Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

There’s nothing quite like gathering around the dinner table with loved ones, especially when it’s for a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a special occasion, the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the perfect dish to serve. With layers of rich marinara sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender ravioli, it’s a dish that promises to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

Inspired by the traditional flavors of Italian comfort food and designed for convenience, this casserole is a showstopper that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. The use of frozen ravioli cuts down prep time while still delivering that homemade, from-scratch taste. Each bite is a cheesy, saucy delight that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a dinner party, or just looking for a weeknight treat, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how to make this delicious casserole step-by-step, share a few tips for success, and offer ideas for variations so you can customize it to your taste. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

There’s a reason why this dish is often called “Million Dollar” – it’s the perfect combination of rich, comforting flavors that feel like a luxurious treat without the high price tag. This casserole has everything you want in a meal: tender ravioli, a savory beef sauce, and creamy layers of cheese that melt into gooey perfection. Here are just a few reasons why this recipe will quickly become a household favorite:

Quick and Easy: With frozen ravioli and pre-made marinara sauce, this recipe is simple to prepare without sacrificing flavor.
Cheesy Goodness: Who doesn’t love melted cheese? The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese creates a deliciously rich and creamy base.
Kid-Friendly: If you have little ones at home, they’ll adore this comforting dish. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies, too!
Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or to enjoy the next day.

So, if you’re looking for a quick yet impressive meal that is sure to please, the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the answer!

Ingredients for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this casserole so irresistible. You might even have some of them in your kitchen already!

1 lb Ground Beef: This serves as the base for your savory meat sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, ground turkey or chicken also works well.
1 Small Onion (chopped): Adds flavor and depth to the sauce.
2 Cloves Garlic (minced): Garlic is the key to building layers of flavor.
1 Jar (24 oz) Marinara Sauce: A quality marinara sauce makes all the difference. If you prefer, you can use homemade sauce or a lower-sodium version.
1 Can (15 oz) Crushed Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes add a thicker texture and enhance the richness of the sauce.
1 Package (25 oz) Frozen Cheese Ravioli: Using frozen ravioli keeps things simple, but still delivers that comforting bite of pasta. Feel free to swap for any ravioli flavor you love!
1 Cup Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
½ Cup Sour Cream: A surprise ingredient that brings extra creaminess and a slight tang.
1 Package (8 oz) Cream Cheese (softened): For an ultra-creamy casserole, cream cheese is a must. It binds everything together beautifully.
2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This is the gooey, melty cheese that everyone loves in casseroles.
½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp finish to the top layer.
1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning: This blend of dried herbs (like basil, oregano, and thyme) gives the dish that authentic Italian flavor.
Salt and Pepper to Taste: Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Fresh Parsley (chopped, optional): A touch of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a hint of freshness to balance out the richness of the dish.

How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Making this casserole is as simple as layering the ingredients into your baking dish and letting the oven do the work. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying this hearty dish in just over an hour!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little bit of olive oil to ensure nothing sticks to the pan during baking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Continue cooking until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Next, add the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This will be your meat sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Ricotta Mixture

While the sauce simmers, it’s time to make the creamy ricotta mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and softened cream cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. This mixture is what gives the casserole its luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Now comes the fun part – assembling the casserole!

Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Next, place half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. No need to thaw the ravioli – just place them directly from the freezer.
Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the ravioli, using a spatula to smooth it out.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
Add another generous layer of meat sauce over the mozzarella cheese.
Place the remaining ravioli in a single layer on top of the sauce.
Top the casserole with the remaining meat sauce, followed by the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will allow the casserole to heat through and the flavors to come together. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestion: Pair your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!

Tips for Success

Don’t Overcrowd the Ravioli: When layering the ravioli, try to avoid stacking them on top of each other too much. You want them to bake evenly and absorb the sauce.
Make It Ahead of Time: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Simply bake it the next day, but be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Add Veggies: For an extra burst of flavor and nutrition, consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the meat sauce.
Swap the Meat: If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.

Variations to Try

The beauty of this casserole is that it’s highly customizable. Here are a few ideas to get creative with the recipe:

Chicken Alfredo Ravioli Casserole: Swap out the marinara sauce for Alfredo sauce and use chicken ravioli instead of cheese ravioli for a creamy twist.
Spicy Million Dollar Casserole: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
Meatless Marvel: Use a combination of ricotta cheese, spinach, and mushrooms as a filling, and replace the meat sauce with a simple tomato sauce.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 550 kcal per serving (serves 8)
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (20 minutes prep, 45 minutes cooking)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Conclusion

The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is everything you could want in a comfort food dish: cheesy, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a get-together, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a decadent meal that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds.

So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking and share this delicious casserole with your loved ones today!