If you have ever dreamed of a show-stopping, indulgent pasta dish that combines layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender ravioli baked to bubbly perfection, then the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe is going to become your new favorite comfort food. This cheesy, heartwarming casserole brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels luxurious and satisfying, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. It is the kind of recipe that everyone asks for seconds—and you will love how easy it is to prepare without sacrificing any of the amazing flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in making this casserole truly shine. From the rich blend of cheeses to the savory ground beef and tangy marinara, every component works together to create a luscious balance of flavors and textures.
- Cheese ravioli (25 oz, frozen): The star pasta providing a cheesy filling and tender bite.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Adds hearty, savory depth and richness to the meat sauce.
- Small onion (diced): Offers a subtle sweetness and aromatic base for the sauce.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Gives a fragrant punch that brightens the flavors.
- Marinara sauce (24 oz jar): A classic, tangy tomato sauce that ties everything together.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds creamy tang and smoothness to the cheese mixture.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Provides rich creaminess and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Brings a light, fluffy texture balancing the other cheeses.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses fragrant herbs like oregano and basil into the meat sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully for that classic cheesy casserole top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a nutty, sharp finishing touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate every layer.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Offers a fresh pop of color and mild herbal note when garnishing.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Browning the Meat and Building the Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef alongside the diced onion until the meat has browned evenly and the onion becomes tender and translucent. This step creates a flavorful base packed with savory goodness. Add the minced garlic and cook for an extra minute to release its aroma. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep your dish from getting greasy, then stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld into a rich, hearty sauce before removing the pan from heat.
Step 2: Whipping Up the Creamy Cheese Mixture
While the sauce simmers, grab a medium bowl and combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and ricotta cheese. Mix them together until completely smooth and creamy. This luscious blend will create the divine, velvety layers that make this casserole feel indulgently special. The balance of tang and creaminess perfectly complements the robust meat sauce.
Step 3: Layering Your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, and spread a small amount of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom. This little layer ensures the ravioli won’t stick and adds extra flavor from the start. Next, arrange half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce in a single layer. On top of that, spoon half of your creamy cheese mixture and spread evenly, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce. It’s all about building those gorgeous layers. Repeat this sequence with the remaining ravioli, cheese mixture, and meat sauce, creating a casserole that promises wonderful textures with every bite.
Step 4: Topping and Baking to Golden Perfection
Finally, generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top to create that irresistible golden crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the ravioli to cook through and the cheeses to meld beautifully. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let your casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes when it comes out of the oven to settle the layers and make serving cleaner and easier.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley adds vibrant color and a subtle fresh herbal note that brightens the rich casserole. You can also add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick if desired. These small touches take the presentation and flavor up a notch.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables rounds out the meal perfectly. The freshness of leafy greens or the crunch of toasted bread contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy layers of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, serve your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe family-style in the baking dish so everyone can dig in and enjoy the layers. Alternatively, plate individual portions topped with a sprinkle of parmesan and a parsley leaf for an elegant touch. You could even add a side of sautéed mushrooms or a splash of balsamic glaze to amp up the sophistication.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe is a total winner for reheats. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious when warmed up.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble and bake it up to the point of covering with cheese, then cool completely. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding extra bake time, covered, until heated through, then uncover to brown the cheese.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through or place leftover casserole in a preheated 350°F oven covered with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes, uncovering for the last 5 minutes to refresh the cheesy crust.
FAQs
Can I use fresh instead of frozen ravioli?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli can make the dish even more tender and delightful, but make sure not to overcook it when baking as fresh pasta cooks faster than frozen. You might want to reduce baking time slightly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, just swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or skip it entirely and use a robust marinara sauce with added sautéed mushrooms or chopped vegetables. Using cheese ravioli that contains no meat helps keep it vegetarian.
What type of ricotta cheese works best?
Whole milk ricotta provides the creamiest texture and richest flavor. If you want a lighter casserole, part-skim ricotta will still do the job but with slightly less creaminess.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
It would require some substitutions like using dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream alternatives, and vegan shredded cheese. It’s doable but changes the texture and flavor from the classic rich casserole experience.
How spicy is this casserole?
The base recipe is mild and kid-friendly, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the meat to give it some heat without overwhelming the dish.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe, it’s likely to become a beloved dish in your home for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Its combination of creamy cheese, hearty meat sauce, and perfectly cooked ravioli creates comfort food magic that feels both homey and elevated. Don’t hesitate to dive in, share it with loved ones, and savor every delicious, cheesy bite!
Print
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a hearty and cheesy baked pasta dish featuring layers of frozen cheese ravioli, savory ground beef marinara sauce, and a creamy blend of cheeses. This comforting casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering a rich combination of flavors and textures baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Meat and Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma.
- Make the Sauce: Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors, then remove it from the heat.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and ricotta cheese. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Then layer half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Spread half of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer. Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and melt the cheeses.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground Italian sausage for the ground beef to add extra flavor.
- For a spicier variation, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while simmering.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it convenient for busy days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
