Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

The Ultimate Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe Everyone Loves

Creamy, cheesy pasta dishes have a magical way of stealing hearts, and this million dollar ravioli casserole recipe promises an unforgettable dining experience.

Layers of tender ravioli meld perfectly with rich, savory sauce and melted cheese.

Each bite bursts with robust Italian-inspired flavors that comfort and delight.

The combination of ingredients creates a decadent meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dinner made right in your kitchen.

Weeknight meals rarely get this luxurious and satisfying.

Cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will absolutely adore this indulgent casserole that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Prepare to be amazed by how such simple ingredients can create such a spectacular dish.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

  • Is it okay to use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Fresh ravioli works well, but you might need to adjust cooking time slightly. Frozen ravioli holds up better in this casserole and prevents the dish from becoming too soggy.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, choose low-fat cream cheese and sour cream, and opt for a marinara sauce with no added sugars to reduce calories and fat content.

Million Dollar Ravioli – What Sets It Apart

  • Dive into a rich, hearty casserole that brings together creamy cheese, tender ravioli, and savory meat sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience.
  • This one-dish wonder eliminates complex preparation, letting you mix ingredients quickly and pop it in the oven for a delicious meal with minimal cleanup.
  • The recipe serves a large group effortlessly, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings where everyone craves something deliciously filling.
  • Swap ground beef for turkey, add extra vegetables, or experiment with different cheese blends to make this recipe uniquely yours while keeping the core magic intact.

Million Dollar Ravioli Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of the rich meat sauce.
  • Frozen Ravioli: Convenient pasta pockets that provide the core structure of the casserole.
  • Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds depth and flavor to the meat layer.
Cheese Blend:
  • Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that create a smooth and tangy filling for the ravioli.
  • Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Sharp and melty cheeses that add richness and create a golden, bubbly topping.
Seasonings and Extras:
  • Nonstick Spray: Helps prevent the casserole from sticking to the baking dish.
  • Foil: Used to cover the casserole during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

Kitchen Gear for Ravioli Casserole

  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect size for layering casserole ingredients evenly.
  • Large skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and mixing meat sauce.
  • Mixing bowl: Needed for combining cream cheese, sour cream, and seasonings.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and folding ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Aluminum foil: Used to cover casserole during initial baking.

Building Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a sizzling 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spritz of nonstick spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Toss ground beef into a hot skillet and cook until it’s beautifully browned.

Drain away any excess fat.

Pour in marinara sauce and let it mingle with the meat, creating a rich and tangy base.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whip together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Half of the Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper

Gently fold in the frozen ravioli, coating each pasta pillow with the luxurious cheese blend.

Step 4: Layer Like A Pro

Spread the ravioli-cheese mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Blanket it with the meat sauce.

Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese on top for a golden, melty finish.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Allow the casserole to chill for 10 minutes before serving.

This helps the layers set and makes cutting and serving a breeze.

Ravioli Casserole – Tips to Remember

  • Remove all excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture in the cheese blend.
  • Select a flavorful marinara sauce that complements the beef and enhances overall taste of the casserole.
  • Adjust salt and pepper in the cheese mixture to balance flavors and prevent blandness.
  • Place ravioli in a single layer to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking and crispy edges.

Million Dollar Ravioli – Flavor Variations

  • Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms. Use vegetable marinara sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap traditional ravioli with gluten-free ravioli made from rice or corn flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Version: Substitute ravioli with zucchini noodles or thinly sliced zucchini. Use low-carb marinara and add extra cheese for richness.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles to meat sauce. Incorporate pepper jack cheese and sprinkle with chili powder for a kick of heat.

Million Dollar Ravioli – How to Serve

  • Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Party Delight: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
  • Fresh Herb Finisher: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the robust meat sauce with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the meal's warmth and depth.
  • Leftovers Love: Store individual portions in airtight containers for a quick lunch or reheat for an easy weeknight dinner that tastes even better the next day.

Storing Million Dollar Ravioli Easily

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months. Place in freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Remove from refrigerator, let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil, bake 20-25 minutes until heated through. Uncover last 5 minutes to crisp top layer.
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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

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

Description

Million dollar ravioli casserole blends hearty Italian-American comfort with creamy, cheesy goodness. Home cooks will savor this indulgent dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to dinner tables.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 25 ounces (709 grams) frozen cheese ravioli
  • 28 ounces (794 grams) marinara sauce
  • 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned, then drain excess fat. Incorporate marinara sauce into the meat, creating a rich and flavorful base.
  3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together cream cheese, sour cream, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, and selected seasonings until smooth and well-combined.
  4. Gently fold the frozen ravioli into the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring each pasta pocket is evenly coated.
  5. Spread the ravioli mixture across the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Pour the meat sauce over the top, distributing it uniformly.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and mozzarella over the casserole, creating a tempting cheesy topping.
  7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the ravioli to heat through.
  8. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden and bubbly.
  9. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving, which helps the dish set and makes cutting easier.

Notes

  • Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
  • Enhance cheese mixture by adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra aromatic depth and complexity to the casserole.
  • Use no-boil ravioli to simplify preparation and reduce overall cooking time without compromising texture or taste.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like fontina, ricotta, or goat cheese to customize the dish’s richness and create unique flavor variations.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 511
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 1095 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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