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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes

This layered casserole features tender ravioli combined with a rich, seasoned meat sauce and a creamy blend of cheeses. The dish is built with layers of thawed frozen ravioli, browned ground beef simmered in tomato-based sauce, and a smooth mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan, and Italian herbs. After assembly, it's baked under foil to retain moisture, then uncovered to achieve a golden bubbly crust from shredded mozzarella. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, it gathers comforting Italian flavors with minimal prep and an hour of baking. Variations include swapping meats or adding vegetables for extra depth, while letting it rest before serving helps the layers set cleanly. The casserole stores well refrigerated or frozen for easy reheating.

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Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 22:24:31 GMT
A bowl of pasta with meat and cheese. Pin
A bowl of pasta with meat and cheese. | easydiyrecipes.com

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole has saved dinnertime in my house more nights than I can count. It takes the humble frozen ravioli and turns it into that bubbling showstopper everyone hopes to see on the table. Layers of rich meat sauce creamy cheese and gooey mozzarella melt into each other for the ultimate comfort food experience.

I made this the first time for a family birthday and it was gone in minutes. Now my friends always request it when we do potlucks and I am always happy to oblige.

Ingredients

  • Frozen cheese ravioli: about 20 ounces look for ones with ricotta for extra creaminess
  • Ground beef: 1 pound use lean for less grease or swap for turkey for a lighter version
  • Marinara sauce: 2 cups a good quality jarred sauce adds deep flavor and saves time
  • Cream cheese: 8 ounces softened for the signature creamy tang
  • Sour cream: half a cup makes the filling incredibly smooth and rich
  • Parmesan cheese: half a cup grated fresh is best for nutty bold flavor
  • Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups shredded gives you that irresistible browned top
  • Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon brings savory aroma use granulated for even flavor
  • Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon for a classic herby finish
  • Salt: to taste brings together all the flavors choose kosher for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Set the oven to 375°F and grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with a little butter or oil so nothing sticks. Do this first to be ready when the layers are assembled.
Brown the Beef and Sauce:
Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat breaking it up with a spoon until fully browned. Drain any extra fat then pour in the marinara sauce stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
In a big mixing bowl use a spoon or mixer to blend the cream cheese sour cream Parmesan garlic powder and Italian seasoning until everything is smooth and fluffy with no lumps. This helps spread the cheesy layer easily.
Layer the Casserole:
Arrange half the ravioli in an even layer on the bottom of your baking dish. Spoon half the meat sauce over then spread half the creamy cheese mixture gently on top. Repeat with the remaining ravioli meat sauce and creamy mixture. Finish with an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese all over.
Bake and Bubble:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake it for 25 minutes so the ravioli cooks through and absorbs all those flavors. After that remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese on top is melted golden and bubbling.
Rest and Serve:
Take the casserole out and let it rest on the counter for about 10 minutes before serving. This sets the layers and makes it easy to slice neat portions.
A dish of lasagna with meat and cheese. Pin
A dish of lasagna with meat and cheese. | easydiyrecipes.com

My favorite part is the golden mozzarella layer on top—it tastes as good as it looks. Watching everyone dig into this casserole brings back memories of cozy family dinners where seconds are always requested and plates come back wiped clean.

Storage Tips

After cooling this casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Place leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to freeze it I recommend assembling and freezing before baking or after baking and cooling. Either way let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to get the best melty cheese texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have ground beef try ground turkey Italian sausage or even veggie crumbles for a vegetarian dish. You can swap in cottage cheese for some of the cream cheese if needed. Use your preferred pasta sauce homemade or jarred and experiment with different blends of cheese for fun new flavors.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus are lovely on the side. If you want to dress it up for company pair it with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with fresh citrus.

A close up of a delicious pasta dish. Pin
A close up of a delicious pasta dish. | easydiyrecipes.com

A Little History

This dish takes inspiration from baked ziti or lasagna but with the easy shortcut of ravioli. It brings together the Italian American casserole tradition making things friendlier for busy cooks yet still full of flavor. Ravioli itself has a long Italian heritage and this recipe is a wonderful celebration of that comfort food spirit brought to the family table.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Fresh ravioli cooks faster than frozen, so adjust baking time accordingly and check for doneness to avoid overcooking.

→ Why is it important to let the casserole rest before serving?

Resting for about 10 minutes allows the layers to set firmly, making it easier to slice and serve neat portions.

→ Can I prepare the dish in advance?

Yes, the casserole can be assembled and refrigerated ahead. When baking from cold, add extra cooking time to ensure it's heated through.

→ Are there alternatives to ground beef for the meat layer?

Ground turkey or Italian sausage work well as substitutes, offering different but delicious flavor profiles.

→ What is the purpose of covering the dish with foil during baking?

Covering with foil prevents the cheese from browning too quickly and helps the ravioli cook evenly and retain moisture.

→ Can I add vegetables to the layers?

Yes, adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even a layer of pesto can enhance flavor and add a fresh dimension.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Tender ravioli layered with seasoned meat sauce and three cheeses, baked for a comforting, hearty meal.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
50 min
By: Evelyn

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings (One 9x13 inch casserole)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Pasta

01 570 g frozen cheese ravioli, thawed

→ Meat Sauce

02 450 g lean ground beef
03 480 ml marinara sauce
04 1 tsp garlic powder
05 1 tsp Italian seasoning
06 Salt, to taste

→ Cheese Mixture

07 225 g cream cheese, softened
08 120 ml sour cream
09 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
10 180 g shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 190°C and grease a 23x33 cm baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 02

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 03

In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and uniform.

Step 04

Spread half of the thawed ravioli evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the meat sauce over the ravioli, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, meat sauce, and cheese mixture. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 05

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and keep the casserole moist.

Step 06

Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the mozzarella is golden and bubbly.

Step 07

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow layers to set for clean slicing and serving.

Notes

  1. Thawing ravioli before assembling ensures a better texture and even cooking. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
  2. The initial covered baking prevents premature browning while thoroughly cooking the ravioli.

Tools Required

  • 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Info

Double-check all ingredients to spot potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and gluten from ravioli

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 26 g