Imagine cozying up to a bubbling, irresistibly cheesy pasta bake that’s not just easy to throw together, but tastes like pure comfort in every forkful. That’s the magic of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, a dish that layers tender cheese-stuffed ravioli with a savory meat sauce and a creamy, dreamy blend of cheeses. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone around the table feel taken care of – and yes, it really does taste like a million bucks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is found in its simple, honest ingredients, each one playing an essential role. From the robustness of Italian sausage to the creaminess of cheese, every component brings out something special in this crowd-pleaser.
- Frozen cheese ravioli (1 25-ounce bag): Shaves off prep time while delivering pillowy, cheesy bites that hold up perfectly in the bake.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Gives the casserole a hearty, satisfying backbone that melds beautifully with the sauce.
- Italian sausage (1/2 pound, casings removed): Adds complexity and a hint of spice, making the meat sauce extra flavorful.
- Small onion (diced): Builds sweet and savory depth as the base for the meat mixture.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Don’t skip this! It’s key for that unmistakable Italian aroma and taste.
- Marinara or pasta sauce (1 24-ounce jar): A trusty shortcut that lays the saucy foundation without any fuss.
- Cream cheese (1 8-ounce package, softened): Blends into a silky layer that gives the casserole its trademark richness.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Lightens the cream cheese and cuts through the richness with a subtle tang.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts to create that ultimate stretchy, golden topping everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Bakes into a flavorful crust and deepens the Parmesan notes throughout.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch delivers instant herby fragrance that transforms the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and letting them shine.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and a fresh finish that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of nonstick spray or a brush of olive oil. This ensures easy serving later and helps the casserole lift out in perfect squares with all those glorious layers intact.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Aromatics
In a big skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef and Italian sausage together, crumbling them up as you go. Add in the diced onion and keep cooking until the meat loses its pinkness and the onion is soft, about 7 to 8 minutes. Once everything’s looking golden and delicious, drain off any extra fat. Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just a minute—it gets fragrant fast!
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in your marinara sauce along with Italian seasoning, a solid pinch of salt, and a good grind of black pepper. All those flavors will simmer together for about 5 minutes, soaking into the meat. This base makes the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole savory, zesty, and deeply comforting.
Step 4: Blend the Creamy Layer
While the sauce simmers, grab a small bowl and mix together softened cream cheese with sour cream until the mixture is super smooth. This combo transforms the filling—you get a luscious, slightly tangy layer that melts into the ravioli as it bakes.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of your greased casserole dish to anchor the ravioli and keep them from sticking. Lay down half of your frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer. Spread half the cream cheese mixture over the ravioli, dollop style, then use a spatula to smooth it out. Top with half the remaining meat sauce. Repeat: more ravioli, the rest of the creamy mix, and finally the rest of the meat sauce.
Step 6: Cheese It Up and Bake
Now for the moment of magic! Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top—the more, the merrier. Cover your dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to let everything get bubbly. Uncover, then bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until it’s gorgeously golden and you just can’t wait anymore.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Let the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole rest for about 10 minutes after coming out of the oven. This helps everything set for perfect servings. Finish with a shower of fresh parsley if you like—it adds color and a touch of freshness right before you dig in.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Garnishes
For a classic Italian-American flair, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil across the top just before serving. A light dusting of extra grated Parmesan gives a lovely salty finish, while a drizzle of good olive oil can make each slice gleam. You could even scatter a few red pepper flakes for warmth if you’re feeling bold!
Side Dishes
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole pairs beautifully with garlicky breadsticks or a basket of warm, crusty Italian bread—perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. A crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette offers the perfect balance to all the creamy richness, while roasted veggies or simple sautéed green beans keep things fresh and colorful at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready look, bake your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for individual servings that delight guests. Or, turn leftovers into lunch by tucking a hot slice into a bento box with a little salad and fruit on the side. For potlucks, transport it in a foil pan and garnish on site for maximum wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole keep like a dream! Simply cover the cooled dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 4 days. The layers stay creamy and delicious, making lunch or an easy dinner a total breeze.
Freezing
Want to get ahead or save some for later? Assemble the casserole right up to the final cheese layer, then cover tightly and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. You can also freeze baked portions—wrap them snugly, label, and stash away for busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave until heated through, or rewarm larger sections in a 350°F oven covered with foil to keep them moist. This method restores that creamy, gooey goodness, so it’s just as cozy as when it was first baked.
FAQs
Can I use refrigerated ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Refrigerated ravioli work just as well and may cook slightly faster in the casserole. If using fresh, check for doneness a little earlier to avoid overcooking.
Can this casserole be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a meatless Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole by omitting the ground beef and sausage. Swap in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite roasted veggies for a delicious, flavorful alternative.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and microwave for 10-20 seconds, or leave it sitting out at room temperature for about 30 minutes ahead of time. Softened cream cheese ensures the creamy layer blends smooth and easy.
How can I make it spicier?
Try swapping in spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for heat. You can even sprinkle some diced hot peppers into the layers for extra kick.
Can I prep Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This is perfect for making weeknight dinners or entertaining stress-free.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s both luxurious and easy enough for any night of the week, you truly can’t go wrong with Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. Every creamy, cheesy, saucy bite is pure comfort, and it just might become your new go-to for gatherings or busy family dinners. Give it a try, share it with those you love, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “seconds please!”
Print
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. Layers of cheese ravioli, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese mixture, baked to golden perfection, make this a crowd-pleasing favorite for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Frozen Cheese Ravioli:
1 (25-ounce) bag
Ground Beef:
1 pound
Italian Sausage:
1/2 pound, casings removed
Onion:
1 small, diced
Garlic:
3 cloves, minced
Marinara or Pasta Sauce:
1 (24-ounce) jar
Cream Cheese:
1 (8-ounce) package, softened
Sour Cream:
1 cup
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:
1 1/2 cups
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup
Italian Seasoning:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Fresh Parsley:
for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the meats: In a skillet, brown beef, sausage, and onion. Add garlic, then sauce and seasonings; simmer.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: Combine cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Layer the casserole: Spread meat sauce, ravioli, cream cheese mixture, and repeat. Top with cheeses.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for additional time until golden.
- Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest, then garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a meatless version, omit the meat and use spinach or sautéed mushrooms.
- Consider using spicy sausage for an extra kick of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
