Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
If you have ever dreamed of classic comfort food with a touch of decadent richness, then the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is your wish come true. This recipe layers cheesy ravioli, hearty beef sauce, and an irresistibly creamy cheese filling into one glorious bake—every forkful is bubbling, gooey, and packed with flavor. Whether you are feeding a crowd or simply want to treat yourself to a slice of weeknight luxury, this casserole delivers big on taste and even bigger on cozy, home-cooked vibes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how approachable this ingredient list is! Every component is chosen to make the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole burst with flavor, from the savory beef to the luscious, melty cheese topping. These simple staples work together for a dish that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.
- Frozen cheese ravioli (1 bag, 25 oz): Using frozen ravioli saves so much time and guarantees perfectly tender pasta in every bite.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Adds that hearty, savory flavor that anchors the whole casserole.
- Small onion, chopped: Offers a subtle sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the sauce with a mouthwatering aroma and authentic Italian flair.
- Marinara sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): Serves as the saucy backbone, bringing everything together with rich tomato essence.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 tsp): Delivers those classic, herbaceous notes you know and love.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): For just a hint of heat without overpowering the dish.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): This is where the “million dollar” richness comes in—so creamy!
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Balances the richness with a mild tang.
- Cottage cheese or ricotta (1 cup): Use whichever you prefer for a smooth, slightly sweet layer.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): The key to that irresistible gooey, stretchy top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds savory, nutty notes and encourages that golden cheese crust.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful finish for serving.
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). Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light coat of nonstick spray or a drizzle of olive oil—this will help your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole slide out with ease. Trust me, you want all those delicious edges intact!
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Stir occasionally, breaking up the beef as it cooks, until there’s no pink left and the onion is soft. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant, about a minute. Drain off any excess fat, then pour in your marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you want a little extra kick. Let it simmer for about five minutes—this deepens all those lovely flavors.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and your choice of cottage cheese or ricotta. A spoon or hand mixer works wonders here—mix until you have a smooth, dreamy blend. This layer is what gives your casserole that “million dollar” feel—don’t resist the urge to sneak a taste!
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Now the fun begins: It’s time to assemble! Spread half of your meat sauce into the bottom of the baking dish to create a nice, saucy foundation. Lay half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce, arranging as evenly as possible. Spoon the creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli and gently spread it out, making sure every bite will get some creamy goodness. Add the rest of the ravioli, top with the remaining meat sauce, and finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This steams everything together, melting the cheese filling into the pasta and sauce. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes—this is when the magic happens! The cheese becomes bubbly and golden, and the aroma will have everyone hovering around the kitchen.
Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This rest helps the layers set up, so each portion comes out as glorious as the last. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a beautiful, fresh touch.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is classic for adding a pop of color and brightness, but you can also try a shower of fresh basil or a dusting of extra Parmesan for more sophistication. If you like a hint of zest, a touch of lemon zest grated on top transforms each bite into pure sunshine.
Side Dishes
The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette, or roasted seasonal vegetables for color and contrast. Don’t forget a basket of warm, buttery garlic bread—ideal for scooping up every drop of luscious sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. Hosting a potluck? Let everyone spoon their own helping directly from the bubbling casserole. For a touch of whimsy, cut the casserole into neat squares and stack them tall on each plate, drizzling a little extra warmed marinara around the edges.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge. Simply cover the baking dish tightly or transfer to airtight containers, and enjoy within 3 or 4 days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen—you might even find it more delicious the next day!
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap the dish well with foil and plastic wrap, or transfer slices to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to two months, ready and waiting for a future comfort food emergency. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to keep the cheese moist, until warmed through (about 20 to 30 minutes). Smaller portions can be zapped in the microwave for a quick lunch, but the oven method keeps everything melty and bubbly, just like day one.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli works beautifully in this dish. Just keep in mind that you may need to slightly reduce the baking time since fresh pasta cooks more quickly than frozen.
Is it possible to assemble Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge, then bake just before dinner. It’s a fabulous trick for stress-free entertaining.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Feel free to substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage if you’re looking for a flavor twist. Each choice adds its own special touch to the dish while keeping things hearty and satisfying.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini all tuck in beautifully between the layers. Just make sure to cook off any excess moisture before adding them so the casserole doesn’t become watery.
Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes—just skip the ground beef, double the amount of cheese filling, or add a layer of cooked, seasoned veggies. You’ll still get all that million-dollar flavor without the meat.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is pure comfort baked into every layer, and it’s impossible not to fall in love with its rich, cheesy charm. Give it a try for your next family dinner or potluck and watch as friends and loved ones come back for seconds (and thirds!). Your kitchen will be filled with happy faces and satisfied appetites. Enjoy every melty, golden forkful!
Print
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole that combines layers of cheese-filled ravioli, savory meat sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture topped with gooey melted cheese. This comforting baked pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the filling: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, then mix in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese or ricotta until smooth.
- Layer the casserole: Spread meat sauce in the dish, layer with ravioli, then cheese mixture. Repeat layers and top with remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with cheeses.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve: Let it rest before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Try using spinach or meat ravioli for a different flavor twist.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
