Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe: A Comforting, Creamy Pasta Bake Everyone Will Love
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy cheese, savory meat, and tender pasta, the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is your dream dish. This recipe takes the classic ravioli to the next level, transforming it into a hearty baked casserole that feels indulgent and tastes like a million bucks. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners when you want something rich, filling, and easy to make.
What Is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a layered pasta bake made with cheese-filled ravioli, ground beef or sausage, creamy cheese mixtures, and marinara sauce. The “million dollar” name comes from the irresistible combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella that gives the dish a luxurious, velvety texture and flavor.
This casserole is reminiscent of lasagna but much easier to assemble — no noodles to boil or layers to fuss over. Just mix, layer, and bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this crowd-pleasing dish:
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1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
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1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
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1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup sour cream
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create a creamy, cheesy masterpiece:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook the meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until cooked through. Drain the fat and stir in the marinara sauce.
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Prepare the creamy layer: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
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Assemble the casserole:
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Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
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Add half of the frozen ravioli in an even layer.
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Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture on top.
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Repeat layers with the remaining ravioli, cream mixture, and meat sauce.
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Top with cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
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Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simple to make: No boiling or layering pasta sheets.
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Ultra creamy texture: Thanks to the blend of cream cheese and sour cream.
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Perfect for leftovers: Reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
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Customizable: Swap the meat for ground turkey or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version.
Tips for the Best Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
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Use frozen ravioli straight from the bag — no need to thaw.
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Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
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Try different sauces like tomato basil or spicy arrabbiata for variation.
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Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this rich casserole with:
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A crisp green salad
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Garlic bread or breadsticks
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A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
Conclusion
The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole recipe is an easy yet impressive dish that delivers comfort and luxury in every bite. With its rich layers of cheese, flavorful sauce, and tender pasta, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole truly lives up to its “million dollar” name.