The Golden Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting a million dollar ravioli casserole sparks pure culinary magic in my kitchen.

Comfort meets luxury with layers of cheesy goodness and tender pasta pillows.

Weeknight dinners need serious excitement, and this recipe delivers unexpected deliciousness.

Hearty ingredients combine into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that feels both indulgent and familiar.

Melted cheese creates golden crispy edges that make you want to dive right in.

Simple assembly means minimal effort for maximum flavor impact.

Prepare to experience a dish that turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to make this again and again, trust me.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole: Why It’s a Winner

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Quickly assemble this hearty casserole with minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious, no-fuss meal.
• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with layers of cheesy goodness and rich meat sauce, this recipe delivers ultimate satisfaction that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and feeding hungry groups with its generous portion size and universally loved Italian-inspired flavors.
• Freezer-Friendly Magic: Prepare ahead of time and store in the refrigerator or freezer, giving you a convenient meal solution for hectic schedules and last-minute dinner plans.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein to the casserole.

• Frozen Ravioli: A convenient pasta that serves as the core foundation of the casserole.

• Cream Cheese, Ricotta Cheese, Sour Cream: A creamy blend that adds richness and smooth texture to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, bubbly topping.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall taste profile of the casserole.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Herbs that provide a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.

How to Cook Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Get your oven warmed up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Toss in the ground beef and cook until it’s completely browned.

Pour out any extra grease.

Stir in marinara sauce and let it simmer for a quick 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Softened cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Ricotta cheese
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, luxurious cheese blend.

Step 4: Build the Casserole Layers

Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom of the baking dish.

Arrange the first layer of frozen ravioli.

Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli.

• Shredded mozzarella
• Parmesan cheese

Repeat the entire layering process one more time.

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 turns golden and starts bubbling.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Pull the casserole out of the oven.

If you want, scatter some fresh basil or parsley on top.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

Pro Tips for Ravioli Casserole Perfection

• Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop rich, deep flavors and drain excess fat for a lighter, less greasy casserole.
• Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier blending and smoother texture in the cheese filling.
• Spread a thin layer of meat sauce first to create a barrier that prevents ravioli from becoming too soft or waterlogged.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal preparation.
• Sprinkle extra herbs like fresh basil or parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish that enhances the overall dish presentation.

Flavor Variations for Million Dollar Ravioli

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Swap: Substitute ravioli with thinly sliced zucchini layers for a keto-friendly alternative that keeps the creamy cheese and sauce flavors.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free frozen ravioli or make your own with gluten-free pasta dough to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced green chiles, swap marinara for enchilada sauce, and mix in some pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired casserole.

Serving Suggestions for Ravioli Casserole

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread to create a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
• Elegant Entertaining Plate: Pair the ravioli casserole with a light red wine like Chianti and add a side of roasted vegetables for an impressive dinner party presentation.
• Quick Weeknight Comfort: Top individual servings with extra fresh herbs, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to elevate the dish's flavor profile.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion leftovers into individual containers for easy lunch options throughout the week, ensuring a delicious reheated meal that stays just as tasty.

Best Storage Practices for Million Dollar Ravioli

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Stays good for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to restore cheese's crispy top.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or ground chicken for variety and different flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

• What if I can't find frozen ravioli?

No problem. You can use fresh refrigerated ravioli or even make your own from scratch. Just ensure they are uncooked when layering in the casserole.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, sautéed mushrooms, or additional vegetables like zucchini and spinach to create a vegetarian version.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole blends Italian-American comfort cuisine with rich layers of cheese and pasta. Cheesy goodness meets hearty family-style dining, promising a satisfying meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (25 ounces) bag frozen cheese or meat ravioli
• 1 (24 ounces) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure smooth food release.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, carefully draining excess fat. Introduce marinara sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
3. Create a luxurious cheese blend by whisking cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Establish a robust foundation by spreading a thin meat sauce layer across the baking dish. Strategically arrange the first batch of frozen ravioli, then generously distribute half the cheese mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan to create a decadent initial layer.
5. Repeat the layering process with remaining ravioli, cheese mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan, building a multi-dimensional flavor profile.
6. Shield the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and heat thoroughly.
7. Uncover the dish and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
8. Optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant finish, then serve piping hot to capture maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary variety.
• Prevent soggy texture by using slightly frozen ravioli and avoid thawing before layering to maintain structural integrity.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh minced garlic or red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for extra depth and subtle heat.
• Reduce dairy content by using low-fat cheese alternatives or creating a vegan version with cashew-based cheese substitutes.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 530 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 740 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg