The Ultimate Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a million dollar ravioli casserole can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast that sparks conversation.

Pasta enthusiasts will adore this comforting dish packed with layers of cheesy goodness.

Rich marinara sauce mingles with tender ravioli, creating a mouthwatering combination that promises pure satisfaction.

Weeknight meals demand something special, and this recipe delivers unexpected excitement to the dinner table.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the melted blend of flavors that elevate this classic comfort food.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making preparation a breeze for home cooks seeking deliciousness.

Gather around the table and prepare to be amazed by this incredible meal that feels like a million bucks.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Bakes Into Creamy, Layered Comfort

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Tackle dinner stress with this ultra-simple casserole that transforms frozen ravioli into a gourmet meal in under an hour.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Layers of cheesy goodness, rich meat sauce, and perfectly cooked ravioli guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike at family dinners.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Minimal chopping, one-pan cooking, and straightforward layering technique make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks with limited time and cooking skills.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Utilizing affordable ingredients like frozen ravioli, ground meat, and pantry staples creates a restaurant-quality dish without breaking the bank.

Ingredients Behind Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Frozen Cheese Ravioli: Convenient pre-made pasta that provides the core structure of the casserole, quick and easy to use.

• Ground Beef, Italian Sausage: Hearty meat component that adds rich flavor and protein, can be interchanged based on preference.

• Ricotta Cheese, Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Creamy mixture that creates a luscious, smooth texture and enhances overall richness.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty top layer that provides golden browning and sharp, savory depth.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that brings traditional Italian flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh herb notes, can be fresh or dried.

Ravioli Casserole Million Dollar Style Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Give the dish a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Toss ground beef or sausage into a large skillet.

Cook over medium heat until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown.

Drain away any extra fat, then splash in marinara sauce.

Let it simmer and get friendly for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Half of the Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to give it a flavor kick.

Step 4: Build the First Layer

Spread a thin blanket of meat sauce across the bottom of your baking dish.

Arrange the first layer of frozen ravioli on top like a cozy pasta quilt.

Step 5: Add Cheese Goodness

Lavish the ravioli with your creamy cheese mixture.

Scatter half of the mozzarella cheese over the top.

Step 6: Create the Second Layer

Add another layer of ravioli, then pour the remaining meat sauce over the top.

Step 7: Top with Cheese Finale

Shower the casserole with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide into the oven.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 more minutes until the cheese becomes bubbly and turns a gorgeous golden color.

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a beautiful finish before serving.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole The Pro Way

• Brown ground beef or sausage thoroughly to develop deep, rich taste before adding marinara sauce.
• Spread a thin layer of meat sauce first to create a protective barrier and keep ravioli crisp and well-textured.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding provolone or mixing in some Italian herbs for extra complexity.
• Prepare the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Replace traditional ravioli with gluten-free ravioli to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing delicious taste.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Saving Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 3 months. Avoid freezing after adding fresh parsley garnish.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming and maintain texture.

Ravioli Casserole Best Matches

• Pair Perfect Rustic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich tomato and beef flavors, cutting through the creamy cheese with balanced acidity.
• Create Fresh Herb Salad: Toss mixed greens with arugula, basil, and light vinaigrette to provide a crisp, bright contrast against the hearty casserole's dense texture and warm profile.
• Serve Garlic Crostini Bites: Prepare thin, crispy toasted bread slices rubbed with fresh garlic and olive oil as a crunchy side that adds extra texture and helps scoop up delicious casserole bits.
• Enhance Italian Sparkling Water: Pour chilled San Pellegrino or similar mineral water with lemon slice to cleanse the palate between rich, cheesy bites and refresh the dining experience.

Million Dollar Ravioli Bake Swaps

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable marinara sauce and follow original recipe steps.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular ravioli with gluten-free cheese ravioli from specialty stores. Ensure all ingredients like marinara sauce are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cream cheese, ricotta alternatives made from nuts, and vegan mozzarella cheese. Select plant-based protein like lentils or tofu crumbles as meat replacement.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based meat alternative for variety and different flavor profiles.

• Is it necessary to use frozen ravioli?

Fresh or frozen ravioli both work well. Frozen ravioli is convenient and holds up better during baking, maintaining its texture and preventing overcooking.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use store-brand cheeses, look for sales on ravioli, and consider using less expensive ground meat like ground turkey instead of beef to reduce overall cost without compromising flavor.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets luxury in this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, blending rich Italian flavors with hearty midwestern charm. Cheese-laden layers promise a delicious journey that tempts your palate and satisfies deep hunger pangs in one spectacular dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef or Italian sausage

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup (226 grams) ricotta cheese
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (226 grams) sour cream
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 package (25 ounces/709 grams) frozen cheese ravioli
• 1 jar (24 ounces/680 grams) marinara sauce

Seasonings:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Transform the baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray and heat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F.
2. Sizzle the ground protein in a spacious skillet, breaking it into crumbly fragments until thoroughly cooked and no longer pink. Drain any accumulated grease and infuse with rich marinara sauce, allowing flavors to meld for several minutes.
3. Craft a luxurious cheese blend by whisking ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and half the grated Parmesan until smooth. Season with a delicate touch of salt and pepper to enhance the creamy mixture.
4. Create a foundational layer of meat sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking vessel, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Carefully arrange the first wave of frozen ravioli in a precise, overlapping pattern atop the sauce.
6. Generously spread the creamy cheese mixture across the pasta layer, ensuring even distribution and complete coverage.
7. Sprinkle the first portion of mozzarella cheese, creating a melty foundation.
8. Position the remaining ravioli in a second uniform layer.
9. Lavish the top with the remaining meat sauce, creating a robust and flavorful coating.
10. Crown the casserole with the final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, promising a golden, crispy top.
11. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for half an hour, allowing the flavors to merge and intensify.
12. Unveil the casserole, removing the foil to allow the cheese to transform into a bubbling, golden masterpiece during the final 10-15 minutes of baking.
13. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch before serving this decadent pasta creation.

Notes

• Customize meat choice by swapping ground beef with turkey or plant-based alternatives for healthier protein options.
• Ensure ravioli doesn’t overlap completely to guarantee even cooking and perfect cheese melting throughout the dish.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano into cheese mixture for enhanced flavor complexity and aromatic depth.
• Consider making this casserole ahead and refrigerating overnight, allowing flavors to meld and develop richer taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg