If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s both outrageously cheesy and impossibly easy to make, Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is your new weeknight hero. Packed with layers of pillowy ravioli, hearty meat sauce, and a luscious blend of cheeses, this dish has all the crowd-pleasing power of homemade lasagna without any of the fuss. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want to tuck into a cozy, indulgent dinner, this million dollar creation will feel like a prize every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each selected for its role in building bold flavors and meltingly rich layers. These pantry and fridge staples turn into something extra special when combined — here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips for getting the best results.
- Frozen Cheese Ravioli: The shortcut star, these little pillows are packed with cheesy goodness and save loads of time.
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Either option gives heartiness — sausage adds spice, beef keeps it classic.
- Marinara Sauce: Reach for a jarred favorite or homemade; brings moisture and all the garlicky, herby notes.
- Cream Cheese: When softened, it creates the luxurious, creamy layer that takes the casserole over the top.
- Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tang and creamy body to the cheese mixture.
- Cottage Cheese: This keeps things super moist; feel free to swap for ricotta if you prefer a silkier finish.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Expect dreamy melting action and classic Italian flavor.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: For a savory, nutty finish and a touch of golden brown crust on top.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dry herbs that brings all the right rustic notes.
- Garlic Powder: Boosts savory depth throughout the cheese filling.
- Salt and Pepper: Sometimes simple is best — these tie everything together perfectly.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): Fresh, pretty, and just right for a pop of color on top.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Step 1: Brown and Sauce the Meat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab a trusty 9×13-inch baking dish — a quick greasing will keep things neat later. In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook your chosen ground beef or Italian sausage until fully browned and cooked through. For added flavor, break it up as it cooks so every bite is perfect. Once it’s ready, drain off any excess grease and then stir in your marinara sauce. This simple combo instantly smells like dinner at Nonna’s!
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, it’s time to blend the real secret to Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole’s irresistible richness. Combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until the whole thing is creamy-smooth — there’s something so satisfying about this cheese layer. If you like, use a hand mixer for ultimate silkiness.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
To build those beloved, towering layers, start by spreading half the meat sauce in that prepared casserole dish. Arrange half of your frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce; don’t worry about defrosting, just tuck them right in! Then, gently spread the entire cheese mixture evenly over those ravioli. Add the rest of the ravioli on top of the cheese, and finish with the remaining meat sauce, smoothed edge to edge.
Step 4: Add the Cheesy Topping
A casserole is never complete without a bubbling, golden cheese top. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over everything. This step guarantees that perfect, pull-apart cheese factor and an irresistible, bakery-worthy look.
Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Cover your masterpiece with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This locks in moisture and ensures everything is cooked through. Then, remove the foil and bake another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is gloriously melted and the top is tinged with gold. The kitchen will smell so good, everyone will be lining up for dinner!
Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Let your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing in — this makes serving much easier and keeps those mouthwatering layers intact. Shower with chopped parsley if you like, then watch as it disappears from plates!
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, sprinkle your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with freshly chopped parsley or even a few torn fresh basil leaves. If you love a little zip, a crack of black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes looks (and tastes) fantastic. A drizzle of good olive oil or a cloud of extra Parmesan also adds a little flair.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a cool, crisp green salad to balance all the delicious richness — think arugula or mixed greens with a balsamic vinaigrette. Warm, crusty garlic bread is a classic companion, perfect for mopping up every bit of sauce. If you want a cozy, complete meal, serve with roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans for color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun family dinners, scoop portions into shallow soup bowls and serve with big spoons; it’s rustic and informal. Hosting a potluck? Cut the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole into neat squares and arrange on a platter with picks for easy grabbing. For a special touch, bake in individual ramekins so everyone gets their own cheesy portion — they look adorable and feel extra indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply transfer slices to an airtight container or cover the whole baking dish with foil. The flavors mellow and deepen overnight, making next-day lunches absolutely crave-worthy.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer superstar. Assemble completely but don’t bake; wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed. Already baked leftovers can also be portioned and frozen — just wrap the slices well before freezing.
Reheating
To reheat individual portions, simply microwave until piping hot — the cheese will melt right back into gooey perfection. For larger amounts, cover and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. A quick broil at the end refreshes the cheesy crust if you like it extra golden!
FAQs
Can I use meatless ravioli or vegetarian “meat”?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite brand of vegetarian ravioli and use plant-based crumbles or simply sauté mushrooms in place of the meat. The luscious cheese filling means Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is just as delicious meat-free.
Can I make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole the night before?
Yes! Fully assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then proceed as directed. It makes busy nights a breeze!
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Cut the cream cheese into cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. If you’re in a rush, microwave it (unwrapped) for about 20 seconds. Softened cream cheese blends much more easily with the other cheeses.
Is it okay to substitute ricotta for cottage cheese?
Definitely! Ricotta will give you a slightly smoother, silkier filling, while cottage cheese delivers more moisture and a light, “fluffy” texture. Both are delicious — pick whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Why does my casserole look watery?
If you notice extra liquid, it might be from higher-moisture cottage cheese or marinara sauce. Letting the casserole rest before slicing helps everything settle, and a bit of extra baking time (uncovered) can help evaporate excess moisture for a firm, sliceable result.
Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the kind of dish that makes everyone around the table feel a little extra special. It’s cozy, satisfying, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews — whether you’re serving a casual dinner or feeding a crowd. If you haven’t tried this showstopper yet, there’s no better time to treat yourself (and your favorites) to a truly million dollar meal!
Print
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a cheesy and comforting pasta bake that will surely impress your family and guests. Layers of frozen cheese ravioli, a creamy cheese mixture, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese come together in this easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
Frozen Cheese Ravioli:
1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli;
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage:
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage;
Marinara Sauce:
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce;
Cream Cheese Mixture:
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 cup cottage cheese;
Cheese Toppings:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese;
Seasonings:
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste;
Garnish:
chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease and stir in the marinara sauce.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Layer the casserole: Spread half of the meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce, followed by all of the cheese mixture. Add the remaining ravioli, then the rest of the meat sauce. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ricotta for the cottage cheese if preferred.
- For a spicy twist, use hot Italian sausage and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- This dish freezes well and can be made ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
