The Ultimate Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe That Wows

Stumbling upon a million dollar ravioli casserole that redefines comfort food in every delectable bite.

Pasta lovers will instantly fall in love with this creamy, cheesy masterpiece.

Each layer whispers tales of culinary indulgence waiting to be savored.

Robust marinara meets tender ravioli in a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Ingredients meld together, creating a dish so irresistible you’ll want seconds before finishing firsts.

Cheese pulls dramatically from each serving, promising a meal that feels like pure luxury.

Warm plates and hungry friends make this recipe the ultimate crowd-pleaser you won’t want to miss.

Why Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Tastes Like A Fortune

• Indulge in Cheesy Comfort: This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole delivers ultimate comfort food with layers of gooey mozzarella, rich ricotta, and hearty meat sauce that melt together in every single bite.
• Effortless Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for busy families, this one-dish wonder requires minimal prep time and creates a satisfying meal that both kids and adults will devour without complicated cooking techniques.
• Quick and Convenient Meal: Ready in under an hour, this casserole transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner that saves time without sacrificing incredible flavor and homemade goodness.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adaptable with different protein options or vegetable additions, this recipe allows home cooks to personalize the dish while maintaining its delicious core elements.

What You’ll Need For Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Ground Beef: Hearty meat base for the sauce, rich in flavor and protein.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the meat sauce, essential for building flavor.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic and savory notes to enhance the meat sauce.

• Cheese Ravioli: Main pasta component, convenient and adds cheesy goodness.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base for the filling mixture, smooth and mild.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a rich, creamy texture.
• Cream Cheese: Contributes to the creamy, luxurious filling mixture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creates stretchy and golden top layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty finish to the casserole topping.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce that forms the base of the meat sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish and adding a touch of green freshness.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture together.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall flavor.
• Olive Oil or Nonstick Spray: Used for greasing the baking dish.

How To Put Together Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray or brush it with a touch of olive oil.

Step 2: Craft the Meaty Base

In a large skillet, start browning your ground beef with diced onions. Let them sizzle and dance together until the meat is perfectly cooked and onions turn soft and translucent. Drain away any extra grease. Toss in minced garlic and let it become wonderfully fragrant. Pour in your favorite marinara sauce and let everything simmer into a delicious harmony. Set this flavor-packed mixture aside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Sour cream
• Cream cheese
• Egg
• Fresh parsley
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk everything together until smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Build Your Layers of Deliciousness

Start with a thin layer of meat sauce coating the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange your first layer of ravioli, creating a pasta blanket. Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli. Add another layer of meat sauce. Sprinkle a generous handful of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers one more time, finishing with a final shower of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to settle its flavors. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter some extra fresh parsley on top. Slice, serve, and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Tips To Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Perfect

Customize Meat Selection: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner protein option that keeps the dish’s rich flavor profile intact.

Enhance Cheese Texture: Use room temperature cheeses to create smoother, more evenly blended ricotta mixture without lumps or uneven consistency.

Prevent Soggy Layers: Pat frozen ravioli dry with paper towels before layering to reduce excess moisture and maintain a crisp, appetizing casserole texture.

Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking for convenient meal planning.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional ravioli with gluten-free cheese ravioli or use zucchini ribbons as a low-carb alternative that maintains the dish’s creamy, comforting essence.

How To Store Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Smartly

• Refrigerate: Store the casserole in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Keep frozen for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat Oven Method: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
• Microwave Option: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the casserole is steaming hot and reaches 165F internal temperature.

What Pairs Well With Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole and cuts through the creamy cheese layers.
• Serve with Crisp Garlic Bread: Create a perfectly toasted garlic bread with a crunchy exterior and soft interior to soak up the delicious meat sauce and provide a textural contrast.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Prepare a light, peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy casserole and add a refreshing green element to the meal.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetable Side: Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant with olive oil and herbs to provide a lighter, nutritious accompaniment that enhances the main dish.

Delicious Variations Of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Spicy Beef Ravioli Blast: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo and add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a fiery kick.
• Vegetarian Veggie Layered Dream: Swap ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini, using vegetable marinara sauce for a hearty plant-based version.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh oregano into the ricotta mixture, then top with a sprinkle of za'atar seasoning.
• Chicken Pesto Ravioli Adventure: Use shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with basil pesto instead of beef, and add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor complexity.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole FAQs

• What makes this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole so special?

This casserole is a crowd-pleasing comfort food that combines the richness of cheese, meat sauce, and tender ravioli in one incredible dish. It’s called “Million Dollar” because it tastes like a gourmet restaurant meal but is super easy to make at home.

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

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily swap it with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative. Just make sure to brown the meat thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids typically love this casserole because it’s cheesy, saucy, and packed with familiar flavors. The layered presentation makes it fun to eat, and it’s an excellent way to get picky eaters to enjoy a hearty meal. Plus, it’s less messy than traditional lasagna.

• How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the refrigerator.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets luxury in this million dollar ravioli casserole, where layers of cheesy goodness and hearty pasta create an irresistible Italian-inspired feast. Pasta enthusiasts will savor each rich, creamy bite that promises to elevate weeknight dinners into memorable culinary moments.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Pasta:

• 1 lb (453 grams) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 package (25 ounces / 709 grams) frozen or fresh cheese ravioli

Dairy Components:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 large egg

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 grams) marinara sauce
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of nonstick spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onions over medium heat, breaking the meat into small crumbles. Drain excess fat and add minced garlic, cooking until aromatic. Pour in marinara sauce and allow the mixture to simmer, developing rich flavors for about 5 minutes.
3. Create a creamy ricotta blend by whisking together ricotta cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, beaten egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Construct the casserole layers by spreading a thin base of meat sauce in the prepared baking dish. Carefully arrange the first layer of ravioli, covering the sauce completely. Spread half the ricotta mixture evenly over the ravioli, then top with half the remaining meat sauce. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the surface.
5. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Finish the casserole by topping with a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the ravioli to heat through. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing the layers to set. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.

Notes

• Customize the ground beef by swapping with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative.
• Opt for whole wheat or spinach ravioli to boost nutritional value and add extra veggie goodness.
• Reduce cheese content by using part-skim ricotta and low-fat mozzarella for a more diet-friendly version without sacrificing flavor.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg