Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is one of those recipes that instantly feels like home the moment it comes out of the oven. Bubbling with layers of tender ravioli, rich meat sauce, and an irresistibly creamy cheese filling, this dish earned its “million dollar” name for a reason—it tastes indulgent, luxurious, and celebratory, yet it’s made with everyday ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
I’m Lily Anne Bakehart, Recipe Developer and Editor at DishWhirl, and this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is deeply personal to me. Growing up, casseroles were the heartbeat of our family table. My grandmother believed the best meals fed both the body and the soul, and my mother taught me that comfort food didn’t need to be complicated—it just needed care. Over the years, I’ve tested countless baked pasta dishes, but this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole remains the one my family requests most, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner.
At DishWhirl, I spend my days developing recipes that are warm, approachable, and reliable, and this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole perfectly reflects my kitchen philosophy: make it warm, make it easy, make it feel like home. This recipe has been tested, retested, and refined to guarantee creamy layers, balanced flavor, and a foolproof bake that works every single time—even for beginner cooks.
If you love cozy pasta bakes like Million Dollar Baked Ziti, this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole takes things one step further with pillowy ravioli pockets and a rich, luscious cheese layer that melts seamlessly into every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
- Ultra-creamy layers thanks to ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream
- No boiling required—use frozen ravioli straight from the bag
- Budget-friendly but tastes restaurant-worthy
- Family-approved comfort food even picky eaters love
- Perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks or freezer prep
- Customizable with different ravioli fillings or sauces
Compared to traditional lasagna or baked ziti, Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole saves time without sacrificing flavor. The ravioli replaces multiple layers of pasta and filling, giving you a rich, satisfying bite every single time—no complicated assembly required.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Main Ingredients
- Frozen cheese ravioli (25 oz) – The heart of the casserole; no thawing needed
- Ground beef (1 lb) – Adds savory richness (swap with Italian sausage if desired)
- Marinara sauce (24–28 oz) – Choose a high-quality jar for best flavor
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened) – Creates that signature “million dollar” creaminess
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup) – Lightens the filling and balances richness
- Sour cream (½ cup) – Adds tang and silkiness
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded) – For melty, gooey layers
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated) – Sharpens and deepens flavor
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Aromatic backbone
- Italian seasoning (1½ tsp) – Brings classic herb notes
- Salt & black pepper – To taste
- Fresh parsley or basil – Optional garnish
Easy Substitutions
- Use spinach or mushroom ravioli for a vegetarian version
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken
- Replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Step-by-Step
- Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Cook the meat sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to build flavor. - Make the creamy cheese layer
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, half the mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth. This layer is what gives Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole its signature richness. - Assemble the casserole
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of frozen ravioli, followed by half of the cheese mixture, then more sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and remaining mozzarella on top. - Bake to perfection
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden. - Rest and serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set beautifully.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta made with frozen ravioli, rich meat sauce, and a luxurious cheese filling—easy, comforting, and unforgettable.
Ingredients
25 oz frozen cheese ravioli
1 lb ground beef
24–28 oz marinara sauce
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup sour cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella
½ cup grated Parmesan
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 dish.
Brown beef with garlic and seasoning; stir in marinara.
Mix cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, half mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Layer sauce, ravioli, cheese mixture; repeat.
Top with remaining mozzarella.
Cover and bake 30 minutes; uncover and bake 15–20 minutes more.
Rest 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
What Makes Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole So Special
The magic of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole lies in its balance. The ravioli provides built-in structure and flavor, while the creamy cheese layer melts into the sauce, creating a texture that’s richer than lasagna but lighter than you’d expect. It’s indulgent without being overwhelming—exactly the kind of dish that makes people go back for seconds.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezer Tips
This casserole is a dream for meal prep. You can assemble it completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding 5–10 extra minutes if chilled.
To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for 3–4 days, making this a perfect next-day lunch option.
Helpful Expert Tips for Best Results
- Use high-quality marinara—it makes a noticeable difference
- Don’t overbake; creamy casseroles should be bubbly, not dry
- Let it rest before serving for clean slices
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes, Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is an excellent make-ahead recipe. You can fully assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, place it directly in the oven and add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold. This makes Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole perfect for busy weeknights, holidays, or stress-free entertaining.
Can you freeze Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole before or after baking?
Absolutely. Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole freezes beautifully both before and after baking. To freeze unbaked, assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze leftovers, let the baked casserole cool completely, then portion and freeze in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until hot and bubbly.
What type of ravioli works best for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
Cheese ravioli is the most popular choice for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole because it complements the creamy sauce perfectly. However, spinach, mushroom, beef, or Italian sausage ravioli also work wonderfully. Using frozen ravioli is recommended since it holds its structure better during baking and helps maintain defined layers.
How do you keep Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole from becoming watery?
To prevent Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole from turning watery, use thick marinara sauce and avoid overloading the casserole with extra liquid. Baking the dish covered first and then uncovered at the end helps excess moisture evaporate while allowing the cheese to brown. Letting the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving also helps the layers set properly for clean slices.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is more than just a baked pasta—it’s a warm, comforting dish that brings people together around the table. Creamy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again. I hope this dish finds a place in your kitchen the way it has in mine. If you try it, share it with someone you love, leave a comment, and keep spreading that big-love energy—one casserole at a time.
