If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that combines gooey cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender pasta all baked to perfection, then you need to try this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe. This casserole transforms simple frozen ravioli into a decadent, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its layers of creamy ricotta mixture, rich meat sauce, and melted cheeses baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners or when you want to impress guests without a ton of fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this casserole is essential, but don’t worry – they’re straightforward and every single one plays a key part in building those luscious layers of flavor and texture. From savory ground beef to creamy cheese blends, each component ensures your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe comes together beautifully.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base that’s packed with flavor and protein.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth that enhances the overall sauce.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: The classic tomato base, rich with herbs and perfectly seasoned.
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes: Gives the sauce body and a fresh tomato tang.
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli: The heart of the dish, soft pillows of cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy, mellow richness balance.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings a subtle tang that lightens the cheese mixture.
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: For smooth, velvety texture in the cheese layer.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible gooey top and layers.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, savory finish to the casserole.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: Infuses classic herbal flavors to tie everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant garnish for color and brightness.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and bakes evenly for that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is nicely browned and the onion has softened. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat – nobody wants greasy sauce! This forms a flavorful meat base that makes all the difference.
Step 3: Add the Tomato Sauces
Pour the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the cooked meat, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, so all those rich flavors mingle and create a luscious, hearty sauce.
Step 4: Mix the Cheese Filling
While the sauce simmers, grab a medium bowl and blend together the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This mixture is the luscious, velvety layer that will complement the ravioli perfectly.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole Layers
Begin by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor. Next, arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer over the sauce – no need to thaw, this works just fine straight from the freezer!
Now, spread your ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the ravioli, and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top. Layer on more meat sauce, then place the remaining ravioli, and finish with the rest of the meat sauce, remaining mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Finish by sprinkling Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the entire casserole for that signature extra flavor punch.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Cover your casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
Step 7: Final Bake for Bubbling Cheese
Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes so the cheese melts and bubbles up with a lovely golden color that makes this dish so irresistible.
Step 8: Cool and Garnish
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes to set up and make serving easier. If you like, sprinkle with some freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor right before serving.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely burst of vibrant green that lightens the rich flavors and makes the dish visually inviting. For an extra touch, a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good quality olive oil can elevate the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a satisfying main on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies helps balance the richness beautifully. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls are perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe family-style straight from the baking dish with individual bowls, encouraging everyone to help themselves. Alternatively, use individual ramekins to bake and serve single portions, making the presentation feel extra personal and elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble and bake it as directed, then cool completely before wrapping tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is melty again, usually about 20-30 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions, though the oven helps maintain that casserole’s signature texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ravioli for this casserole?
Absolutely! While cheese ravioli are classic here, you can swap in meat-filled or spinach ravioli for a different twist. Just make sure to adjust baking times if needed and keep ravioli frozen until layering.
Do I have to cook the ravioli before layering?
Nope! This recipe calls for frozen ravioli straight from the package, which cooks perfectly during the baking process alongside the sauce and cheese layers, saving you time and effort.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese for the recipe?
Leaving the cream cheese out at room temperature for about 30 minutes usually does the trick. If you’re short on time, microwave it in short bursts of 10 seconds until soft but not melted.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Just substitute the ground beef with your favorite veggie protein options like cooked lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles and use marinara sauce without meat.
Is Italian seasoning necessary?
Italian seasoning brings a lovely blend of herbs that boosts flavor, but if you’re out, a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme works just as well, or even fresh herbs if you have them on hand.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe is such a rewarding dish to make and share. It hits every craving for something cheesy, saucy, and satisfying while being incredibly easy to pull together. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or you’re entertaining friends, this casserole is sure to become one of your all-time favorites. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it on regular rotation!
Print
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked pasta dish featuring layers of cheese-filled ravioli, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese mixtures, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. This satisfying casserole is perfect for family dinners, combining Italian flavors with ease and convenience.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
Other Ingredients
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy.
- Add Sauces: Stir in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, blending the flavors together.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and softened cream cheese. Mix until smooth and well blended, creating a creamy layer for the casserole.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Add Ravioli Layer: Place half of the frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer over the meat sauce to create the base pasta layer.
- Add Cheese Mixture and Mozzarella: Spread the prepared ricotta mixture evenly over the ravioli, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top to add richness.
- Second Meat Sauce and Ravioli Layer: Pour another layer of meat sauce over the mozzarella and then add the remaining ravioli in a single layer.
- Top with Meat Sauce and Cheeses: Cover the ravioli with the remaining meat sauce, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Season: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the entire casserole to enhance the flavors.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and meld the layers.
- Final Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh, bright flavor.
Notes
- Using frozen ravioli saves time and adds cheesy goodness. Do not thaw before layering.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- If you prefer spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free ravioli.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
