If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that feels like an Italian feast without hours in the kitchen, Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the answer. This bubbly, cheesy bake layers pillowy ravioli, rich meat sauce, and a luscious three-cheese blend into decadent perfection. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for company, making it a true family favorite you’ll crave all year long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliance of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role—bringing flavor, creaminess, or a beautiful golden crust to the table. Gather these essentials before you start:
- Frozen cheese ravioli: These little pasta pockets get irresistibly tender as they bake, soaking up all the flavors.
- Ground beef: Adds savory depth and a hearty bite. Swap for sausage or skip the meat for a vegetarian option.
- Marinara sauce: A high-quality jarred sauce provides rich tomato flavor as the base of your casserole.
- Cream cheese (softened): Gives the filling its trademark creamy texture, making every bite velvety smooth.
- Sour cream: Adds a slight tang and much-needed silkiness to the cheese mixture.
- Cottage cheese: Brings moisture and subtle tang, melding perfectly with other dairy ingredients.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top and in between the layers for that irresistible cheese pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Boosts flavor and creates a gorgeous golden crust.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses herbaceous notes that go straight to the heart of Italian comfort food.
- Garlic powder: A sprinkle amps up the savory, homey aroma of the casserole.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): The perfect final flourish, adding fresh color and a pop of herbal brightness.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Set a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble in the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as you go. Drain off any excess fat so your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole won’t come out greasy, but retains all that beefy, savory flavor.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
With the beef still in the skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and give it a good stir. This quick simmer lets the sauce absorb all those flavorful beef drippings, infusing your casserole with a rich tomato base that pairs deliciously with the cheesy layers.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy—no lumps! This mixture creates that signature “million dollar” layer—ultra-luxurious, rich, and the absolute secret to the dish’s decadent texture.
Step 4: Start Layering
Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray for easy cleanup. Spread a thin layer of your meat sauce over the bottom to keep the ravioli from sticking and to infuse the base with flavor from the first bite.
Step 5: Build Up the Delicious Layers
Arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Top with half the creamy cheese mixture, followed by half the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with a layer of mozzarella. Repeat: ravioli, cheese mixture, meat sauce, remaining mozzarella, and finally, a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Dust the top with Italian seasoning and garlic powder for aromatic flair.
Step 6: Bake It Up
Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep everything extra moist, then slide it into a 375°F oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover the casserole and let it bake another 10–15 minutes until it’s bubbling and golden on top. Let your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole rest for 5–10 minutes so the layers can set—this makes cutting and serving a total breeze.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Garnishes
Before serving, a shower of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds color, brightness, and a fresh Italian flair. It’s the final touch that takes your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole from homestyle favorite to dinner party showstopper—so don’t skip it, even if you’re serving just family!
Side Dishes
Pair this rich, cheesy casserole with crisp garlic bread or a light green salad tossed in vinaigrette. Simple roasted or steamed veggies, like broccoli or green beans, also complement Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole perfectly. The balance of freshness and crunch keeps your meal exciting from start to finish.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a gathering? Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a fancy, single-serve twist. For a weeknight family dinner, cut generous squares straight from the pan and pass around the cheesy portions! Or, for potlucks, use a pretty baking dish so you can take your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole anywhere and impress the crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole keeps beautifully. Simply transfer cooled slices into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, meaning tomorrow’s lunch might taste even better!
Freezing
To freeze, wrap unbaked or baked (cooled) casserole in a layer of plastic wrap and foil. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole makes a fantastic freezer meal—perfect for meal prep or gifting to friends in need of comfort food.
Reheating
For the tastiest results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot and bubbly (about 20–25 minutes). Individual portions also warm up easily in the microwave for a quick, cheesy treat—just cover loosely to keep the moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use refrigerated ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! While frozen ravioli hold up well during baking, refrigerated ravioli work just fine. You may want to reduce the baking time by a few minutes, since they cook a bit faster.
How can I make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole vegetarian?
Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or omit the meat entirely and double up on the sauce and cheese. Using a hearty veggie marinara adds plenty of flavor with zero sacrifice.
What if I don’t like cottage cheese?
No worries! You can replace cottage cheese with ricotta for a more classic Italian filling, or just add extra cream cheese and sour cream. The texture will still be luscious and creamy.
Can I assemble Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake—perfect for prepping before a busy day or special dinner.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Look for gluten-free ravioli and check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can easily adapt Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
If you love hearty, cheesy casseroles, you owe it to yourself to try Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. It’s simple, comforting, and sure to create memories around your dinner table. Give it a spot on your menu this week—you’re going to love every melty, savory bite!
Print
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent flavors of this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole that combines cheese ravioli, savory ground beef, creamy cheeses, and a rich marinara sauce. Baked to perfection, this easy-to-make dish is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Frozen Cheese Ravioli:
1 (25-ounce) bag
Ground Beef:
1 pound
Marinara Sauce:
1 (24-ounce) jar
Cream Cheese:
1 (8-ounce) package, softened
Sour Cream:
1 cup
Cottage Cheese:
1 cup
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:
2 cups
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
½ cup
Italian Seasoning:
1 teaspoon
Garlic Powder:
½ teaspoon
Fresh Basil or Parsley:
for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce.
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
- Layer the casserole: Spread meat sauce in a baking dish, layer ravioli, cheese mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
- Rest and garnish: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute sausage for ground beef or use a meatless marinara for a vegetarian version.
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