Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

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

  • Conquer Comfort Cooking: Transform simple ingredients into a hearty, soul-warming soup that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.
  • Personalize Your Bowl: Customize the soup's texture from chunky to smooth using an immersion blender, giving you complete control over the final dish.
  • Quick Weekend Warrior Meal: Prepare this delicious soup in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying and nutritious dinner solution.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Versatile toppings like crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fresh green onions allow everyone to create their dream potato soup experience.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Ingredient Checklist

For the Meat:
  • Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: A flavorful protein base that adds richness and depth to the casserole.
For the Dairy:
  • Cream Cheese, Ricotta or Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: These creamy ingredients create a smooth, indulgent texture and provide a luxurious background flavor to the dish.
For the Seasonings and Sauce:
  • Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that brings a tangy and robust taste to the casserole.
  • Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: These spices enhance the overall flavor profile and add complexity to the dish.
For the Extras:
  • Frozen Ravioli: The main carbohydrate component that serves as the foundation of the casserole.
  • Fresh Parsley or Basil: A fresh herb garnish that adds a pop of color and a bright, herbal note.

How To Bake Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

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:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

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.

Clever Hints For Ravioli Casserole Awesomeness

  • Choose lean ground beef or swap with ground turkey for a healthier option. Rinse the meat after browning to reduce excess fat and calories. Ensure ravioli is fully covered with sauce to prevent drying out during baking. Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together overnight. Customize the dish by adding spinach or zucchini to boost vegetable content and nutritional value.

Tasty Twists For Ravioli Casserole Variety

  • Vegetarian Ravioli Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version packed with earthy flavors.
  • Seafood Ravioli Fusion: Swap beef for cooked shrimp or crab meat, adding a coastal Mediterranean touch to the classic casserole.
  • Spicy Southwest Ravioli Bake: Mix in diced green chiles, swap marinara for enchilada sauce, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Creamy Pesto Ravioli Casserole: Replace marinara with homemade or store-bought pesto, adding sun-dried tomatoes and extra pine nuts for rich Mediterranean flair.

What Sides Go With Ravioli Casserole

  • Gather everyone around the table for a comforting meal that brings pure joy. Serve this rich casserole with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to soak up every delicious bite.
  • Perfect for community gatherings or game day parties. Prepare the casserole ahead of time and transport it in a covered dish. Watch friends and family devour this crowd-favorite meal with smiles.
  • Create a cozy restaurant-style experience at home. Pair the casserole with a chilled glass of red wine and dim lighting. Add a simple side of roasted vegetables to complete the elegant yet homey dinner.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Storage Solutions

  • Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish's flavor.
  • Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.

FAQs

  • What makes the cream cheese mixture special?

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.

  • Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

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.

  • How can I make this dish more budget-friendly?

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

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 9 reviews

  • 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

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. Create a luscious cheese blend by whisking cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until silky and uniform.
  3. Establish a foundation in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom.
  4. Construct the first layer by arranging frozen ravioli across the sauce, then generously dollop half the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta.
  5. Sprinkle a liberal amount of shredded mozzarella across the cheese layer, creating a luxurious coverage.
  6. Repeat the layering process with remaining meat sauce, ravioli, creamy cheese mixture, and finish with a final blanket of mozzarella.
  7. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, ensuring even heat distribution.
  8. Uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and effervescent.
  9. 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

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.

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