Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
By Jason Griffith | ChefManiac.com
Introduction
Say hello to your new weeknight favorite: Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. This dish is all about the layers—savory beef marinara, tender cheese-stuffed ravioli, and a decadent creamy cheese blend, all topped with golden, bubbly mozzarella. It’s everything you love about lasagna… without all the effort.
If you’re a fan of cozy, cheesy meals like this Dorito Casserole or Sheet Pan Quesadillas, you’re going to fall hard for this one.
Why I Love This Recipe
First off, it lives up to the hype—this casserole does taste like a million bucks. Second, it’s incredibly easy. No boiling noodles, no fussing with layers. Just mix, layer, bake, and devour. The combination of cream cheese, ricotta, and sour cream creates a velvety filling that contrasts beautifully with the hearty meat sauce and pillowy ravioli.
It’s comfort food elevated—just the way we like it.
Ingredients
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Protein: Swap beef for spicy Italian sausage or ground turkey.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat or sub with mushrooms and spinach.
- Sauce: Use your favorite jarred marinara or go homemade if time allows.
- Ravioli Options: Cheese is classic, but meat or spinach-filled ravioli also work well.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess grease. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and fully mixed.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread half of the beef sauce into the baking dish.
- Layer half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the ravioli.
- Add the remaining ravioli, then the rest of the beef sauce.
- Top with 2 cups of mozzarella and ½ cup grated Parmesan.
5. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t thaw the ravioli—they cook perfectly from frozen in the oven.
- Use room-temp cream cheese so the cheese mixture blends smoothly.
- Add chopped fresh basil or parsley after baking for a fresh finish.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Make it a full meal with:
- A fresh Caesar salad or roasted garlic green beans
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders as a party pairing
- Beer Cheese Dip and crusty bread for a fun appetizer
- A glass of red wine or Italian soda to sip alongside
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Reheat: Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you love creamy, layered casseroles or crowd-pleasing dinners, try:
Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is everything you want in a comfort meal—easy, rich, and ridiculously satisfying. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal trains, or anytime you want a cozy dish that tastes like it took hours to make.
Try it out and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to tag @gtagriff900 on ChefManiac to share your cheesy creations and discover even more flavor-packed recipes.
