Short Description

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rich, cheesy, and comforting baked pasta dish that combines layers of tender cheese ravioli, a creamy ricotta mixture, and a hearty meat sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Cheesy – A blend of ricotta, sour cream, and cream cheese makes every bite extra rich.
• Hearty and Satisfying – Loaded with ground beef, marinara sauce, and tender ravioli for a filling meal.
• Easy to Make – Uses frozen cheese ravioli for convenience, cutting down on prep time.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready.
• Crowd-Pleasing – A family favorite that’s great for gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Preparing the Creamy Cheese Mixture:

1. In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and softened cream cheese until smooth and well combined.

Assembling the Casserole:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
3. Arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce.
4. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli.
5. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the cheese layer.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
7. Top with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

Baking:

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version – Omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
• Chicken Ravioli Casserole – Substitute ground beef with cooked shredded chicken for a lighter variation.
• Extra Cheesy – Add an extra layer of shredded cheese between the ravioli layers for even more gooey goodness.
• Low-Carb Option – Use sliced zucchini or eggplant instead of ravioli for a pasta-free alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes per serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh ravioli works well, but reduce the baking time by 10 minutes.

What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery?

Drain any excess liquid from the meat sauce and avoid using too much marinara sauce.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese can be used, but blending it first will create a smoother texture.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking.

How do I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground turkey, low-fat cheese, and whole wheat ravioli for a lighter version.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! Try adding spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.

What can I serve with this casserole?

Serve with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How do I know when the casserole is fully baked?

The cheese should be fully melted, and the sauce should be bubbling around the edges.

Can I substitute the cream cheese?

Yes, mascarpone or additional ricotta cheese can be used as an alternative.

What’s the best way to layer the casserole for even cooking?

Ensure even layers of sauce, ravioli, and cheese to allow all ingredients to cook uniformly.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is an indulgent, easy-to-make dish that delivers the comfort of a baked pasta dish with a rich, creamy twist. Perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Try it today for a meal that tastes like a million bucks!

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

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• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rich, cheesy, and comforting dish that tastes like a million bucks! Made with layers of cheese-filled ravioli, a creamy ricotta blend, savory meat sauce, and gooey mozzarella, this baked casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

For Assembly:

• 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, then remove from heat.

2. Make the Creamy Cheese Layer:

4. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese until smooth.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Spread 1/3 of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
7. Add half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer.
8. Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli.
9. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the cheese layer.
10. Repeat the layers: meat sauce, remaining ravioli, remaining cheese mixture, and another cup of mozzarella cheese.
11. Top with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.

4. Bake & Serve:

12. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
13. Remove foil and bake for 10-15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
14. Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

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Notes

• For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor.
• Can be made ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake when ready.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for later.