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 simple ingredients, this comforting dish comes together quickly for a satisfying family meal. For more delicious ravioli variations, try the Creamy Cajun Sausage Ravioli Recipe or the Easy Pumpkin Ravioli Pasta – Creamy Dinner Ready in 30 Minutes.

Ingredients

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole combines rich, creamy cheeses with savory Italian sausage and robust sauce for an unforgettable comfort food experience that truly earns its name.

• 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	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour

Context: This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole comes together about 25% faster than similar layered pasta recipes since it uses frozen ravioli instead of making pasta from scratch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients and Preheat Oven

Gather all your ingredients: frozen or fresh ravioli, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when your assembly is complete.

Step 2 — Assemble the First Layer

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a single layer of ravioli over the sauce, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overlapping too much.

Step 3 — Add Cheese and Sauce

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and a light dusting of Parmesan over the ravioli. Follow with another layer of sauce, covering the cheese and pasta evenly to prevent drying out.

Step 4 — Repeat the Layers

Add a second layer of ravioli, then more sauce and cheeses. For the best Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, aim for 2–3 layers total, finishing with sauce and a heavy topping of cheese.

Step 5 — Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the ravioli are heated through.

Step 6 — Uncover and Brown the Top

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted, lightly golden, and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 7 — Rest Before Serving

Let the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve neat portions.

Step 8 — Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm, and enjoy your rich, cheesy, and satisfying Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.

Nutritional Information

Calories	520
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	24g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	980mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is wonderfully adaptable. Try these simple swaps to customize it for different dietary needs while keeping the rich, comforting flavor.

• Lean Ground Turkey or Chicken — Lighter protein alternative that still provides a savory base with less saturated fat.
• Zucchini Noodles or Thinly Sliced Eggplant — A lower-carb option that soaks up the sauce beautifully, adding vegetable servings.
• Lentils or Crumbled Tempeh — Plant-based protein swaps that create a hearty, meaty texture without animal products.
• Nutritional Yeast or Vegan Cheese — Provides a cheesy, umami flavor for a completely dairy-free version of the casserole.
• Gluten-Free Ravioli — Many stores now carry fresh or frozen gluten-free ravioli, making this dish easily accessible for those with sensitivities.
• Low-Sodium Broth & No-Salt-Added Tomatoes — Significantly reduces the overall sodium content while maintaining the deep, tomatoey flavor profile.
• Greek Yogurt or Light Cream Cheese — A tangy, lower-fat alternative to richer creams and cheeses in the sauce.
• Added Spinach or Mushrooms — Mixing in extra vegetables boosts the fiber and nutrient content without compromising the classic casserole feel.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread for a classic Italian-American dinner.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a balanced family meal.
• Perfect for potlucks and holiday gatherings—this casserole travels well and feeds a crowd.
• Elevate weeknight dinners by plating individual portions with a sprinkle of fresh basil and grated Parmesan.
• Create a cozy comfort food night by pairing with a simple mixed green salad with light vinaigrette.
• For special occasions, serve in a decorative baking dish and garnish with fresh herbs right before bringing to the table.

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole makes an impressive centerpiece for both casual family dinners and entertaining guests.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using watery jarred sauce without reducing it first. Fix: Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes to concentrate flavor and prevent a soupy casserole.
• Mistake: Overcooking the ravioli before baking. Fix: Use frozen or fresh ravioli directly, as they’ll cook perfectly in the sauce during baking.
• Mistake: Skipping the browning step for the meat. Fix: Brown ground beef or sausage thoroughly to develop a deeper, richer flavor base.
• Mistake: Using low-fat cheeses that don’t melt well. Fix: Stick with full-fat mozzarella and cream cheese for that signature creamy, luxurious texture.
• Mistake: Not seasoning each layer adequately. Fix: Taste and season your meat sauce and cheese mixture separately to ensure every bite is flavorful.
• Mistake: Baking in a dish that’s too shallow. Fix: Use a deep 9×13-inch casserole dish to contain all layers and prevent bubbling over.
• Mistake: Cutting into the casserole immediately after baking. Fix: Let it rest for 10-15 minutes so the layers set and it slices cleanly.
• Mistake: Overloading with too many cheese layers. Fix: Balance cheese with sauce and pasta to avoid a greasy, heavy final dish.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the casserole tightly or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a 350°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 25-30 minutes.

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

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both easy and delicious. We hope you love making it as much as we do! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment or rating. For more comforting meals, check out our Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe and subscribe for new recipes weekly.

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FAQs

Can I make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake when ready. This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole may need a few extra minutes in the oven if chilled.

What type of ravioli works best for this casserole?

Frozen cheese ravioli works perfectly as it holds its shape during baking. You can also use refrigerated or meat-filled ravioli. The key is to avoid overcooking the pasta before assembling your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply use cheese-filled ravioli and substitute the meat sauce with a robust marinara. Adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach enhances the flavor. This creates a delicious vegetarian version of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.