Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe for Dinner Magic

Crafting a million dollar ravioli casserole brings unexpected magic to your dinner table.

Layers of cheesy goodness promise to surprise even seasoned home cooks.

Rich pasta sheets nestle between savory ingredients that meld perfectly.

Creamy textures combine with robust marinara notes for an irresistible comfort meal.

Weeknight dinners deserve something extraordinary that feels like a gourmet experience.

Every forkful delivers a decadent blend of Italian-inspired flavors.

Dive in and create this spectacular dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Q&A

• Can I use homemade ravioli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Homemade ravioli works perfectly. Just ensure they’re cooked al dente before mixing with the cream cheese mixture.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier and refrigerate. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Definitely! Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based meat alternative will work great in this recipe.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No worries. Create your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary to match the flavor profile.

Why Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Feels Special

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Combine all favorite Italian flavors in one delicious casserole without complex cooking techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty ground beef, creamy cheese mixture, and classic marinara sauce that keeps everyone satisfied.
• Quick Assembly Magic: Mix ingredients in minutes, layer in a baking dish, and let the oven do the heavy lifting for a stress-free meal.
• Family Weeknight Winner: Combines frozen ravioli and simple ingredients for a hassle-free dinner that appeals to kids and adults alike.

What’s In Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich base that adds hearty flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Frozen Ravioli: Convenient pasta pockets that form the core of this comforting dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato sauce that provides rich, tangy flavor to the meat layer.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: These ingredients create a smooth, creamy texture and add richness to the casserole.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: These cheeses provide a delicious melty topping and deep savory notes.

• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt: These spices and herbs bring depth and traditional Italian-style flavor to the dish.

Step-By-Step Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Guide

Step 1: Preheat The Cooking Space

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 400°F. This will ensure your casserole bakes perfectly and creates a golden, crispy top.

Step 2: Prepare The Baking Vessel

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat the interior with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Transform The Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium flame and cook the ground beef until it turns brown. Drain away any excess fat using a colander to keep the dish light and not greasy.

Step 4: Create The Meaty Base

Pour marinara sauce into the cooked beef and mix thoroughly. Set this savory mixture aside for layering later.

Step 5: Whip Up The Creamy Blend

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Parmesan cheese (half the amount)
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt

Blend until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Step 6: Incorporate The Pasta

Gently fold the frozen ravioli into the creamy mixture, ensuring each pasta pocket gets fully coated.

Step 7: Layer The First Base

Spread the ravioli and cream mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish.

Step 8: Add The Meat Layer

Pour the marinara-beef mixture over the ravioli, creating a delicious second layer.

Step 9: Sprinkle The Cheese Topping

Generously scatter remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the casserole.

Step 10: Initial Baking Phase

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 11: Final Baking Touch

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top becomes bubbly and golden.

Step 12: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes, which helps it set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Smart Tips For Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Prevent Ravioli Sticking: Gently toss frozen ravioli with cream cheese mixture to ensure each piece gets coated, preventing clumping during baking.
• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove all excess grease from ground beef to keep the casserole from becoming oily and maintain a rich, clean flavor.
• Choose Quality Sauce: Select a high-quality marinara sauce with robust tomato flavor to elevate the overall taste of the dish.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and create a perfectly melted, stretchy texture.
• Customize Heat Level: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the meat sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick in their casserole.

Tweak Ideas For Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free ravioli and ensure marinara sauce is gluten-free certified.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute ravioli with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter dish.

Great Pairings For Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Select a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich meat sauce and creamy cheese layers, cutting through the casserole's richness with bright acidity.
• Craft Crisp Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan to provide a fresh, light contrast against the hearty casserole's dense textures.
• Garlic Herb Breadsticks: Bake homemade or store-bought breadsticks brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with Italian herbs to soak up the delicious marinara and cheese sauce.

How To Store Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from the container.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to restore crispy cheese top.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Culinary magic happens when Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole combines cheesy pasta layers with rich meat sauce, creating an irresistible comfort dish. Hearty Italian-inspired flavors meld perfectly, promising a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Pasta:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 25-ounce (709 grams) package frozen cheese ravioli

Cheese and Creamy Components:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 28-ounce (794 grams) jar marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Sauté ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly draining any excess fat to ensure a clean, lean base for the casserole.
3. Incorporate marinara sauce into the cooked beef, creating a rich and flavorful meat mixture.
4. Blend cream cheese, sour cream, half of the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt until the mixture reaches a silky, uniform consistency.
5. Gently integrate frozen ravioli into the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring each pasta pocket is evenly coated.
6. Distribute the ravioli mixture across the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
7. Cascade the prepared meat sauce over the ravioli, covering the entire surface.
8. Generously sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese across the top of the casserole.
9. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the ravioli to heat through.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and the edges become bubbly.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving, which helps set the layers and intensify the flavors.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess oil pooling in the casserole, ensuring a cleaner and less greasy final dish.
• Use fresh or homemade marinara sauce for enhanced flavor complexity and richer taste profile compared to store-bought versions.
• Select high-quality frozen ravioli with robust filling like cheese or meat to maintain structural integrity during baking and deliver more satisfying texture.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, diet-friendly variations without compromising overall deliciousness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 630 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 810 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg