Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

If you’re looking for a casserole that’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to impress, this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the perfect choice. With its creamy, cheesy layers and hearty meat sauce, it’s a family-friendly dinner that delivers restaurant-quality results right from your oven.

I first made this recipe as a quick alternative to lasagna, and it was an instant hit. It’s rich, comforting, and surprisingly easy to assemble. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a cozy pasta bake, this dish will quickly become a household favorite.

Let’s dive into this indulgent recipe for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole!

Quick Overview in Todd Wilbur’s Style

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole layers cheese-stuffed ravioli with a creamy ricotta mixture, savory meat sauce, and loads of melted cheese. It’s a quick and easy crowd-pleaser that tastes like it came straight from a fine Italian restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

Cheesy, Hearty, and Easy to Make

• Layers of Flavor: Creamy, cheesy, and savory in every bite.
• Quick and Easy: Uses store-bought ravioli and simple ingredients.
• Perfect for Crowds: Great for family dinners or potlucks.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and enjoy later for a stress-free meal.

What You Need for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Ricotta Layer:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option)
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Casserole:

• 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
2. Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, egg, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Add a single layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce.
3. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
4. Repeat the layers: ravioli, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce.
5. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the dish with foil (spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking).
2. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for Perfect Ravioli Casserole

1. Don’t Thaw the Ravioli: Frozen ravioli cooks perfectly in the oven and helps maintain its texture.
2. Customize the Sauce: Add mushrooms, spinach, or chopped bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

• Meatless Option: Skip the meat and use a chunky vegetable marinara sauce.
• Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

Make a Healthier Version

• Lean Protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Light Dairy: Opt for low-fat ricotta, sour cream, and mozzarella.
• Whole Grain: Use whole-grain or spinach-filled ravioli for added nutrients.

Categories: Main Course, Comfort Food, Pasta

Tags: Ravioli Casserole, Easy Dinner Recipes, Italian-Inspired, Family Meals

Frequently Asked Questions for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze this casserole?
   Absolutely! Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 20–30 minutes to the baking time.
3. What’s the best ravioli to use?
   Cheese ravioli works best, but spinach and ricotta or beef-filled ravioli are great options too.
4. How do I store leftovers?
   Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
5. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
   Yes, but reduce the baking time slightly since fresh ravioli cooks faster.
6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
   Absolutely! Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms make great additions to the layers.
7. What if I don’t have ricotta?
   Cottage cheese is an excellent substitute for ricotta.
8. Can I use a different sauce?
   Yes, Alfredo sauce or a creamy tomato sauce can add a unique twist.
9. What can I serve with this casserole?
   Pair with a fresh salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
10. How do I prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil?
    Spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray before covering the dish.
11. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, use two baking dishes for larger crowds.
12. What’s the yield for this recipe?
    This recipe serves 6–8 people, depending on portion size.

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Closing Thoughts

And there you have it—Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, a rich and comforting dish that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to impress your family and guests.

Happy baking, and enjoy every cheesy bite! 😊🍝