If you’re craving a rich and satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet comes together with ease, look no further than Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. This dish combines layers of cheesy ravioli, savory meat sauce, and creamy ricotta filling, baked to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food that the whole family will love—perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep
.
What Is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a delicious layered pasta bake that uses frozen or fresh ravioli, a hearty meat sauce, and a rich, creamy cheese mixture made with ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, offering all the flavors of lasagna but with less effort and time. Think of it as a cross between lasagna and baked ziti—only easier!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen or fresh cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Ricotta Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add half of the ravioli in a single layer. Top with half of the ricotta mixture, half of the remaining meat sauce, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and finish with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Assemble: Using store-bought ravioli cuts down on time.
- Ultra-Creamy: The ricotta mixture adds a luxurious texture.
- Family Favorite: Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead and refrigerate or freeze for later.
Tips & Variations
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread and a fresh green salad to round out your meal. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan for a touch of freshness.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze the baked or unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave individual portions.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or make-ahead meals, it’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!