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, this comforting dish comes together in minutes. If you enjoy ravioli dishes, try the Creamy Cajun Sausage Ravioli Recipe or the Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs Recipe for more delicious variations.

Ingredients

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole delivers layers of creamy, cheesy comfort with rich Italian sausage and tangy tomato sauce that bakes into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 (28-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (25-ounce) package frozen cheese ravioli
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	55 minutes

Context: This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole comes together about 25% faster than similar layered pasta recipes thanks to its streamlined assembly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all ingredients: frozen cheese ravioli, ground beef, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and seasonings. Let refrigerated items sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 2 — Brown the Ground Beef

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease, then stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 3 — Mix the Cheese Layer

Combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Mix until smooth—this creamy layer adds richness to your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.

Step 4 — Assemble the Casserole

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange frozen ravioli in a single layer, top with cheese mixture, then remaining sauce. Finish with shredded mozzarella.

Step 5 — Cover and Bake

Cover dish tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. This steams the ravioli perfectly without drying out the cheese.

Step 6 — Uncover and Brown

Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. The casserole should be heated through with slightly crisp edges.

Step 7 — Rest Before Serving

Let the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking. This allows layers to set for cleaner slices.

Nutritional Information

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

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole adapts beautifully to various dietary needs without sacrificing its signature comfort food appeal.

• Lean Ground Turkey — A lighter protein alternative that maintains the savory meatiness while reducing overall fat content.
• Whole Wheat Ravioli — Adds fiber and nutrients for a more wholesome version of this classic pasta dish.
• Zucchini Noodle Base — Creates a lower-carb foundation that still delivers satisfying texture and absorbs the rich sauce beautifully.
• Nutritional Yeast Topping — Provides a cheesy flavor profile for dairy-free diets while adding beneficial B vitamins.
• Gluten-Free Ravioli — Makes this casserole accessible for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining the traditional pasta experience.
• Low-Sodium Broth & Cheese — Reduces salt content significantly without compromising the deep, savory flavors that define this dish.
• Plant-Based Meat Crumbles — Offers a vegetarian protein option that mimics the texture and heartiness of traditional ground meat.
• Cashew Cream Sauce — Creates a luxuriously creamy dairy-free alternative that complements the ravioli perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp Caesar salad and warm garlic bread for a classic Italian dinner.
• Serve alongside roasted asparagus or green beans for a balanced family meal.
• Perfect for potlucks and holiday gatherings—it travels well and feeds a crowd.
• Top with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan right before serving.
• Offer with a light red wine like Chianti to complement the rich flavors.
• Create individual portions in ramekins for an elegant dinner party presentation.

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is versatile enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive for special occasions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using watery sauce that makes the casserole soggy. Fix: Simmer your sauce longer to reduce liquid or use a thicker, high-quality jarred sauce.
• Mistake: Overcooking the ravioli before baking, causing it to become mushy. Fix: Use frozen or fresh ravioli and bake directly—the oven will cook it perfectly.
• Mistake: Skimping on the cheese layers, resulting in a dry dish. Fix: Generously layer cheese between ravioli and on top for that signature rich, gooey texture.
• Mistake: Not seasoning the ricotta mixture, leading to a bland filling. Fix: Always mix salt, pepper, and herbs like basil or oregano into your ricotta.
• Mistake: Baking in a shallow dish, which can cause overflow and uneven cooking. Fix: Use a deep 9×13 casserole dish to contain all layers safely.
• Mistake: Skipping the rest time after baking, making it difficult to slice. Fix: Let your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole rest for 10-15 minutes so it sets beautifully.
• Mistake: Using only one type of cheese, missing complex flavor. Fix: Combine mozzarella for meltiness with Parmesan or Romano for a sharp, savory kick.
• Mistake: Forgetting to grease the baking dish, causing sticking. Fix: Lightly coat your dish with olive oil or cooking spray for easy serving.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Cover and bake at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 20-30 minutes for refrigerated portions or 45-60 minutes for frozen.

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 truly a crowd-pleasing comfort food. We hope you love this easy, cheesy baked pasta 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 family-friendly recipes like our Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble this casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

What kind of ravioli works best for this recipe?

Frozen cheese ravioli works perfectly for this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole as it holds its shape well during baking. You can also use refrigerated ravioli, but avoid overcooking it before assembling to prevent it from becoming too soft.

How can I add more protein to the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

For extra protein, mix in cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken with the sauce. You can also use meat-filled ravioli to enhance the protein content of your casserole.