feels right at home on a busy weeknight or as the star of a weekend family dinner, and with so many luscious textures in each bite, you’ll see why folks call it “million dollar.”

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is delightfully straightforward, but each element brings something special—whether it’s richness, tang, color, or that irresistible melty finish. These pantry-friendly classics combine for pure dinner magic.

• Frozen cheese ravioli (25 oz): The real shortcut hero—these little pockets of cheesy goodness bake up perfectly and save so much prep time.
• Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 lb): Adds hearty flavor and a savory bite; choose sausage for an herby twist, or beef for a milder base.
• Marinara sauce (24 oz): Your favorite jarred or homemade sauce gives the casserole its classic Italian soul and keeps it extra saucy.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The secret to the ultra-creamy, almost cheesecake-like layer that makes each forkful decadent.
• Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Brings a bit of fluffy texture and subtle sweetness, melding perfectly with the other cheeses.
• Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tang and a luscious richness that sets this casserole apart from ordinary baked pastas.
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses gentle garlicky warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): The golden, melty crown—don’t skimp, because gooey cheese is pure happiness.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): A nutty, salty boost that browns beautifully and brings the authentic Italian touch.
• Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): For a fresh pop of color and a hint of earthy brightness at the very end.

How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little oil or nonstick spray—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze later.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Simmer with Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef or Italian sausage until it’s fully browned and crumbly. Drain off any excess fat for a lighter casserole. Add the marinara sauce to the skillet, stirring to coat the meat and letting the flavors meld together for a minute or two.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the ricotta, sour cream, and garlic powder until the mixture is completely smooth. This combo is the secret behind that “million dollar” richness—it’ll bake up perfectly creamy without getting grainy or dry.

Step 4: Assemble the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Spread half of your robust meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli on top in a single even layer (no need to thaw). Next, dollop and gently spread the entire creamy cheese mix over the ravioli layer. Top with the rest of the ravioli, then the remaining meat sauce. Finish by showering the top with all the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes—this ensures everything heats through and gets melty. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the top is gloriously golden and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving, so it slices up beautifully.

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Garnishes

Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a lively burst of color and freshness. If you have a little extra Parmesan on hand, an additional dusting never hurts—those nutty, salty notes are just too good.

Side Dishes

This decadent casserole shines alongside a simple green salad lightly dressed with vinaigrette or a big bowl of garlicky roasted vegetables. Of course, a crusty baguette or some warm garlic bread is ideal for scooping up every last bit of sauce and cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style meals, serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole bubbling straight from the oven in its baking dish—it’s hearty and inviting. Or, if you’re feeding a crowd, try ladling generous portions into individual ramekins before baking for a special, restaurant-style touch. Leftovers also make a fabulous lunch the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to four days. Let the casserole cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or covering your baking dish tightly. The layers stay moist and delicious, making reheated portions feel just as comforting as the first round.

Freezing

This casserole shines in the freezer, making it perfect for busy nights or meal prep. You can assemble the entire dish and freeze it (unbaked or baked) for up to three months. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn—then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual or reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat in one-minute bursts until warm and melty. If reheating the whole dish, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 25 to 30 minutes. A fresh sprinkle of cheese before reheating will make the top extra irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh ravioli works beautifully and may cook a bit faster, so just keep an eye on the baking time to make sure everything is hot and bubbly.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese is a great alternative and adds its own creamy, slightly tangy note. Just make sure to drain it well, or give it a quick blend for a smoother texture.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole can easily go vegetarian: simply leave out the ground meat, or swap in a plant-based meat crumble or even sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty alternative.

Can I prep Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It’s a fantastic way to get a jump start when hosting or prepping for a busy weeknight.

Is it possible to double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, you can double this casserole—just use two baking dishes or a larger roasting pan. It’s party-perfect and everyone loves the irresistible, cheesy layers.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving big flavors and ultra-comforting texture, you can’t go wrong with Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that comes together easily and delivers pure comfort in every rich, cheesy bite. I hope you give this recipe a go and enjoy sharing it with everyone you love!

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