Easy Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe That Wows Every Time
Nestled within culinary creativity, this million dollar ravioli casserole brings together comfort and luxury in one delightful dish.
Layers of cheesy goodness promise a memorable meal that feels like a warm embrace.
Pasta lovers will immediately recognize the magic happening in this hearty recipe.
Creamy textures blend seamlessly with rich marinara sauce, creating an irresistible combination.
Simple ingredients come together to craft something extraordinary without complicated techniques.
Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.
Prepare to be the kitchen hero when you serve this incredible casserole that everyone will request again and again.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole You’ll Adore
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Ingredient Checklist
For the Meat:For the Dairy:For the Seasonings and Sauce:For the Extras:How To Bake Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Step 1: Sizzle the Savory Meat
Brown ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in marinara sauce and set the meaty mixture aside for later.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Blend
Grab a mixing bowl and combine:Blend everything until you have a smooth, dreamy mixture that looks absolutely delicious.
Step 3: Create Mouthwatering Layers
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Arrange the first layer of frozen ravioli across the sauce.
Generously spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli. Sprinkle a generous helping of shredded mozzarella on top.
Repeat the layering process with remaining ingredients, ending with a final blanket of mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and slide it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbles with excitement.
Step 5: Finish and Feast
Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top. Add an extra dusting of Parmesan if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in with pure joy.
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FAQs
The combination of cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and Parmesan creates a rich, tangy base that adds incredible depth and creaminess to the casserole, making each bite incredibly smooth and flavorful.
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests ground beef or Italian sausage, you can easily swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to suit your dietary preferences or taste.
Use frozen ravioli instead of fresh, opt for store-brand cheeses, and choose less expensive ground meat like turkey or a mix of meats to keep costs down without sacrificing flavor.
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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Million dollar ravioli casserole combines Italian-inspired layers of cheese, pasta, and savory meat sauce for a comforting family dinner. Hearty ingredients create a rich, satisfying meal that brings warmth and joy to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 (24 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli (or meat ravioli)
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the meat sauce by browning ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat at 350-375°F. Drain excess fat and incorporate marinara sauce, then set aside.
- Create a luscious cheese blend by whisking cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until silky and uniform.
- Establish a foundation in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom.
- Construct the first layer by arranging frozen ravioli across the sauce, then generously dollop half the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta.
- Sprinkle a liberal amount of shredded mozzarella across the cheese layer, creating a luxurious coverage.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining meat sauce, ravioli, creamy cheese mixture, and finish with a final blanket of mozzarella.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, ensuring even heat distribution.
- Uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and effervescent.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil and optional Parmesan cheese before serving immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier protein option that still delivers robust flavor.
- Enhance the cheese mixture’s richness by incorporating fresh herbs like basil or thyme, which will elevate the overall taste profile and add a vibrant aroma.
- Use no-boil or fresh ravioli to reduce prep time and maintain a more delicate texture throughout the casserole, ensuring each bite remains tender and delicious.
- Make this dish gluten-free by selecting gluten-free ravioli and verifying that marinara sauce contains no wheat-based additives, making it accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 561 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Jack Monroe
Founder & Recipe Innovator
Expertise
Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food
Education
Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education
Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.