Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Rich, cheesy, and ultra-comforting, this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole lives up to its name with layers of creamy cheese, hearty meat sauce, and pillowy ravioli baked to bubbly perfection. It’s the ultimate no-fuss dinner that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to throw together—perfect for busy weeknights, freezer meals, or when you want to impress a crowd without breaking a sweat.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Restaurant-Worthy Comfort – All the flavor of a baked lasagna, without the effort.
No Boiling Required – Use frozen or fresh ravioli straight from the bag.
Family Favorite – Even picky eaters go back for seconds.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble ahead and bake when needed.
Freezer Perfect – Bake one now, freeze one for later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
• 1 lb ground beef or chicken
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Spatula
• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or chicken over medium heat until fully cooked.
Drain excess grease, then stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Mix until smooth and creamy. This is your “million dollar” cheese layer!

Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Layer half the frozen ravioli over the sauce.
Spread all of the creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli.
Top with half of the remaining meat sauce.
Add the rest of the ravioli and finish with the remaining meat sauce.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for Best Results
Use Frozen Ravioli – No need to thaw; it bakes perfectly in the oven.
Swap the Protein – Try ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for variation.
Make It Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
Boost the Flavor – Stir in a spoonful of pesto to the cheese mixture for an herbaceous twist.
Don’t Overbake – Bake just until golden and bubbly for the creamiest texture.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Ideal for soaking up extra sauce.
Simple Green Salad – A fresh, crisp contrast to the rich casserole.
Roasted Broccoli – Adds a healthy, flavorful side.
Bruschetta – A light, tangy appetizer to start things off.
Iced Tea or Lemonade – Complements the cozy flavors with refreshing contrast.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Assemble the unbaked casserole, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating:
Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 1–2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use meat ravioli instead of cheese?
   Yes, meat ravioli works just as well and makes the dish even heartier.
2. Do I have to use ricotta?
   No, you can swap with cottage cheese or add more cream cheese or sour cream instead.
3. Can I use fresh ravioli?
   Absolutely! Fresh ravioli may cook slightly faster, so reduce bake time by 5–7 minutes.
4. Is it okay to make this dairy-free?
   Yes, use dairy-free cheeses and sour cream substitutes for a similar result.
5. How do I make this vegetarian?
   Skip the meat and use sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead.

Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the definition of easy comfort food. With layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender pasta, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a winner every time.

Make it once and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation. Don’t forget to tag your dish online—we’d love to see your take on this creamy, cozy casserole!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: American–Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 540 | Protein: 29g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Fat: 32g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 780mg

Print