If you’re craving a rich, cheesy, and soul-satisfying dish that feels like a big warm hug, then you’ve got to try the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe. This baked delight layers tender cheese ravioli with savory ground beef, creamy cheese mixtures, and luscious marinara sauce, all topped off with bubbly mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s comfort food at its finest and a straightforward recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something truly spectacular. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging in a cozy night in, this casserole will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe lies in how easy the ingredients are to find, yet each one plays an essential role in creating the dish’s incredible layers of flavor, texture, and color. From hearty meats to creamy cheeses and aromatic herbs, these ingredients come together to make every bite memorable.
- Frozen cheese ravioli: The tender pasta pockets deliver cheesy goodness and form the delicious base of the casserole.
- Ground beef: Adds rich, savory depth as a hearty protein component.
- Italian sausage (casings removed): Brings a little spice and extra flavor complexity that spices up the mix.
- Small onion (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and texture when sautéed with the meat.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses aromatic warmth that awakens the sauce and compliments the meats.
- Marinara or pasta sauce: The tangy tomato base ties every ingredient together gracefully.
- Cream cheese (softened): Creates a luxuriously creamy, smooth layer for richness.
- Sour cream: Adds a slight tang and silky texture, balancing the heaviness of other cheeses.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, lending gooeyness and golden color to the topping.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers sharp, nutty notes that elevate the cheesy crust.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lifts the sauce with classic Italian flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of fresh color and mild herbal brightness as a garnish.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep everything from sticking. Then, heat a large skillet over medium and brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. This process takes about 7 to 8 minutes, during which the meats release their savory juices while the onions soften to sweetness. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease before adding the minced garlic — that extra minute of sautéing fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the marinara sauce with Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer gently for about five minutes so the flavors marry and thicken slightly. This rich, meaty sauce is what infuses every bite of your casserole with heartwarming flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Layer
While your sauce simmers, whisk together the softened cream cheese and sour cream in a bowl until perfectly smooth and creamy. This velvety mixture will add a luscious contrast to the tangy sauce and soft pasta, transforming the casserole into a decadent dish.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce evenly across the base of your baking dish — this prevents sticking and builds a flavor foundation. Then add half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Spoon half of the creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli, smoothing it gently. Top with half of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat this layering: ravioli, cream cheese mixture, and meat sauce for a two-tiered feast of flavor and texture.
Step 5: Cheese It Up and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top, ensuring each slice gets a golden cheesy crown. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing all the layers to heat through and meld. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes so the cheese melts into a bubbly, slightly golden crust. A 10-minute rest before serving lets the casserole set nicely for perfect slices every time.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley just before serving is a simple yet elegant touch that brightens the look and taste of your casserole. Its subtle herbal notes provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy flavors, making every bite feel balanced and inviting.
Side Dishes
The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe stars as a satisfying main dish, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables can lighten the meal and add texture contrast. Garlic bread or a warm bruschetta make excellent companions to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at family dinners or potlucks, serve the casserole in individual ramekins topped with personalized garnishes like fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat. You can also create mini versions using ravioli cups baked in muffin tins, turning this cozy casserole into finger-friendly appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe tastes just as amazing the next day. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making your second helping equally delicious.
Freezing
This casserole is a fantastic candidate for freezing. Assemble but do not bake, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. Perfect for rushing weeknights or unexpected guests!
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire casserole at 350°F covered with foil for 15 to 20 minutes until bubbly. To revive the cheesy crust’s crispness, remove the foil and broil for an extra minute or two, but watch closely to avoid burning.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the frozen cheese ravioli for a gluten-free variety, and make sure your marinara sauce and sausage are gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients naturally work for gluten-free diets.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe?
Yes! Simply leave out the ground beef and sausage, and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite veggies to the sauce. This creates a hearty vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Fresh ravioli works beautifully, but adjust the baking time to avoid overcooking it. You may want to reduce the covered baking time by about 10 minutes since fresh pasta cooks faster.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I want a lighter option?
Greek yogurt is an excellent lighter alternative to cream cheese that still delivers creaminess with a bit more tang and less fat. Just be sure to use full-fat yogurt for the best texture.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish or two 9×13-inch pans and increase baking time slightly. Make sure to check that it’s heated through and bubbly before serving.
Final Thoughts
The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe is truly a dish that feels special but comes together with ease and ordinary pantry staples. Its rich layers of flavor, creamy textures, and gooey cheese make every forkful a delight. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen — perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s worth every penny of its million dollar name!
Print
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a hearty and comforting Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring layers of frozen cheese ravioli, rich meat sauce made with ground beef and Italian sausage, creamy cheese mixtures, and gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan. This easy casserole is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or family gathering, delivering a blend of savory flavors and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Casserole Layers
- 1 (25-ounce) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the meat mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion until browned and cooked through, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming oily.
- Add aromatics and sauce: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Mix the creamy layer: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and well blended, creating a rich creamy layer for the casserole.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the ravioli, and then top with half of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat these layers starting with the remaining ravioli, then cream cheese mixture, and finish with the meat sauce on top.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer of sauce for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to let it set. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a meatless option, omit the ground beef and Italian sausage, and substitute with spinach or sautéed mushrooms.
- Use spicy Italian sausage for an added kick of heat.
- Make sure to drain excess grease after cooking the meat to avoid a greasy casserole.
