Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is pure comfort in a dish. It’s cheesy, saucy, and layered with soft ravioli, creamy filling, and plenty of melty goodness on top. Every bite tastes like a million bucks—but it’s so easy to make.

I threw it together on a busy weeknight, and it instantly became a favorite. The ricotta and cream cheese filling makes it super creamy, and the baked edges get golden and bubbly. It feels like a fancy lasagna but takes half the effort.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you need a no-fuss comfort meal. I’ll walk you through each step. It’s hearty, simple, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Meets Saucy: The blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan creates a silky, tangy layer that balances the savory marinara and meat. It gives a luxurious mouthfeel without overwhelming the dish.
• No-Boil Shortcut: Frozen cheese ravioli cuts out a major step. You layer them straight into the casserole—no need to pre-boil, saving time and cleanup.
• Perfect Make-Ahead Meal: This casserole holds up well in the fridge or freezer. Make it in the morning or even a day ahead, then bake when ready to eat.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a family of four or a casual dinner party, this is the kind of recipe that has people going back for seconds.
• Versatile Base: Once you’ve tried the classic version, you can riff on it with different meats, sauces, or cheese combinations to suit your taste.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Most of the prep involves browning the meat, mixing the cheese layer, and assembling the casserole.

Cook Time: 35 minutes
It bakes covered first to melt everything together, then uncovered to brown the cheese.

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings:
This makes about 6 generous portions—perfect for a hungry family. If you’re feeding more, double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch dish.

Difficulty Level:
Beginner-friendly. If you can brown meat and stir ingredients in a bowl, you can make this dish.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this recipe with ease, here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: For browning the ground beef or sausage and simmering the sauce. Use something heavy-bottomed for even heat distribution.
• Mixing Bowl (Medium): To combine the cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, and seasonings.
• 9×9-inch Baking Dish: You can also use an 11×7 if that’s what you have—just make sure it’s deep enough.
• Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For smoothing the layers and stirring cheese mixtures.
• Aluminum Foil: Essential for covering the dish during the first part of baking to prevent over-browning.
• Cheese Grater: If you’re using fresh mozzarella or Parmesan (which I recommend for better melt and flavor).
• Oven Mitts: Always good to have ready when transferring a hot dish.

Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of what makes each layer work and how they contribute to the final dish:

• 1 (25-ounce) bag Frozen Cheese Ravioli: These are the base of the casserole. You don’t need to thaw or cook them—just layer them in frozen. Use a quality brand with a good ricotta filling.
• 1 pound Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: This adds richness and protein to the dish. If you want more spice and flavor, go with hot Italian sausage. If you’re after a milder flavor, choose lean ground beef.
• 1 (28-ounce) jar Marinara Sauce: A classic red sauce provides acidity and moisture. Use a brand you love or homemade marinara. If it’s on the thin side, simmer it for 5 minutes to thicken before layering.
• 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened: The foundation of the “million dollar” filling. Soften it at room temperature to make mixing easier. It gives the casserole a creamy, velvety texture.
• 1 cup Sour Cream: Adds tang and richness, helping balance the heaviness of the cream cheese. You can sub in Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (divided): Half goes into the cheese layer, the rest is sprinkled on top for a nutty, golden crust.
• 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder: This helps punch up flavor without needing to chop fresh garlic.
• 1½ teaspoons Italian Seasoning: A dry blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and marjoram adds herby depth.
• ½ teaspoon Salt: Start small—especially if your marinara or cheese is already salted. Adjust to taste.
• 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For the top layer. Use low-moisture whole milk mozzarella for best melt and browning.

Variations for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Meatless Version: Skip the ground meat and double the cheese layer. Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian spin.
• Spicy Sausage Swap: Hot Italian sausage adds a punch of heat. Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• Different Ravioli: Spinach and cheese, beef-filled, or even lobster ravioli can elevate or change the direction of the dish.
• Extra Veggies: Layer in cooked spinach, caramelized onions, or roasted zucchini between ravioli for added texture and nutrition.
• More Cheese, Less Cream: If cream cheese isn’t your favorite, substitute ricotta cheese or increase the sour cream for a lighter texture.

