The Best Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe You’ll Love

Crafting a million dollar ravioli casserole brings pure comfort right to your dinner table.

Layers of cheesy goodness promise an instant classic for hungry families.

Weeknight meals rarely look this decadent or taste so incredible.

Rich pasta sheets embrace savory fillings beneath a golden, bubbling surface.

Creamy textures and robust flavors merge into one mouthwatering experience.

Cheesy edges crisp perfectly while tender ingredients meld together deliciously.

This simple yet impressive dish will make everyone at the table cheer with delight.

One bite guarantees you’ll understand why it earned its luxurious name.

What Makes This Ravioli Casserole So Rich

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Pack incredible flavor into one dish that satisfies everyone from kids to adults, combining classic Italian-inspired ingredients like ravioli, marinara, and multiple cheeses for universal appeal.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Transform frozen ravioli into a hearty, restaurant-worthy casserole that works brilliantly for weeknight dinners, potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weekend meals with minimal prep time.
• Minimal Clean-Up Champion: Create a complete meal in a single baking dish, reducing kitchen mess and eliminating multiple pots and pans, which means more time enjoying dinner and less time washing dishes.

What You’ll Need for Million Dollar Casserole

• Ground Beef: Classic lean meat for a hearty base.
• Onion: Fresh and adds depth to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Aromatic seasoning for rich flavor.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and smooth Italian cheese.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness to the mixture.
• Cream Cheese: Soft cheese for extra creaminess.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty and stretchy white cheese.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty grated cheese.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based Italian sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Fresh and chunky tomato addition.
• Frozen Ravioli: Convenient pre-made pasta pockets.

• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend for Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt: Basic seasoning for taste enhancement.
• Black Pepper: Mild spice for extra kick.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional green herb for garnish.

• Aluminum Foil: For covering during initial baking.

How to Make This Creamy Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Aromatics

In a large skillet, cook up the ground beef with chopped onions and minced garlic.

Keep stirring until the beef turns a rich brown and the onions become soft and translucent.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Create the Savory Sauce

Pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes into the skillet.

Mix everything together and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Sour cream
• Softened cream cheese

Stir until the mixture becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.

Step 5: Layer the First Sauce Base

Spread a thin, even layer of meat sauce across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Add the First Ravioli Layer

Carefully arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single, neat layer over the sauce.

Step 7: Spread the Creamy Cheese

Dollop and spread the ricotta mixture evenly across the ravioli, creating a rich and creamy blanket.

Step 8: Sprinkle the First Cheese Layer

Shower the ricotta layer with a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 9: Add Another Sauce Layer

Pour another layer of meat sauce over the mozzarella, ensuring good coverage.

Step 10: Create the Final Ravioli Layer

Arrange the remaining ravioli in a single, beautiful layer.

Step 11: Top with Final Touches

• Remaining meat sauce
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 12: Season and Finish

Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper across the top for an extra flavor kick.

Step 13: Bake Covered

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Step 14: Uncover and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 15: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes.

If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with some chopped fresh parsley.

Dig in and enjoy your million-dollar creation!

Pro Tips for the Best Pasta Bake

• Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for smoother mixing and easier incorporation with ricotta and sour cream.
• Spread each layer carefully to create consistent flavor and texture throughout the entire casserole.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian alternative.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

How to Store and Reheat Ravioli Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake covered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, removing foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

Great Pairings for Ravioli Casserole

• Discover Perfect Pairings for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
• Elevate Wine Harmony: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the rich cheese and complements the robust meat sauce with its acidic notes.
• Refresh with Crisp Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, adding a zesty contrast to the heavy casserole and balancing the dish's richness with fresh, peppery greens.
• Bread Basket Brilliance: Serve warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up extra sauce, providing a delightful textural companion that enhances the meal's overall flavor profile.
• Vegetable Side Kick: Roast colorful Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant with olive oil and herbs, creating a vibrant side that adds nutrition and lightness to the hearty casserole.

Creative Takes on Million Dollar Ravioli

• Gluten-Free Ravioli Delight: Swap traditional ravioli with gluten-free cheese or spinach ravioli, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy this hearty casserole.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or crumbled tofu, maintaining the rich flavor profile while creating a meatless version.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Alternative: Substitute ravioli with thinly sliced zucchini layers, creating a lighter, low-carbohydrate option that keeps the essential cheesy, saucy essence of the original recipe.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Dish: Use cashew cream cheese, dairy-free mozzarella, and coconut-based sour cream as replacements, allowing individuals with dairy restrictions to savor this comforting casserole.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, you can absolutely use fresh ravioli. Just adjust the baking time slightly, as fresh ravioli might cook faster than frozen ones.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the refrigerator.

• Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Ground turkey or Italian sausage work great as alternatives. If using a leaner meat like turkey, you might want to add a bit more seasoning to boost the flavor.

• What if I don't have all the cheeses mentioned?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese, and if you’re missing one of the other cheeses, use what you have. The key is to maintain a similar creamy and cheesy texture.

Opulent Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets luxury in this million dollar ravioli casserole, where layers of cheesy goodness and hearty pasta create a mouthwatering masterpiece. Rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella combine to deliver a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 package (25 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Finishing Ingredients:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Establish a mise en place by warming the kitchen oven to 350°F and preparing a 9×13 inch baking vessel with a light greasing.
2. Render ground beef alongside diced onions and minced garlic in a spacious skillet, cooking until meat achieves a rich brown tone and aromatics soften completely.
3. Eliminate excess lipids from the meat mixture through careful draining.
4. Introduce marinara and crushed tomatoes into the skillet, allowing the sauce to harmonize and gently simmer for several minutes.
5. Create a creamy filling by whisking ricotta, sour cream, and softened cream cheese until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
6. Craft the initial foundation by spreading a delicate layer of meat sauce across the baking dish’s bottom.
7. Arrange the first wave of frozen ravioli in a pristine, single-layer configuration atop the initial sauce stratum.
8. Distribute the ricotta blend evenly, ensuring complete ravioli coverage.
9. Generously cascade the first portion of mozzarella across the creamy landscape.
10. Cascade another stratum of robust meat sauce over the cheese layer.
11. Position the remaining ravioli in an immaculate, uniform arrangement.
12. Crown the casserole with residual meat sauce, additional mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
13. Embellish the surface with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked pepper.
14. Shield the creation with aluminum foil and nestle into the preheated oven for a precise 30-minute transformation.
15. Unveil the foil for a concluding 15-minute bake, allowing the cheese to melt into a golden, effervescent blanket.
16. Permit a brief cooling interlude before serving, optionally garnishing with verdant parsley for visual allure.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier version of the casserole.
• Use gluten-free ravioli and ensure marinara sauce is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble the casserole quickly for a convenient weeknight dinner option.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini between layers to boost nutritional value and add more texture to the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg