Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

When you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, nothing beats a Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. This incredibly rich and satisfying dish layers tender cheese ravioli with savory meat sauce and an abundance of melted cheese that truly justifies its luxurious name.

I’ve perfected this recipe to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. Get ready to create a casserole so decadent and delicious, it’ll become your go-to crowd-pleaser!

What is “Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole”?

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a hearty baked pasta dish that combines store-bought cheese ravioli with a rich meat sauce and multiple layers of cheese. The “million dollar” name comes from its incredibly indulgent taste and the generous amount of cream cheese, sour cream, and melted cheeses that create an ultra-creamy, restaurant-quality flavor.

This casserole is essentially a deconstructed lasagna using ravioli instead of traditional pasta sheets, making it much easier to prepare while delivering the same satisfying, layered experience. The result is a bubbling, golden-topped masterpiece that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For Assembly:

• 1 (20 oz) package frozen cheese ravioli (do not thaw)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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

Creating this show-stopping casserole is easier than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole turns out perfectly every time:

1. Prepare Your Kitchen:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
• Gather all your ingredients and have them ready to go, as assembly moves quickly once you start.

2. Make the Meat Sauce:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
• Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
• Cook for 6-8 minutes until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains.
• Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
• Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

• In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese.
• Mix until smooth and well combined (a hand mixer works great here).
• Beat in the egg, chopped parsley, and garlic powder until fully incorporated.
• The mixture should be creamy and spreadable.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

• Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
• Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
• Dollop half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli and gently spread it out.
• Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the cheese mixture.
• Add the remaining ravioli in another layer.
• Top with the remaining meat sauce, spreading it evenly.
• Add dollops of the remaining cheese mixture and spread gently.

5. Bake to Perfection:

• Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil.
• Bake for 30 minutes with the foil on.
• Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese on top.
• Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set properly.

Substitutions and Variations

Want to customize your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole? Here are some delicious substitutions and variations to try:

Meat Options:

• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
• Use Italian sausage (removed from casings) for extra flavor
• Try a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for the best of both worlds
• Make it vegetarian by using plant-based ground meat or extra vegetables

Ravioli Variations:

• Experiment with different ravioli fillings like spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or meat-filled
• Use tortellini instead of ravioli for a different shape and texture
• Try fresh ravioli from the deli section for an even more premium taste

Cheese Modifications:

• Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter texture
• Add goat cheese to the cream cheese mixture for tangy richness
• Use different cheese blends like Italian four-cheese or pizza blend

Sauce Alternatives:

• Use alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a white sauce version
• Mix marinara and alfredo for a pink sauce variation
• Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole turns out perfectly:

Don’t Thaw the Ravioli: Using frozen ravioli directly from the package prevents them from becoming mushy during baking. The steam from cooking will perfectly cook them through.

Avoid Oversaucing: Too much sauce can make the casserole watery. Use just enough to coat each layer without drowning the ravioli.

Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking allows the layers to set and makes serving much easier.

Temperature Matters: Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened before mixing. Cold cream cheese will create lumps in your cheese mixture.

Foil First: Always start baking with foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly while the ravioli cooks through.

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

This rich and satisfying casserole pairs beautifully with lighter sides that balance its creamy richness. Serve it alongside a crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread makes an excellent accompaniment for sopping up any extra sauce.

For beverages, consider serving with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio. Sparkling water with lemon provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Make your casserole look as impressive as it tastes with these presentation tips:

Individual Portions: Serve in small ramekins for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties.

Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil, parsley, or oregano over the top just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Cheese Crisps: Create decorative Parmesan crisps by baking small piles of grated cheese until golden, then use as an edible garnish.

Drizzle Effect: Lightly drizzle high-quality olive oil or a balsamic glaze around the plate edges for a professional finish.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are my best tips for casserole success:

Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.

Portion Control: This rich dish goes a long way. Cut into 8-10 generous portions for a main course, or 12 smaller portions if serving alongside other dishes.

Leftovers Love: This casserole actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.

Freezer Friendly: You can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe has simple ingredients, using high-quality marinara sauce, good Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs makes a noticeable difference.

How to Store Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this delicious casserole for days. Allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature before refrigerating (within 2 hours of cooking). Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.

The casserole will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
A: Yes, but reduce the initial covered baking time to 20 minutes since fresh ravioli cooks faster than frozen.

Q: What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
A: You can substitute with additional sour cream or cottage cheese. Greek yogurt also works as a lighter alternative.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the marinara sauce.

Q: How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
A: The ravioli should be tender when pierced with a fork, the cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Q: Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to use two 9×13 inch pans or one very large roasting pan. Baking time may need to be increased by 10-15 minutes.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from being watery?
A: Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes well, don’t oversauce the layers, and let the casserole rest after baking to allow excess moisture to absorb.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole truly lives up to its name, delivering an incredibly rich and satisfying meal that feels both luxurious and comforting. This recipe transforms simple, accessible ingredients into something special that will have your family and friends asking for seconds and the recipe.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and make-ahead friendly nature, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potluck dinners, or special occasions. By following these detailed instructions and tips, you’ll create a casserole that looks as impressive as it tastes.

Don’t be afraid to make it your own with different ravioli flavors or add-ins. The foundation is solid, and the possibilities are endless. Happy cooking, and enjoy every million-dollar bite!