Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Looking for a cheesy, indulgent pasta bake that tastes like a million bucks? This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is exactly what you need! It combines layers of tender ravioli, creamy cheese mixtures, savory marinara sauce, and a crispy, cheesy topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It's a perfect make-ahead or weeknight dinner, and the best part is that it only requires a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work. Get ready for a casserole that’s both comforting and decadent!

What Is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a layered baked pasta dish that’s packed with flavor and cheese, similar to a lasagna but much easier to assemble. Frozen or fresh ravioli are layered with a creamy mixture of ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella, then topped with marinara sauce and more cheese for a melty, bubbly finish. This dish gets its "million dollar" name thanks to its rich, luxurious taste and texture—without requiring any complicated ingredients or cooking methods.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this rich and cheesy casserole:

For the Main Dish:

1. Frozen or fresh ravioli (2 pounds) – Cheese or meat-stuffed ravioli work best, but you can choose your favorite variety.
2. Cream cheese (8 oz, softened) – Adds a rich, creamy texture.
3. Ricotta cheese (1 cup) – For creaminess and a classic Italian flavor.
4. Sour cream (½ cup) – Adds a tangy creaminess.
5. Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded) – For a gooey, melty topping and filling.
6. Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated) – Adds a salty, nutty finish.
7. Marinara sauce (2 jars, 24 oz each) – Choose your favorite jarred or homemade marinara sauce.
8. Ground beef (optional, 1 pound) – Adds a hearty, meaty layer (optional, if you prefer a meatless dish).
9. Garlic powder (1 tsp) – Enhances the savory flavors.
10. Italian seasoning (1 tsp) – Adds extra flavor to the casserole.
11. Salt and black pepper (to taste) – For seasoning the cheese mixture and sauce.

Optional Ingredients for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Want to take your ravioli casserole to the next level? Here are a few optional ingredients you can add:

1. Ground sausage (1 pound) – For extra flavor and heartiness.
2. Spinach (2 cups, fresh or frozen) – Adds a nutritious layer.
3. Mushrooms (1 cup, sliced) – Adds earthiness and texture.
4. Red pepper flakes (½ tsp) – For a spicy kick.
5. Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish) – Adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few ways you can adapt this recipe to suit your preferences:

• Low-carb option: Use zucchini slices or other low-carb veggies instead of ravioli.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and opt for a veggie-packed ravioli like spinach or mushroom.
• Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free ravioli, which are available in many stores, to make the dish gluten-free.
• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce for a little heat.
• Meat variation: You can replace ground beef with Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even ground chicken for a different protein flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make a delicious Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole that’s sure to impress!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.

Step 2: Cook the Meat (If Using)

If you’re adding ground beef or sausage, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat, and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. This will be your rich "million dollar" cheese layer.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Start layering your casserole:

1. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
2. Add a single layer of frozen or fresh ravioli on top of the sauce.
3. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli.
4. If you're using ground beef or sausage, sprinkle half of it over the cheese layer.
5. Add another layer of ravioli, then repeat with the remaining cheese mixture and meat.
6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top layer of ravioli.
7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese (1 cup) and Parmesan cheese (½ cup) on top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

How to Cook Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the key steps to making this cheesy casserole:

1. Preheat the oven and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the ground beef or sausage, if using, then set aside.
3. Make the cheese mixture by combining cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and mozzarella.
4. Layer the casserole: start with marinara, then ravioli, cheese mixture, and ground meat.
5. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 10-15 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few tips to help you avoid any pitfalls while making this casserole:

• Not softening the cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened so it blends smoothly into the cheese mixture. Cold cream cheese can make it difficult to mix evenly.
• Overcooking the ravioli: If you're using fresh ravioli, no need to pre-cook them since they will cook perfectly in the sauce while baking. If using frozen, make sure they are fully thawed before assembling the casserole.
• Skipping the foil: Covering the casserole with foil while baking helps trap the moisture and ensures the ravioli don’t dry out.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is ready, it’s time to think about how to serve and present this decadent dish.

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• With garlic bread: Serve this rich casserole with a side of garlic bread or toasted baguette slices to soak up the extra sauce.
• With a green salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the casserole.
• As a main course: This casserole is filling enough to be a standalone meal, but you can serve it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the rich casserole.
• Serve family-style: Place the baking dish directly on the table and let everyone serve themselves from the dish for a cozy, communal feel.
• Use individual ramekins: For a fancier presentation, divide the casserole into individual oven-safe ramekins and bake in single servings.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.
• Freezer-friendly: You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes! Fresh ravioli works just as well, and you don’t need to cook it beforehand. It will cook perfectly in the oven as the casserole bakes.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the ground beef or sausage and use cheese or vegetable-stuffed ravioli for a vegetarian version.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning on top?
If the cheese starts browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the casserole with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
While ravioli is ideal for this recipe, you could substitute it with tortellini or another stuffed pasta. Regular pasta like penne or rigatoni will work as well, though it won’t have the same "stuffed" texture.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate cheesy, comforting dinner that’s guaranteed to impress. With layers of tender ravioli, creamy cheese, savory sauce, and a golden cheese topping, it's a dish that tastes indulgent but is incredibly easy to make. Whether you're serving it for a weeknight family meal or for guests at a gathering, this ravioli casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and enjoy the million-dollar flavor!

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