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, rich marinara sauce, and a cheesy topping, it bakes into a comforting family meal. For more quick pasta inspiration, try the Creamy Cajun Sausage Ravioli Recipe or the Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs Recipe.

Ingredients

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole delivers incredible layers of flavor with creamy, cheesy richness and savory Italian sausage that will make this dish an instant family favorite.

• 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	35 minutes
Total Time	50 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 and Preheat Oven

Gather all ingredients including frozen or fresh ravioli, marinara sauce, cheeses, and any optional add-ins like cooked ground beef or Italian sausage. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when your casserole is assembled.

Step 2 — Create the First Sauce Layer

Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This base layer prevents the ravioli from sticking and adds moisture during baking.

Step 3 — Arrange the Ravioli Layer

Place a single layer of ravioli over the sauce, arranging them close together without overlapping. If using frozen ravioli, there’s no need to thaw them first—they’ll cook perfectly in the sauce.

Step 4 — Add Cheese and Repeat Layers

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the ravioli, then add another layer of sauce. Repeat with another layer of ravioli and more cheese, finishing with a final sauce layer on top.

Step 5 — Create the Creamy Topping

In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, and additional parmesan until well combined. Dollop this mixture over the final sauce layer, then spread gently to create an even topping.

Step 6 — Add Final Cheese Layer

Top the creamy layer with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, ensuring even coverage. For extra flavor, sprinkle with Italian seasoning or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.

Step 7 — Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.

Step 8 — Rest Before Serving

Remove the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the layers to set properly, making it easier to slice and serve neat portions.

Step 9 — Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil or parsley before serving. This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Nutrition

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 while reducing saturated fat
• Zucchini or eggplant slices — Lower-carb alternative to pasta that adds vegetable servings and nutrients
• Lentils or mushrooms — Plant-based protein swap that creates rich, meaty texture without animal products
• Nutritional yeast or cashew cream — Dairy-free cheese alternatives that provide creamy, cheesy flavor profile
• Whole wheat or chickpea pasta — Higher fiber gluten-free options that improve nutritional content
• Low-sodium broth and no-salt-added tomatoes — Reduces sodium significantly while keeping the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole flavorful
• Greek yogurt instead of ricotta — Higher protein dairy option that creates similar creamy texture with less fat
• Spinach or kale addition — Boosts vegetable content and nutrients without altering the casserole’s character

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp Caesar salad and 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 and grated Parmesan just before serving for restaurant-quality presentation
• Create individual portions in ramekins for elegant dinner parties
• Complement with a light Chianti or Pinot Noir to balance the rich flavors

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole makes an impressive centerpiece for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations where you want to serve something truly memorable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using frozen ravioli directly from the freezer. Fix: Thaw it first to prevent excess water from ruining your sauce consistency.
• Mistake: Overloading with too much cheese. Fix: Balance high-quality cheeses to avoid a greasy, heavy final dish.
• Mistake: Skipping the browning step for the meat. Fix: Always brown ground beef to develop a deeper, richer flavor base.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the sauce and filling. Fix: Taste and adjust seasoning at every layer for a perfectly seasoned casserole.
• Mistake: Not letting the casserole rest before serving. Fix: Allow it to set for 10-15 minutes so slices hold their shape beautifully.
• Mistake: Using a watery marinara sauce. Fix: Opt for a thick, robust sauce to prevent a soupy texture in your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.
• Mistake: Baking at too high a temperature. Fix: Cook at 375°F to heat through evenly without burning the cheesy top.
• Mistake: Forgetting to grease the baking dish. Fix: Always grease your pan thoroughly to ensure easy serving and cleanup.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Always allow your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole to cool completely before storing to maintain food safety and quality.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to assemble and packed with flavor. We hope you love it as much as we do! Give it a try, share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more delicious family-friendly recipes like this one.

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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 it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.

What can I use instead of frozen ravioli in this recipe?

You can substitute refrigerated or fresh ravioli for the frozen variety. Just adjust the baking time slightly, as fresh ravioli may cook faster. This ensures your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole still turns out perfectly rich and cheesy.

How do I store and reheat leftovers of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven until warmed through. The casserole retains its creamy texture well when reheated gently.