Name: Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 24 oz marinara sauce; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 20 oz cheese ravioli (refrigerated); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

The first time I made this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, I had no idea just how much everyone would fall in love with it. It was meant to be a quick weeknight dinner using a few pantry staples, but the end result was so decadent and full of comforting, cheesy goodness that it became an instant favorite. That first bite of creamy ricotta, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked ravioli sealed the deal.

I’ve always had a soft spot for pasta bakes, and this one tops the list. What makes it stand out is how simple it is to throw together while still tasting like you spent hours preparing it. The layers melt into each other with every bite: tender beef, melty mozzarella, and that signature ravioli texture that turns luxuriously soft and rich when baked.

If you’ve ever wished for a meal that feels like lasagna but takes half the time and effort, this casserole is for you. It’s become a go-to in my kitchen when I want to impress without stress. And the leftovers? Even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

This casserole brings together all the comfort of a hearty Italian dish with barely any prep. It’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and downright irresistible. The ravioli holds up beautifully in the oven, the cheese gets that perfect golden crust, and the flavors deepen into something magical after baking. You’ll love how easy it is to customize and how satisfying each slice is—every forkful is warm, cheesy bliss.

Ingredients

Ravioli: I use refrigerated cheese ravioli for the best texture. They’re soft, rich, and a perfect base for all the layers.

Ground Beef: Essential for the hearty, meaty depth in the casserole. I brown it well to lock in flavor.

Onion: Just a little adds aroma and builds a beautiful base for the meat sauce.

Garlic: Minced garlic brings a warm kick that balances the richness.

Marinara Sauce: A good jarred sauce saves time but still gives a homemade feel. It’s the saucy glue that ties everything together.

Cream Cheese: This is the secret to that “million dollar” creamy layer. It melts into the dish like a dream.

Ricotta Cheese: Adds body and a creamy tang, perfect when combined with the cream cheese.

Mozzarella Cheese: A must-have for gooey, stretchy, golden topping.

Parmesan Cheese: Just enough to give a salty, nutty finish to the top.

Italian Seasoning & Parsley: These herbs brighten the whole dish and give it that classic Italian flair.

How to Make the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by cooking the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft.

Step 2: Add the Sauce

Pour in the marinara sauce and stir everything together. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors combine nicely. Set it aside off the heat.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Stir until smooth and creamy. This will be your luscious middle layer.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of ravioli (uncooked if using refrigerated). Dollop and spread the creamy cheese mixture on top. Add more meat sauce and repeat the layers. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving. Enjoy your ooey-gooey Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole fresh from the oven!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you’re not a fan of ground beef, feel free to swap it out with ground turkey or Italian sausage. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat entirely and layer in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for heartiness. You can use frozen ravioli instead of refrigerated—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Want even more richness? Mix in a bit of sour cream or cottage cheese with the cream cheese layer.

The cheese options are flexible too. Try using shredded provolone or fontina along with mozzarella for more depth. A pinch of crushed red pepper can also add a subtle heat if you enjoy a little spice.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty Italian vinaigrette. Garlic bread or buttery breadsticks are perfect for scooping up the extra sauce. For drinks, a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a chilled sparkling water with lemon balances the richness.

If you’re serving a crowd, add a side of roasted vegetables or something fresh like my Roasted Zucchini and Squash to lighten the plate.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Let the casserole cool to room temperature before storing. You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, slice it into portions and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, cover a portion with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also microwave it, but the oven keeps that golden crust intact. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Bake it when ready, adding 5-10 minutes to the cook time.

What type of ravioli is best for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

I prefer cheese-stuffed ravioli, but meat-filled or spinach varieties work great too. Just use refrigerated or frozen ravioli, not dry.

Can I freeze Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole after baking?

Yes, it freezes beautifully. Let it cool, portion it out, and wrap well before freezing. Reheat in the oven or microwave when needed.

Is it okay to use low-fat cheeses in Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

You can, but the result won’t be as rich or creamy. If you’re cutting calories, try using part-skim ricotta and mozzarella.

How do I prevent Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole from drying out?

Keep it covered during the first part of baking and don’t overbake. A little extra sauce can also help keep things moist.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you loved this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, I highly recommend trying my Homemade Big Mac Wraps with Secret Sauce for another rich, cheesy dinner idea. You may also enjoy the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta or cozy up to the French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole next!

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

If this casserole made your dinner table as happy as it made mine, don’t forget to pin this recipe for later! It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime you need a comforting dish that wows. Share it with friends on Facebook, save it to your Pinterest board, or email it to someone who needs a little cheesy joy in their life.

Yield: 8 servings