Are you looking for a recipe that delivers on taste, comfort, and indulgence? Look no further than the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. This recipe takes your standard pasta dish to the next level by combining creamy layers of cheese, savory marinara, and rich flavors, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or cooking for your family, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds. Keep reading to discover the ingredients, cooking instructions, and tips that will make this recipe an instant favorite in your home.

What Is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is an indulgent baked pasta dish that combines cheese ravioli, layers of ground beef (or sausage), and a creamy cheese mixture that will remind you of a lasagna but is much easier to assemble. What makes this dish stand out is the rich and creamy layer in the center, typically made from a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, and shredded mozzarella. When you bake this casserole, the result is a rich, cheesy, comforting meal that tastes like a million bucks—hence the name!
Ingredients List for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Before you begin, make sure you have the following ingredients ready. These simple, easy-to-find items are the key to making your casserole taste amazing.
- 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (whichever you prefer)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is how flexible the recipe can be. Here are a few substitutions and variations to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Protein Alternatives: Instead of ground beef or Italian sausage, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can even omit the meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
- Sauce Choices: While marinara sauce is classic, feel free to switch things up by using Alfredo sauce or a homemade tomato-basil sauce.
- Cheese Variations: Don’t have ricotta on hand? Cottage cheese can be a great substitute. You can also experiment with other shredded cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a different flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute the ravioli for cauliflower florets or zucchini slices for a lower-carb version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ravioli to accommodate dietary restrictions. Make sure the marinara sauce you choose is also gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make this creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious casserole? Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of your casserole after baking.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and stir in your jar of marinara sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture
While the meat is cooking, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, and half of the shredded mozzarella in a medium bowl. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until everything is fully combined. Set this cheesy mixture aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Now it’s time to start layering! In your greased baking dish, spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom. Then, add a layer of frozen cheese ravioli (you don’t need to thaw them first). On top of the ravioli, spread half of the cheese mixture, followed by a layer of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers one more time, finishing with the remaining meat sauce on top.
Step 5: Top with Cheese
Once your casserole is fully layered, sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese on top. This will create a beautifully golden, cheesy crust as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly with a light golden-brown color.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the layers to set and make it easier to slice and serve.
How to Cook Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook ground beef or sausage until browned and mix with marinara sauce.
- Prepare the cheese mixture by combining ricotta, sour cream, cream cheese, mozzarella, and seasonings.
- Layer frozen ravioli, cheese mixture, and meat sauce in a greased baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
- Let it rest before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole turns out perfect every time:
- Overcooking the Pasta: Don’t cook the ravioli beforehand! Since it’s frozen, it will cook perfectly in the oven and absorb all the flavors of the sauce and cheese.
- Skipping the Resting Period: After taking the casserole out of the oven, give it at least 10 minutes to rest. This helps the layers set so you can cut clean slices without it falling apart.
- Using Too Little Sauce: Be generous with the marinara sauce. The ravioli will soak up some of it as it bakes, so having enough sauce ensures that your casserole is moist and flavorful.
- Not Covering the Casserole: The foil helps keep the moisture in and prevents the cheese from burning. Only remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to let the top become golden brown and bubbly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is baked to perfection, it's time to think about how to serve and present it. Here are some ideas to make your dish look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
- Serve the casserole with a fresh side salad, dressed with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls make the perfect accompaniment to soak up all the extra sauce.
- For a complete Italian-inspired meal, pair this casserole with a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
- Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve individual portions on white plates to highlight the rich colors of the tomato sauce and golden-brown cheese.
- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a twist of freshly cracked black pepper on top before serving for an elegant touch.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge until you're ready to bake. Just add 10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to three months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.
- Double the Recipe: If you're cooking for a large group, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in two separate dishes. One can even go in the freezer for a future meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
A: Yes, you can use fresh ravioli, but reduce the baking time slightly since it doesn’t need as long to cook through. Check the casserole after 20 minutes to see if it's ready.
Q: How long can leftovers be stored?
A: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef or sausage and add more vegetables, such as sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?
A: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the whole dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Conclusion
The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—a dish that’s packed with cheesy, creamy layers and rich, savory flavors. It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. By following this guide, you’ll be able to master this recipe with ease, creating a meal that truly tastes like a million bucks.
PrintMillion Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a mouthwatering, creamy pasta dish that layers ravioli with a blend of cheeses, sour cream, and marinara sauce. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family dinner. Packed with flavor, this baked ravioli dish will be an instant favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- Frozen cheese ravioli
- Ground beef or Italian sausage
- Marinara sauce
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Cottage cheese or ricotta
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese or ricotta.
- In a casserole dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce, followed by half of the ravioli.
- Spread the cheese mixture over the ravioli, then top with remaining ravioli and meat sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a different flavor.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
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