How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Use a spatula to break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains—about 6–8 minutes. If using fattier meat, drain off excess grease to avoid a greasy sauce layer.

Chef Tip: For more flavor, you can sauté a finely chopped onion or a clove of minced garlic in the pan before adding the meat.

2. Add Marinara Sauce

Once the meat is browned and drained (if necessary), pour in the marinara sauce. Stir well to combine, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes to slightly thicken and deepen the flavor. Remove from heat.

Note: If your marinara is very thick, add a splash of water (2–3 tablespoons) to help it spread easily over the ravioli during assembly.

3. Mix the Cheese Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, half of the grated Parmesan (½ cup), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix with a spatula until smooth and well-blended. This mixture should be creamy, fluffy, and easy to spread.

Chef Tip: Use a hand mixer if your cream cheese isn’t blending easily. Softening it to room temp beforehand helps prevent clumps.

4. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish with oil or nonstick spray.

Assembly Instructions

5. Start Layering

Begin with a spoonful of meat sauce spread across the bottom of the baking dish—just enough to coat it lightly and prevent sticking.

• Add a single layer of frozen ravioli (about half the bag). Arrange them snugly but don’t overlap too much.
• Spread half of the cheese filling evenly over the ravioli using a spatula or back of a spoon.
• Top with half of the remaining meat sauce, smoothing it out evenly.
• Repeat the layers: ravioli → cheese mixture → remaining meat sauce.

6. Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the top with the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan.

Optional Add-on: A few dollops of ricotta or torn fresh basil leaves can go on top for added texture and aroma.

Baking Instructions

7. Bake Covered

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil (tent it slightly so it doesn’t stick to the cheese). Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the ravioli to cook through and all layers to meld.

8. Uncover and Brown

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for 5–10 more minutes until the top is bubbly and slightly golden. For a deeper crust, switch to broil during the last 2–3 minutes—but watch it carefully.

9. Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before cutting. This helps the layers set and makes serving cleaner.

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

This dish is hearty and filling on its own, but you can make it a complete meal with a few simple additions:

• Fresh Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette or balsamic glaze.
• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Ideal for scooping up extra sauce.
• Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or roasted carrots pair well with the creamy texture of the casserole.
• Red Pepper Flakes or Fresh Herbs: Let guests sprinkle their own for extra zing or color.

Storing Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

In the Refrigerator:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap.
• Keeps well for 3 to 4 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave (1–2 minutes), or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

In the Freezer:

• To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole fully but do not bake. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed (add 10–15 minutes to the bake time if still cold).
• Leftovers can also be frozen in single-serve containers for easy meal prep.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Quality Marinara: Since this recipe only has a handful of components, using a flavorful marinara (homemade or store-bought) makes a noticeable difference.
• Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Cold cream cheese won’t blend well. Let it sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before mixing, or microwave in short bursts until just soft.
• Don’t Overlayer: Keep layers thin and even to ensure everything cooks properly. Overcrowding the dish can lead to uneven cooking and soggy ravioli.
• Customize to Taste: Taste the cheese filling before layering. If you prefer it tangier, add more sour cream; if you want it cheesier, bump up the Parmesan.
• Let It Rest: Just like lasagna, this casserole needs a short rest after baking so the layers can settle and hold their shape when sliced.

Nutrition

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbohydrates	Fat	Saturated Fat	Sodium
1 portion (1/6 of casserole)	~520 kcal	23g	34g	31g	15g	~950mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the ravioli brand and sauce used.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole FAQs

Can I use refrigerated ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes. If using refrigerated ravioli, reduce the total bake time by about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the cheese browning.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the fridge and bake as directed when ready.

Is it okay to freeze after baking?

Yes, leftovers freeze well. Let the casserole cool completely, slice into portions, and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Can I make it without meat?

Definitely. Skip the meat and layer in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate blend of ease and indulgence. It takes the shortcut of frozen ravioli and transforms it into a comforting baked dish full of creamy layers and rich, savory sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this casserole delivers every time—and invites endless customization.