Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Using frozen ravioli and a rich, cheesy sauce, it comes together quickly for a comforting family meal. For more delicious ravioli ideas, try this Creamy Cajun Sausage Ravioli Recipe or this Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs Recipe.

Ingredients

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole combines creamy, cheesy layers with savory Italian sausage and rich tomato sauce for an incredibly comforting, restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to assemble.

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 (28-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 Tbsp parsley
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (25-oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all ingredients for your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole: frozen cheese ravioli, ground beef, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning. Having everything measured and ready makes assembly quick and efficient.

Step 2 — Brown the Ground Beef

Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully browned, about 7–10 minutes. Drain any excess grease before proceeding to ensure your casserole isn’t overly oily.

Step 3 — Combine Meat and Sauce

Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked ground beef. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This creates a rich, hearty base for your ravioli casserole.

Step 4 — Layer the Casserole

Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a single layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce, then dollop with ricotta cheese and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.

Repeat the layers, ending with a generous topping of mozzarella cheese for that golden, bubbly finish.

Step 5 — Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. The foil traps steam, helping to cook the frozen ravioli through without drying out the casserole.

Step 6 — Uncover and Brown

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly browned around the edges. The casserole should be bubbling throughout when properly heated.

Step 7 — Check for Doneness

Insert a knife into the center to ensure the ravioli are tender and heated through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety, and the top should be golden with visible bubbling sauce.

Step 8 — Rest Before Serving

Let the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut clean portions that hold their shape.

Step 9 — Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley before serving. The vibrant green garnish adds freshness and visual appeal to your rich, cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485
Protein	24g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fat	22g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	980mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean Ground Turkey or Chicken — Lighter protein option that maintains savory flavor with less saturated fat
• Zucchini or Eggplant Slices — Lower-carb alternative to pasta layers that adds vegetable nutrition
• Nutritional Yeast or Cashew Cream — Dairy-free cheese substitutes that provide creamy, cheesy flavor
• Gluten-Free Ravioli or Lasagna Noodles — Perfect swap for traditional pasta while keeping the classic texture
• Low-Sodium Broth and No-Salt-Added Tomatoes — Reduces sodium content significantly without sacrificing depth of flavor
• Part-Skim Ricotta or Cottage Cheese — Lower-fat dairy options that still deliver creamy richness
• Whole Wheat or Lentil-Based Ravioli — Higher fiber pasta alternatives for better nutritional profile
• Mushroom and Lentil Blend — Plant-based protein alternative with earthy, meaty texture

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with a crisp Caesar salad and warm garlic bread for a complete Italian dinner.
• Serve alongside roasted asparagus or steamed green beans for a lighter, vegetable-forward meal.
• Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings—this casserole travels well and feeds a crowd.
• Elevate weeknight dinners by pairing with a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• For a cozy comfort food night, serve with crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
• Make it a special occasion meal by pairing with a glass of Chianti or Sangiovese wine.

For beautiful plating, garnish this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with fresh chopped parsley or basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using watery sauce that makes the casserole soggy. Fix: Simmer your sauce longer to reduce excess liquid before assembling.
• Mistake: Overcooking the ravioli before baking, leading to a mushy texture. Fix: Use frozen or fresh ravioli directly—they’ll cook perfectly in the oven.
• Mistake: Skipping the cheese layer between ravioli, missing the signature richness. Fix: Create distinct cheese strata with ricotta and mozzarella for maximum flavor.
• Mistake: Not seasoning the ricotta mixture, resulting in a bland filling. Fix: Always mix salt, pepper, and herbs into the ricotta before layering.
• Mistake: Baking uncovered the entire time, causing dried-out edges. Fix: Cover with foil for the first half of baking, then remove to brown the top.
• Mistake: Using low-fat cheeses that don’t melt well, compromising the creamy texture. Fix: Stick with full-fat mozzarella and ricotta for optimal melt and flavor.
• Mistake: Cutting into the casserole immediately after baking, causing it to fall apart. Fix: Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to set properly before serving.
• Mistake: Overfilling the baking dish, which can lead to messy spillovers in the oven. Fix: Leave at least ½-inch of space at the top to allow for bubbling.
• Mistake: Using only one type of cheese, missing the complex flavor profile. Fix: Combine mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta for a truly million-dollar taste.
• Mistake: Not preheating the oven, resulting in uneven cooking and longer bake time. Fix: Always preheat your oven to 375°F for consistent, perfect results.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat portions in the microwave or a 350°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is reheated to a safe temperature.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to impress. We hope you love this easy, cheesy dish as much as we do! Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes like our Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I prepare the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving. This makes the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

What type of ravioli works best for this casserole?

Frozen cheese ravioli are ideal because they hold their shape well during baking. You can also use refrigerated or meat-filled ravioli to vary the flavor. The key is to ensure the ravioli is fully cooked through in the sauce.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply use cheese-filled ravioli and a meatless marinara sauce. You can also add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor. This vegetarian version of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole will be just as rich and satisfying.