Name: Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American

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Imagine layers of gooey cheese, savory meat sauce, and pillowy ravioli all mingling together into one luscious, irresistible comfort dish – that’s the magic of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. This crowd-pleasing dinner combines the richest flavors of classic Italian cuisine, but with a shortcut that makes it weeknight-easy. Perfect for feeding a hungry family, a potluck gathering, or treating yourself to a restaurant-style meal at home, this casserole wins hearts (and taste buds) every time. Whether you want to prep ahead or indulge in a cheesy bake fresh from the oven, Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole delivers big on taste and cozy satisfaction!

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is that the ingredients are easy to find but each one truly matters. They’re simple, yet come together to create layers of flavor, rich texture, and that golden, melted cheese finish you won’t be able to resist.

Frozen cheese ravioli (25-ounce bag): The star of the show – frozen ravioli saves time, but still gives you that homemade vibe!
Ground beef (1 pound): Adds hearty flavor and richness; you can swap with ground turkey or sausage if you like.
Small onion, diced: Brings a mellow sweetness to the meat sauce, balancing everything out.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fresh garlic deepens the savory notes – don’t skip it!
Marinara sauce (24-ounce jar): The saucy base, so choose one you really love for best results.
Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A simple way to layer in classic herbs and aromatic depth.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick of heat; use more or less to taste.
Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Makes every bite creamy and luxurious – think lasagna, but faster!
Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Blends effortlessly for extra silkiness in the cheese layer.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and helps keep the casserole incredibly moist.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melty goodness on top and between the layers – can’t be skipped!
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Delivers salty punch and that irresistible cheesy crust.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and amplify the flavors.
Chopped fresh parsley, optional: For a pop of color and fresh finish on top.

How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it gets nice and hot while you prep. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish – this keeps all those cheesy, saucy layers from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me, when it’s time to dig in, you’ll be glad you took the extra minute!

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion

Grab your largest skillet and place it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking them together until the beef is nicely browned and the onion is soft – this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure to drain off any excess fat for a lighter, less greasy casserole.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Toss in the minced garlic and give it a quick stir just until fragrant, then pour in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’re craving heat. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, infusing the sauce with all those aromatics. Once it thickens slightly, remove from heat so you’re ready to layer!

Step 4: Mix the Cheesy Layer

In a separate bowl, combine ricotta, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and a hefty pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything’s smooth and velvety – this mixture is your secret weapon for that luxurious, “million dollar” texture in the casserole.

Step 5: Layer the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Spread a third of your meat sauce over the bottom of the baking dish, then layer half of the frozen cheese ravioli in an even layer. Dollop and spread half the ricotta mixture over the ravioli, then add another third of the meat sauce and top with one cup of mozzarella. Repeat, layering with the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, and sauce, then crown the whole thing with the last of the mozzarella and all the Parmesan – this is what gets golden and bubbly in the oven!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole snugly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This gets everything steamy and gooey without browning too fast. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and let it bake for an extra 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheeses are beautifully bubbly and golden on top. The aroma will have everyone circling the kitchen before it’s even out of the oven.

Step 7: Rest, Garnish, and Serve!

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes once out of the oven. This makes it much easier to slice and serve, plus ensures you’ll get those picture-perfect cheesy layers. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like a splash of bright color – then dig in!

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Garnishes

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole always looks extra inviting with a finishing touch. Scatter freshly chopped parsley for a burst of green, or shave a bit more Parmesan on top. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper makes each bite even more special!

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad, roasted broccoli, or simple garlic bread to mop up all that sauce. For lighter fare, opt for steamed green beans or a zippy arugula salad tossed with lemon. These sides help balance out the rich, cheesy layers of the casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of serving straight from the casserole dish, try scooping portions into individual ramekins for a dinner party vibe, or use a big, wide soup bowl for a rustic, comfy feel. You can even add a swirl of pesto or a dollop of extra ricotta on top before serving for extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to four days. Simply wrap the dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. It’s just as dreamy reheated for lunch or a quick dinner the next day!

Freezing

This casserole is a true freezer hero! Assemble it fully (but don’t bake), cover well with both foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual – your future self will be so grateful for that homemade meal on standby.

Reheating

To reheat, place a slice or two on a microwave-safe plate and zap until hot, or cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. If it looks a little dry, add a small splash of marinara or a sprinkle of cheese to freshen it up.

FAQs

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you have fresh ravioli, go ahead and use it – just shorten the baking time by 10 minutes since fresh pasta cooks faster. The flavors and texture will still be top notch.

What kind of meat works best for this casserole?

Ground beef is classic, but ground sausage or ground turkey work beautifully too. Even a meatless crumble or sautéed vegetables can stand in for a vegetarian twist on Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely – stirring in fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or zucchini into the cheese layer is a great way to sneak in extra veggies. They’ll blend right in while maintaining all that signature comfort.

How do I make this casserole ahead of time?

Assemble the casserole right up to the point before baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, pull it out while the oven preheats and add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.

Is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole kid-friendly?

Yes! With cheesy layers, mild marinara, and soft pasta, this dish is usually a huge hit with kids. You can even let little ones help layer the ingredients for some family kitchen fun.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, you simply can’t miss out on Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. It’s easy enough for busy nights, impressive enough for company, and always delivers on flavor and gooey cheesy goodness. Give it a try and watch everyone at your table fall in love!

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a luxurious Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Layers of cheese ravioli, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheeses, baked to perfection for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Frozen Cheese Ravioli:

1 (25-ounce) bag

Ground Beef:

1 pound

Onion (diced):

1 small

Garlic (minced):

2 cloves

Marinara Sauce:

1 (24-ounce) jar

Italian Seasoning:

1/2 teaspoon

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional):

1/4 teaspoon

Ricotta Cheese:

1 cup

Cream Cheese (softened):

4 ounces

Sour Cream:

1/2 cup

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:

2 cups

Grated Parmesan Cheese:

1/2 cup

Salt and Pepper:

to taste

Chopped Fresh Parsley for Garnish (optional):

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the ground beef and onion in a skillet until browned. Add garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer and set aside.
Mix ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream with salt and pepper.
Layer the baking dish with meat sauce, ravioli, cheese mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat layers and top with Parmesan.
Bake covered, then uncovered until bubbly and golden. Rest before serving, garnish with parsley.