Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Introduction & Inspiration

Every now and then, I crave something rich, cheesy, and indulgent — something that feels like comfort food at its finest. That’s where this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole comes in. It’s hearty, creamy, and layered with all the flavors of classic lasagna, but way easier to make.

With tender cheese ravioli, a rich meat sauce, and a dreamy ricotta filling, this casserole earns its “million dollar” name. It’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or when you want to treat your family to a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Every bite is gooey, saucy, and packed with flavor — exactly what comfort food should be.

Nostalgic Appeal

Casseroles have always had a special place in my kitchen. They remind me of childhood dinners, potluck tables, and cozy Sunday evenings. This dish, in particular, brings back memories of my mom’s baked pasta dishes — bubbling over with cheese and always made with love.

What makes this one extra special is the ravioli. It’s like getting lasagna without all the layering fuss, but with that same creamy, cheesy payoff.

Even now, when this comes out of the oven, the aroma alone brings everyone to the kitchen.

Homemade Focus

While this dish uses convenient ingredients like store-bought marinara and frozen ravioli, it still feels completely homemade. The combination of ground beef, sautéed onions, and garlic builds a flavorful base. And the ricotta mixture — with cream cheese and sour cream — makes it taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.

The beauty is that it’s completely customizable. You can use beef, sausage, or even ground turkey, and swap in your favorite sauce or cheese blends. Homemade with ease — that’s my kind of dinner.

Flavor Goal

This casserole hits all the key flavors: savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and tender pasta — all topped with a gooey, golden cheese layer.

The meat sauce adds depth and heartiness.

Ravioli provides soft, cheesy pockets of flavor throughout.

The ricotta mixture is tangy, creamy, and rich.

Mozzarella brings that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Parmesan adds a salty, nutty kick on top.

The result is a bubbling, irresistible dish that feels like a celebration in every bite.

Ingredient Insights

Ground beef or Italian sausage: Use lean beef or spicy Italian sausage for different flavor profiles. Sausage adds extra punch.

Onion and garlic: These create the aromatic foundation that infuses the entire sauce with flavor.

Marinara sauce: Choose a high-quality jarred sauce, or use homemade if you have some on hand. The richer, the better.

Cheese ravioli: You can use fresh or frozen ravioli. Cheese-stuffed works best, but meat or spinach varieties also work well.

Mozzarella cheese: Shred it fresh for maximum melt and flavor. Whole milk mozzarella is extra creamy.

Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds salty richness on top.

Ricotta cheese: The base of the creamy filling — go for full-fat if possible for the best texture.

Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess.

Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese makes the filling extra decadent.

Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture so it bakes up firm.

Parsley, salt, pepper: Seasoning keeps the filling fresh, herby, and balanced.

Essential Equipment

You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish for layering.

A large skillet for cooking the meat sauce.

Mixing bowls for the ricotta filling.

A spatula and spoon for layering the components.

Aluminum foil to cover while baking.

List of Ingredients with Measurements

For the Casserole
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 package (25 oz) frozen or fresh cheese ravioli
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Ricotta Mixture
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef and 1 chopped onion
Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the meat is browned and the onion is soft
Drain excess fat
Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute
Stir in 1 jar of marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes
Remove from heat and set aside

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 4 oz softened cream cheese
Add 1 egg, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper
Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish
Arrange half of the ravioli in a single layer over the sauce
Spoon half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the ravioli
Top with half of the remaining meat sauce
Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella
Repeat with the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan

Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes
Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving

Step 6: Serve
Sprinkle with more parsley, if desired
Serve warm and enjoy the melty, saucy layers in every forkful

Troubleshooting

If your top layer isn’t browning, switch on the broiler for 2–3 minutes — just watch it carefully.

Too watery? Let it cool a bit before cutting, and make sure the ricotta mixture is well-drained.

Want it cheesier? Add extra mozzarella between layers or on top.

Using frozen ravioli? There’s no need to thaw — just bake a few minutes longer.

Tips and Variations

Use spinach ravioli for added greens and extra flavor.

Add cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the ricotta mix for a veggie twist.

Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.

Make individual servings in ramekins for a dinner party presentation.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Pair with red wine like Chianti or Cabernet for a bold, comforting combo.

Great for meal prep — just portion into containers and reheat for easy lunches.

Serve with roasted vegetables like zucchini or broccoli for balance.

Nutritional Information

This casserole is rich in protein and calcium thanks to the meat and cheese.

It’s indulgent, but balanced with the addition of eggs and ricotta.

Make it lighter by using turkey sausage, low-fat cheeses, or Greek yogurt.

A little goes a long way — it’s filling, hearty, and makes generous portions.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is layered with tender cheese ravioli, creamy ricotta filling, rich meat sauce, and melty mozzarella — all baked into a golden, bubbling comfort dish.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes — assemble the casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze unbaked. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 50–60 minutes, covered.

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of ravioli?
You can, but adjust the liquid slightly and bake longer to ensure the noodles cook through.

How long does it last?
It keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes — skip the meat or use a meat substitute. Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for bulk.

This dish is creamy, rich, and always a crowd-pleaser — and I hope it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.