Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish that combines creamy cheeses, hearty marinara sauce, and savory meats into one irresistible bake. This family-friendly recipe takes the ease of store-bought cheese ravioli and transforms it into a rich, bubbling casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce, every bite feels indulgent yet simple enough for anyone to make. If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s both impressive and easy, this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is about to become your new go-to recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
This dish earns its “million dollar” name because it tastes like a restaurant-quality meal while being incredibly easy to prepare at home. The combination of creamy ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream creates a luscious, velvety layer that elevates classic ravioli into something truly special. The savory beef and Italian sausage blend gives the casserole depth and richness, while mozzarella and Parmesan add the perfect gooey, cheesy topping. Best of all, it’s baked in just 40 minutes and makes enough to feed a crowd.
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 (20-ounce) package fresh cheese ravioli (such as Buitoni or Rana)
- 1 (40-ounce) jar marinara sauce, divided
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1/2 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step: How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Coat the ravioli: Toss the uncooked cheese ravioli with 1 cup marinara sauce in a medium bowl.
- Prepare the meat sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sausage, cooking until browned and no longer pink, about 12 minutes, while breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in 2 cups marinara sauce and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the cheese filling: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt until mostly smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer one-third of the sauced ravioli, then spread half the cheese mixture over top. Repeat with another ravioli layer, followed by the remaining cheese mixture. Add the meat sauce on top, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden. For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let rest a few minutes before slicing.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ravioli for the best texture—it cooks perfectly in the oven without boiling first.
- Soften the cream cheese ahead of time for easier mixing.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to help the layers set.
- Add fresh basil or parsley for a bright finishing touch.
Substitutions and Variations
- Meat-Free Version: Skip the beef and sausage, and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Different Sauces: Try Alfredo or a creamy tomato sauce for a twist.
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Spice It Up: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave individual portions. You can also freeze the casserole before baking—wrap tightly in foil and store for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, allowing extra time for it to cook through.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 428 per serving
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 29g
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon also complements the richness of the dish beautifully. For gatherings, serve it alongside antipasto platters or caprese salad to create an Italian-inspired spread.
Frequently Asked Questions About Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Do I need to cook the ravioli before baking?
No, the ravioli cooks perfectly in the oven while baking with the sauce.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What’s the best way to freeze Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
You can freeze it before or after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until bubbly.
Can I use frozen ravioli instead of fresh?
Yes, just thaw them first for even cooking.
How can I make it lighter?
Swap the cream cheese and sour cream for Greek yogurt, and use ground turkey instead of beef and sausage.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for stopping by to check out this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole recipe! It’s one of my personal favorites because it’s simple, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser. I love how the creamy cheese layers balance the savory meat sauce, and how easy it is to put together on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. I hope you enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!
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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate weeknight dinner—cheesy, meaty, and easy to make. Layers of ravioli, creamy cheese filling, and hearty meat sauce bake together into a comforting meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 (20-ounce) package fresh cheese ravioli
1 (40-ounce) jar marinara sauce, divided
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1/2 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Coat the ravioli: Toss the uncooked cheese ravioli with 1 cup marinara sauce in a medium bowl.
- Prepare the meat sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sausage, cooking until browned and no longer pink, about 12 minutes, while breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in 2 cups marinara sauce and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the cheese filling: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt until mostly smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer one-third of the sauced ravioli, then spread half the cheese mixture over top. Repeat with another ravioli layer, followed by the remaining cheese mixture. Add the meat sauce on top, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden. For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let rest a few minutes before slicing.
Notes
Fresh ravioli works best, but thawed frozen ravioli can be used.
For a lighter version, use ground turkey and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding extra time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 428
- Sugar: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 29g