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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole: The Ultimate Cheesy Comfort Food
There’s something magical about a bubbling Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole straight out of the oven—especially when it’s loaded with tender cheese ravioli, a rich meat sauce, and a creamy cheese blend that tastes like it belongs in a five-star Italian bistro. This hearty baked ravioli casserole is a winter comfort classic in my family, a dish so decadent and satisfying it earned its name the first time my nonna tasted it.
Growing up, Sundays meant two things in our Italian-American household: church in the morning and a ravioli casserole in the evening. My grandmother’s kitchen would fill with the rich aromas of tomatoes, garlic, and melting cheese. While she often made lasagna from scratch, she’d whip up this shortcut casserole on busy days—and honestly, it tasted like a million bucks.
Today, I’m sharing my perfected Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole recipe, complete with a few modern tweaks. It’s the kind of baked pasta dish that earns rave reviews every time and has even picky eaters asking for seconds. Let’s dive into this cheesy masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Quick & easy: No need to boil pasta separately—frozen ravioli goes straight into the casserole dish.
Comfort food at its best: Layers of gooey cheese, rich beef, and savory marinara create a ravioli bake to remember.
Total crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or freezing for busy weeknights.
Make-ahead friendly: You can assemble this ravioli casserole in advance and bake it fresh when ready.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
the meat sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
the cheese mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
layering:
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli (do not thaw)
Instructions
Prepare the meat sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
Make the “million dollar” cheese mixture
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and the egg.
- Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.
- Add half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer.
- Spoon half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli and spread gently.
- Repeat the layers: remaining ravioli, then cheese mixture.
- Pour the rest of the meat sauce on top and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips for Success
- Don’t thaw the ravioli: It cooks perfectly from frozen and holds its shape better.
- Swap the meat: Try ground turkey or Italian sausage for a flavorful twist.
- Use homemade sauce: If time allows, make your own marinara with San Marzano tomatoes for an authentic touch.
- Add veggies: Sautéed spinach or mushrooms layer beautifully into this casserole.
- Make it ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How to Store and Freeze
This dish stores like a dream:
- Refrigerator: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, cover with foil and add an extra 20–30 minutes.
What to Serve With Ravioli Casserole
Keep it cozy and classic:
- Garlic bread – Buttery and golden, perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
- Caesar salad – Crisp romaine with creamy dressing balances the richness.
- Roasted broccoli – Adds a healthy green side without much fuss.
- Red wine – A medium-bodied Chianti or Merlot complements the bold flavors.
Why It’s Called “Million Dollar” Ravioli Casserole
It’s all about that indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth cheese layer. The combination of ricotta, sour cream, and cream cheese is creamy, tangy, and downright luxurious. It transforms a simple bag of ravioli into something restaurant-worthy. Plus, when baked with savory meat sauce and golden mozzarella, this casserole feels rich, cozy, and satisfying—like a bite of warmth on a cold day.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting Sunday dinner or meal prepping for the week, Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole brings everyone to the table. It’s hearty, cheesy, and effortlessly impressive—a baked ravioli dish that’s comforting, crave-worthy, and downright delicious. One bite and you’ll know exactly why it lives up to its name.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh ravioli works too! Just reduce the baking time by 10–15 minutes since they cook faster than frozen.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, cottage cheese or mascarpone makes a creamy substitute. You can also mix half sour cream with cream cheese for a tangy alternative.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s mild, cheesy, and comforting—great for even picky eaters. You can omit the red pepper flakes for a gentler flavor.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Sure! Just omit the ground beef or replace it with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based meat alternative.
Conclusion
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the kind of recipe that brings people together. It’s hearty enough for a special occasion, yet easy enough to toss together on a weeknight. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or prepping a comforting freezer meal, this dish checks every box: cheesy, satisfying, and totally fuss-free.