If you’re craving a dish that delivers on pure comfort and indulgence, Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is about to become your ultimate weeknight hero. Imagine luscious layers of tender cheese ravioli, rich and savory ground beef sauce, and a blend of creamy cheeses baked to golden, bubbly perfection. This family-friendly casserole isn’t just easy to assemble; it’s loaded with cozy, familiar flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping a freezer meal for later, or just wanting a warm, satisfying dinner, this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole brings all the magic of Italian-American classics straight to your table without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredient list — each one pulls its weight in flavor, texture, or that crave-worthy cheesy pull. With a few kitchen staples and some freezer shortcuts, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it took all afternoon (but secretly didn’t!).
- Frozen cheese ravioli: These little pasta pillows make the dish hearty and save you tons of time — straight from the freezer, no boiling required!
- Ground beef: Adds rich, meaty flavor and helps create a satisfying, protein-packed sauce layer.
- Marinara or pasta sauce: A good-quality jarred sauce becomes a shortcut to deep, slow-cooked flavor in every bite.
- Sour cream: Lightens and tangs the cheese layer, adding subtle creaminess without making it too heavy.
- Cream cheese (softened): Gives the cheesy filling a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and just the right touch of decadence.
- Ricotta cheese: Classic in baked pasta dishes for good reason — it makes the casserole delicate and creamy.
- Garlic powder: An easy way to infuse warmth and savory flavor throughout the whole dish.
- Italian seasoning: Adds herbal brightness and a hint of that “just-like-Nonna-makes” magic.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stringy perfection atop every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Finishes the casserole with a salty, nutty punch and a touch of golden color.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Brings freshness and color, making the finished dish look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s beautifully browned and crumbly. Take the time to drain off any excess fat for a less greasy finish, then stir in your marinara or pasta sauce until everything is warm and well combined. This mixture will bring hearty depth to your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Layer
While the beef is cooking, grab a mixing bowl and blend together the sour cream, softened cream cheese, ricotta, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the mixture is smooth — you’re looking for a velvety, scoopable consistency that will layer like a dream.
Step 3: Layer It All Up
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli in a single, cozy layer. Dollop and spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli, then spoon on half of the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella for serious melt appeal. Repeat those layers: more ravioli, the rest of the cheese mixture, the remaining meat sauce, and then a generous blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Cover the dish with foil (to trap every bit of moisture) and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover, then continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is golden-brown, bubbly, and absolutely irresistible. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving so those creamy, cheesy layers set up beautifully.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Garnishes
Finish your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Some extra grated Parmesan right before serving never hurt, either — it melts into the top for savory oomph and an extra-special touch.
Side Dishes
This casserole begs for something fresh or crisp on the side. Try pairing it with a bright green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette or simply some steamed green beans. And don’t forget a basket of warm, crusty garlic bread — perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving at a party, bake your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole in individual ramekins for adorable, personal-sized portions. For a family dinner, bring the whole dish straight to the table and let everyone dig in. A sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of good olive oil can elevate your presentation effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with foil or transfer pieces to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will mingle and develop even more, making leftovers a true lunch or quick-dinner treat.
Freezing
This dish is a freezer superstar! Assemble the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil (and a layer of plastic wrap, if you like), and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual for a speedy, homemade meal anytime.
Reheating
Individual portions reheat beautifully in the microwave, but for best results, reheat the casserole (covered with foil) in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly throughout. This helps revive that fresh-from-the-oven texture and brings the aromas wafting back to your kitchen.
FAQs
Can I use different ravioli fillings?
Absolutely! While cheese ravioli is classic, feel free to get creative and try spinach-ricotta, beef, or even mushroom-filled ravioli for a tasty twist on Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Just skip the ground beef or swap in your favorite plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meatless, comforting version.
Is it okay to assemble Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day (or the night before), cover tightly, and stash it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It’s ideal for prepping ahead of dinner parties or busy evenings.
Do I have to thaw the ravioli before using?
No need! Frozen ravioli can go straight into the casserole, making assembly super quick and easy. They’ll cook perfectly as the casserole bakes.
Can I substitute the cheeses?
Feel free to adjust the cheeses to your liking. Cottage cheese can stand in for ricotta, and different melting cheeses (like provolone or fontina) add delicious variety in texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is comfort food at its very finest — creamy, cheesy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your family’s most-requested dinner! Give it a try, make it your own, and let each bite remind you how rewarding homemade can be, even on the busiest of nights.
Print
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, a delicious twist on a classic comfort dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Frozen Cheese Ravioli:
1 (25-ounce) bag
Ground Beef:
1 pound
Marinara or Pasta Sauce:
1 jar (24 ounces)
Sour Cream:
1/2 cup
Cream Cheese (softened):
1 (8-ounce) block
Ricotta Cheese:
1/2 cup
Garlic Powder:
1 teaspoon
Italian Seasoning:
1/2 teaspoon
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:
2 cups
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup
Parsley for Garnish (optional):
chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess grease and stir in the marinara sauce.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine sour cream, softened cream cheese, ricotta, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread meat sauce in the baking dish, add ravioli, cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat the layers and top with Parmesan.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use ground Italian sausage or turkey as a substitute for beef.
- Enhance the dish with spinach or mushrooms for added flavor.
- This casserole can be frozen before baking for a future meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 740 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
