Introduction
Imagine a dish so rich, cheesy, and indulgent that it tastes like a million bucks—literally! This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender cheese-filled ravioli, savory ground beef, and a creamy, gooey cheese sauce that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings, this casserole is a game-changer. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something decadent, this recipe delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Rich & Decadent – With layers of cheese, meat, and pasta, every bite is pure comfort.
Easy to Make – Uses frozen ravioli for a shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing – A guaranteed hit at parties, holidays, or family dinners.
Customizable – Swap the meat, cheese, or sauce to suit your taste.
Plus, it’s a great way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients & Tools
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
- 1 (25 oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Tools Needed:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
Step 2: Cooking the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
- Preheat & Prep – Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your baking dish.
- Brown the Meat – In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Layer the Casserole – Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the baking dish. Arrange half the frozen ravioli in a single layer, followed by half the meat, half the Alfredo sauce, and half the cheeses. Repeat the layers.
- Bake to Perfection – Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 3: Serving & Garnishing
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness. Pair with garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Making the Best Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Use High-Quality Sauces – A good marinara and Alfredo sauce make a big difference.
Don’t Thaw the Ravioli – Frozen ravioli holds its shape better during baking.
Add Veggies – Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers add nutrition and flavor.
Make It Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for a kick.
For an extra-cheesy version, mix ricotta into the layers or top with extra mozzarella.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overbaking – This can dry out the sauce. Remove when bubbly and golden.
Skipping the Rest Time – Letting it sit ensures cleaner slices.
Using Low-Fat Cheese – Full-fat cheese melts better and tastes richer.
Not Seasoning the Meat – Browned meat needs salt, pepper, and spices for flavor.
Avoid these pitfalls for a perfectly creamy, flavorful casserole every time.
FAQs About Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Q: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
A: Yes, but reduce the baking time by 5-10 minutes to prevent overcooking.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes! Assemble (unbaked), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Conclusion
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the definition of comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress.
Print
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food
- Total Time: 1 Hour
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. This dish combines cheesy ravioli with a creamy filling and savory sauce, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the minced garlic, dried basil, and dried oregano to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli, then top with half of the remaining meat sauce.
Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce.
Sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese blend and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this rich and comforting ravioli casserole.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
