Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Looking for a dinner dish that’s comforting, indulgent, and sure to impress? Look no further than this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. This baked casserole combines rich layers of ravioli, a creamy cheese filling, savory marinara, and melty mozzarella, making it a hit with the entire family. Despite its decadent name, this casserole is incredibly easy to put together, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Let's dive into how to make this delicious, crowd-pleasing recipe!

---

What is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a layered pasta bake that features ravioli (typically cheese or meat-filled), a creamy cheese mixture, marinara sauce, and a generous amount of shredded cheese. The “million-dollar” title refers to the richness and indulgence of the dish—thanks to the blend of cheeses and the creamy layer, it feels as if you’re eating something luxurious! The casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, creating a mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors.

---

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

This easy-to-follow recipe uses simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy, cheesy casserole:

• 1 (25 oz) bag of frozen cheese or meat ravioli – No need to thaw, just layer them frozen!
• 1 lb ground beef – You can also use ground turkey or Italian sausage for added flavor.
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce – Use your favorite store-bought sauce or homemade for added flavor.
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened – Adds creaminess to the cheese mixture.
• ½ cup sour cream – Gives a tangy richness to the casserole.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese – For that classic lasagna-like creamy filling.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – For layering and topping the casserole.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For extra flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Brings out the flavors of the sauce and cheese.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning the layers.
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional) – For garnishing before serving.

---

Substitutions and Variations

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole recipe is flexible and can be adjusted to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some easy substitutions and variations:

• Ravioli options: Use any type of ravioli you like—cheese, meat, spinach, or even mushroom ravioli work well in this dish.
• Meatless option: Skip the ground beef for a vegetarian version, or add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Ground meat alternatives: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for different flavors.
• Cheese alternatives: Mix up the cheeses by using shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Gruyère instead of mozzarella.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian sausage for a spicier version of the casserole.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, and you’ll have a cheesy, indulgent dish ready in no time!

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with nonstick spray.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat. Season the beef with a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the marinara sauce and set aside.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, garlic powder, and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste.

4. Layer the Casserole

In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. This helps prevent the ravioli from sticking. Then, layer half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce.

Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli. Pour half of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer. Sprinkle ½ cup of mozzarella over the sauce.

Repeat the layers: Add another layer of ravioli, followed by the remaining cheese mixture, and then the remaining meat sauce. Top the casserole with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan.

5. Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

6. Let it Cool and Garnish

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, and serve hot!

---

How to Cook Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

For a quick recap of the steps, here’s how to cook Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cook and season the ground beef with marinara sauce.
3. Mix the cheese filling: Cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and mozzarella.
4. Layer the casserole with sauce, frozen ravioli, cheese mixture, and more sauce.
5. Top with extra cheese for a golden, melty finish.
6. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
7. Let cool, garnish, and serve!

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few tips to avoid common mistakes and ensure your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole comes out perfect every time:

• Overcooking the ravioli: Using frozen ravioli helps prevent overcooking. Since they cook in the oven, no need to boil them first.
• Not softening the cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
• Skipping seasoning: Season each layer lightly with salt and pepper to build a well-rounded flavor.
• Using too much sauce: Be mindful of the amount of marinara sauce. Too much sauce can make the casserole soupy, while too little can make it dry.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with a few sides can make it even more special. Here are some serving ideas:

• Garlic bread: A classic side that’s perfect for soaking up all that extra sauce and cheese.
• Side salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed vegetables: Serve with simple steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for added nutrition and color.
• Wine pairing: A glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the casserole.

---

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

This indulgent casserole is perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. Here are a few ideas for serving:

• Family-style: Serve directly from the casserole dish for a casual, cozy meal. Let everyone scoop out their portions at the table.
• Individual portions: Slice into neat squares for a more formal presentation, and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
• Buffet-style: This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. Place the casserole on a buffet table with sides like garlic bread, salad, and roasted vegetables.

---

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Make your casserole look as good as it tastes with these presentation ideas:

• Golden and bubbly top: After baking, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes to get a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
• Fresh herb garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top for a vibrant pop of color.
• Serve in a cast iron skillet: Bake and serve the casserole in a cast iron skillet for a rustic, restaurant-quality look.

---

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are some expert tips to make sure your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole turns out perfect every time:

• Use frozen ravioli: No need to thaw or cook the ravioli beforehand. It will cook perfectly in the oven with the sauce.
• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time if it’s chilled.
• Let it rest: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the layers to set and the cheese to firm up slightly.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from cold, just add an additional 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Q: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
A: Yes, but if you use fresh ravioli, reduce the baking time slightly (by about 10 minutes), as fresh ravioli cooks faster.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
A: You can substitute cottage cheese or even extra cream cheese if you don’t have ricotta on hand.

---

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the perfect combination of indulgence, ease, and flavor. Whether you're cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or prepping for a potluck, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With its layers of rich cheese, hearty meat sauce, and tender ravioli, it’s a dish that feels like a million bucks without the effort! Give it a try, and get ready to enjoy some serious comfort food. Happy cooking!

Print