Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Savor the Dreamy Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Crafting a million dollar ravioli casserole brings pure culinary magic right to your kitchen table.

Layers of cheesy goodness combine with hearty ingredients that promise comfort in every single bite.

Pasta lovers will swoon over this decadent dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal made at home.

Rich marinara sauce weaves through tender ravioli, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Melted cheese blankets the entire casserole, turning ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe that sparks conversation and satisfaction.

Dive into this irresistible meal that guarantees smiles and empty plates around the table.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Highlights

  • Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Meal: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds, making it perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combine ingredients with minimal chopping and cooking steps, creating a delicious casserole that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen without the complicated techniques.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Layers of cheesy ravioli, hearty meat sauce, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that delivers pure comfort and warmth in every single bite, guaranteed to make taste buds dance with joy.
  • Versatile Dinner Solution: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or adding extra vegetables, making it a flexible recipe that suits various family needs and cravings.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides a rich and savory foundation for the casserole.
Pasta and Cheese Group:
  • Frozen Ravioli: The core pasta component that brings a creamy and soft texture to the dish.
  • Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Create a smooth and tangy cheese mixture that coats the ravioli.
  • Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Add depth of flavor and create a golden, melty cheese topping.
Sauce and Seasoning Group:
  • Marinara Sauce: Provides a classic tomato base that complements the meat and cheese.
  • Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole with aromatic and savory notes.
  • Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures the casserole does not stick to the baking dish.

How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and generously spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Cook ground beef until it’s completely browned and crumbly.

Drain any extra grease, then mix in marinara sauce. Take the skillet off the heat and set it aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

Grab a big mixing bowl and combine:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Half of the Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt

Whisk everything until smooth. Gently fold in frozen ravioli, making sure each piece gets coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Pour the ravioli and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the meat sauce, creating a delicious second layer.

Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil.

Slide it into the hot oven and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole chill for 10 minutes after pulling it from the oven. This helps the layers settle and makes cutting easier.

Serve up this mouthwatering dish while it’s warm and watch everyone dig in!

Pro Tips for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

  • Select high-quality ground beef for rich, deep flavor and drain thoroughly to prevent excess grease. Experiment with different marinara sauces to customize the taste profile of your casserole. Ensure ravioli is completely coated with cheese mixture to guarantee maximum flavor in every bite. Consider using fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a final garnish for added brightness and aroma. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to maintain the casserole's creamy texture and prevent cheese from separating.

Variations on Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

  • Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef with a mix of roasted zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers, creating a colorful and nutrient-packed vegetarian version that maintains the casserole's hearty texture.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap traditional ravioli with gluten-free cheese ravioli and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free, making the dish accessible for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste.
  • Low-Carb Protein Power: Substitute ravioli with cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the creamy cheese sauce and rich meat flavor for a lighter, protein-focused meal.

Pairing Suggestions for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

  • Pair this creamy ravioli casserole with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the rich cheese and balances the hearty meat sauce with bright, zesty notes.
  • Serve alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, peppery contrast that lightens the casserole's robust flavors and adds a clean palate refresher.
  • Introduce garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices to soak up the delicious sauce, adding textural variety and allowing diners to capture every last drop of the flavorful dish.

Storage Guidelines for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh ravioli. Just reduce the baking time slightly to prevent overcooking, as fresh ravioli cooks faster than frozen.

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

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if going straight from the refrigerator.

  • Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Ground turkey or Italian sausage work great as alternatives. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned before adding to the casserole.

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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Million dollar ravioli casserole combines rich Italian flavors with comforting pasta layers. Cheesy, meaty, and indulgent, this dish promises a delightful meal you’ll savor to the last bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 2 cups (480 ml) mozzarella cheese, grated (divided)
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
  • 1 25-oz (709 g) package frozen cheese ravioli
  • 1 28-oz (794 g) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
  2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat until completely cooked, breaking into small crumbles. Drain excess fat and integrate marinara sauce, then remove from heat.
  3. Create a creamy cheese mixture by whisking cream cheese, sour cream, half the Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt until smooth and homogeneous.
  4. Gently fold frozen ravioli into the cheese mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated without fragmenting the pasta.
  5. Transfer the ravioli-cheese blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly across the bottom.
  6. Layer the meat sauce uniformly over the ravioli, then generously sprinkle remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese on top.
  7. Seal the dish completely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Remove foil and continue baking for 15 additional minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbling.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven to allow layers to stabilize and enhance serving consistency.
  10. Slice and serve warm, savoring the rich, multilayered flavors of this decadent ravioli casserole.

Notes

  • Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s hearty texture.
  • Enhance the cheese mixture’s flavor by adding fresh chopped basil or mixing in sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth and complexity.
  • Prevent ravioli from becoming soggy by using slightly frozen ravioli and avoiding over-mixing when coating with the cheese mixture.
  • Make this casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 523 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 735 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 104 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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