Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a comfort meal that dazzles everyone and barely takes any effort, Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the answer to your dinner prayers. Imagine layers of pillowy cheese ravioli, savory meat sauce, and a luscious blend of creamy cheeses, all baked together until golden and bubbling. It’s rich, family-friendly, and comes together with pantry staples—turning an ordinary weeknight into an extraordinary event with classic Italian-American flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole couldn’t be simpler! Each component brings something special, from gooey cheese pulls to bold Italian flavors, and makes this casserole truly irresistible.
- Frozen cheese ravioli: Delivers instant comfort and shaves off prep time, making every bite creamy and cheesy.
- Ground beef: Adds meaty richness and hearty texture to the base of the casserole.
- Italian sausage: Infuses those classic herby, savory flavors you dream of in a baked pasta.
- Marinara sauce: Brings tangy, bright tomato goodness and ties all the elements together.
- Cream cheese (softened): Creates a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth cheese layer you’ll love.
- Sour cream: Lends a gentle tang and creaminess to the cheese blend for that signature “million dollar” flavor.
- Cottage cheese: Gives the cheese layer extra body and tenderness, or swap for ricotta if you’re feeling classic.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to that stretchy, golden perfection that screams comfort food.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and builds up those irresistible cheesy crusts.
- Italian seasoning: A must for echoing true Italian flavor in every bite.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the savory notes and weaves magic into the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Season the layers just right for maximum flavor payoff.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top, it adds a pop of color and garden-fresh aroma.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Meats
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage together, breaking them up with a spoon until fully browned and fragrant. This duet brings flavorful depth and a hearty foundation for your casserole. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat for a lighter, perfectly balanced dish.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked meat along with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently, soaking up all those spices while melding into a robust, savory sauce. This is where all the Italian comfort starts to come to life!
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Blend
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix until you have a silky, uniform blend that will become the “secret weapon” creamy layer in your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. This step might seem simple, but it’s what separates a good casserole from a knock-your-socks-off one.
Step 4: Begin Layering the Casserole
Spread a thin layer of your rich meat sauce over the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This keeps the ravioli from sticking and infuses every layer with bold flavor from the start. Layer half of your frozen ravioli on top—no need to thaw, it will cook up perfectly in the oven.
Step 5: Add Creamy and Cheesy Layers
Dollop and gently spread half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli. Next, spoon over more meat sauce, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the process with the remaining ravioli, cheese mixture, and the last of the sauce. Finish with the rest of the mozzarella and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese for a savory, golden topping.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Cover the baking dish with foil to keep things moist, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and is a gorgeous golden brown. Letting the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving helps everything set up for perfect slices every time!
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Garnishes
Take your presentation up a notch by showering your casserole with freshly chopped parsley before serving. The vibrant green not only adds eye-popping color but also a clean freshness that balances all that wonderful richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole absolutely shines as a centerpiece, but it loves a little company. Pair it with a crisp Caesar salad, some garlic bread, or steamed green beans for contrast. Each side dish adds a refreshing bite, making your meal feel like a true Italian feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to get fancy? Bake the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions, or scoop it into sturdy Parmesan bowls for an extra cheesy wow factor at the table. You can even serve it family-style from the baking dish, inviting everyone to dig in straight from the oven.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are a gift you’ll look forward to! Simply cover the cooled casserole tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days—perfect for lunchboxes or quick dinners.
Freezing
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a dream for make-ahead meals. Assemble everything, wrap it well, and freeze it before baking. You can bake straight from frozen—just add 15 to 20 extra minutes to the bake time, and dinner is served with zero fuss.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole and warm it in a 350°F oven until thoroughly hot and bubbly. For speedier reheats, individual portions can be microwaved in one-minute intervals. Add an extra sprinkle of cheese before heating for maximum gooey pleasure.
FAQs
Can I use beef or chicken ravioli instead of cheese ravioli?
Absolutely! Any flavor of frozen ravioli works beautifully, and switching it up lets you tailor the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole to your tastes or what you have on hand.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you prefer, ricotta cheese is a classic substitute and will give you a slightly smoother, more traditional Italian texture and flavor in your cheese layer.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Just grab your favorite gluten-free ravioli (there are several store-bought options) and make sure your marinara sauce is gluten-free too.
Is it okay to assemble the casserole ahead and bake later?
That’s one of the best parts of this recipe! Prepare it up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when you’re ready for fresh-from-the-oven goodness.
How do I keep the casserole from being watery?
Make sure to drain the meat well after browning and avoid over-adding sauce. Letting it rest before serving also helps the layers firm up, resulting in perfect slices every time.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is pure comfort in a pan—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every forkful. If you’re craving an easy family meal that feels impossibly decadent, go ahead and add it to your dinner rotation. There’s a good chance it’ll become your new weeknight favorite!
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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole that combines layers of cheese-filled ravioli, savory meats, and creamy cheeses baked to perfection. A comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your family and guests.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
- Layer the Casserole: In a baking dish, layer ravioli, cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat the layers and top with Parmesan.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use ricotta instead of cottage cheese.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead and frozen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
