Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Irresistible Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe For Tonight

Creamy cheese and hearty pasta collide in this irresistible million dollar ravioli casserole that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Layers of rich flavors meld together with surprising ease and elegance.

Each bite delivers a luxurious blend of tender ravioli, melted cheese, and savory sauce that feels like a culinary treasure.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a decadent meal that sparks excitement at the dinner table.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same once you experience this crowd-pleasing dish.

This is one recipe you won’t want to miss.

Ravioli Bake with Million Dollar Richness

  • Whip Up Comfort: A hearty casserole that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal.
  • Customize Your Feast: Easily swap ground beef for ground turkey or add vegetables to make this recipe adaptable to different dietary preferences and taste buds.
  • Layer Like a Pro: Simple layering technique creates a delicious one-dish wonder that looks impressive but requires zero professional cooking skills.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and weeknight dinners where everyone wants a delicious, filling meal without complicated preparation.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds richness and flavor to the casserole.
Pasta Base:
  • Frozen Ravioli: Convenient pre-made pasta that serves as the foundation of the casserole.
Cheese and Creamy Components:
  • Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Create a smooth, tangy base that adds creaminess to the dish.
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide a melty, golden topping with classic Italian cheese flavors.
Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Marinara Sauce: Adds a classic tomato-based sauce that brings moisture and traditional Italian taste.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the ground beef.

Stepwise Guide to Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and grease a large 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Season generously with salt and pepper.

Break up the meat into small crumbles and cook until no pink remains.

Drain away any excess fat.

Step 3: Whip The Creamy Base

In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and sour cream until silky smooth.

Use a hand mixer or whisk vigorously to eliminate any lumps.

Step 4: Layer The Casserole

Create delicious layers in your baking dish:
  • Spread a generous base of marinara sauce
  • Arrange first layer of frozen ravioli
  • Sprinkle half the cooked beef
  • Dollop half the cream cheese mixture

Repeat these layers one more time for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Add Cheese Topping

Generously scatter:
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • Grated Parmesan

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, letting the layers settle.

Slice and serve hot.

Tips for Extra Creamy Ravioli Casserole

  • Layer marinara sauce first to create a barrier, keeping ravioli crisp and preventing excess moisture from making the dish mushy.
  • Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make cutting easier, ensuring perfect cheese pulls.
  • Thoroughly drain ground beef after browning to reduce excess grease and keep the casserole lighter and less oily.
  • Add Italian herbs like basil or oregano to cream cheese mixture for extra depth and aromatic enhancement of the dish.
  • Prepare entire casserole ahead, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months for convenient meal prep.

Ways to Switch Up Ravioli Casserole Fillings

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pasta ravioli with gluten-free cheese or spinach ravioli to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute ravioli with zucchini rounds or cauliflower florets, using the same layering technique and creamy cheese mixture for a lighter meal.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or use a spicy marinara sauce to elevate the flavor profile and create a zesty casserole experience.

Serving Million Dollar Ravioli for Gatherings

  • Comfort Plate Companions: Fresh crisp garden salad with tangy vinaigrette complements the rich casserole perfectly.
  • Weekend Family Feast: Serve alongside warm garlic bread to soak up delicious sauces and add extra texture to the meal.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Select medium-bodied red wines like Chianti or Merlot to balance the creamy, savory flavors of the casserole.
  • Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a bright, herbal note that cuts through the dish's richness.

Ravioli Casserole Storage for Freshness

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Keep frozen for 2-3 months. Label with date for tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove from refrigerator, place in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh ravioli works perfectly. Just reduce the baking time slightly to prevent overcooking.

  • Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.

  • What type of ground beef works best?

Lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) provides great flavor without excess grease. Always drain the fat after browning to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.

  • Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

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

Description

Comfort meets luxury in this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, where rich cheese-filled pasta layers mingle with hearty meat sauce. Savory flavors and creamy textures invite you to savor each delectable bite of this crowd-pleasing Italian-inspired dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Meat:

  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 24 ounces (680 grams) frozen or fresh ravioli (cheese or meat-filled)
  • 1 large egg

Cheeses:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) marinara sauce or meat sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
  2. Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles and seasoning with salt and pepper. Drain away excess fat completely.
  3. Whisk cream cheese and sour cream in a mixing bowl until creating a smooth, uniform blend.
  4. Create the first layering foundation by spreading a thin coat of marinara sauce across the bottom of the baking dish.
  5. Arrange the first set of frozen ravioli across the marinara base, covering the entire surface.
  6. Distribute half the cooked ground beef evenly over the ravioli layer.
  7. Dollop and spread half of the cream cheese mixture across the beef layer, ensuring gentle coverage.
  8. Repeat the layering process: another set of ravioli, remaining beef, and remaining cream cheese mixture.
  9. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top layer, creating a complete cheese coverage.
  10. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
  11. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbling.
  12. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to help set the layers.

Notes

  • Customize meat by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option.
  • Enhance cream cheese mixture by adding garlic powder, Italian herbs, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor complexity.
  • Prevent soggy bottom by draining ground beef thoroughly and using minimal liquid marinara sauce to maintain casserole’s structural integrity.
  • Assemble casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, potentially adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 481 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 547 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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