Hearty Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, look no further than this Hearty Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe. This casserole brings together tender, cheesy ravioli smothered in rich marinara, layered with a savory meat sauce and an irresistibly creamy blend of cheeses. Every forkful boasts a delightful mix of textures and flavors that make it a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry family. The magic lies in its simplicity combined with decadence, making your mealtime both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Hearty Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding creaminess, or giving that perfect golden finish. Don’t underestimate their simplicity—they come together beautifully to create a dish that tastes way fancier than it looks.

• Non-stick cooking spray or olive oil for greasing: Keeps the casserole from sticking and helps create an easy cleanup.
• Fresh cheese ravioli (20-ounce package) or frozen (24-ounce): Tender pasta pockets packed with creamy cheese, the heart of this casserole.
• Marinara sauce (40-ounce jar): Divided use adds that bright, tangy tomato flavor that complements meat and cheese perfectly.
• Ground beef (1 lb 90% lean): Adds a hearty, savory depth and satisfying meaty texture.
• Mild Italian sausage (½ lb, casings removed): Boosts flavor with subtle spices, balancing the richness.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Provides luscious creaminess and helps bind the filling layers together.
• Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Lightens the cheese mixture and adds a classic Italian touch.
• Sour cream (¼ cup): Adds a slight tang for complexity and contributes to creaminess.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and a subtle punch of garlicky goodness.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with fragrant herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors without overwhelming.
• Shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully and creates that irresistible gooey, stretchy top layer.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Adds a nutty, savory bite and helps brown the casserole to perfection.

How to Make Hearty Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by setting your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and giving your baking dish a nice coating of non-stick spray or olive oil. This ensures your masterpiece comes out without a sticky mess and helps develop a beautiful crust around the edges.

Step 2: Toss Ravioli with Marinara

In a medium bowl, gently mix the ravioli with about one cup of the marinara sauce. This initial coating helps the pasta cook more evenly when baked and infuses it with that familiar tomato flavor right from the start.

Step 3: Cook the Meat

Over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and mild Italian sausage in a large skillet. Keep stirring until the meat is fully cooked and the juices run clear—this usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. If you notice any excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish hearty but not greasy.

Step 4: Mix Meat with Marinara

Now, stir in two cups of the marinara sauce into your cooked meat. This blend becomes the savory, rich topping layer that contrasts oh-so-well with the creamy cheese layer beneath.

Step 5: Blend the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt until you get a smooth, luscious mixture. This is what makes the casserole stand out—the beautiful creamy layer that ties everything together.

Step 6: Layer the Ingredients

Spread the remaining marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of your greased baking dish, creating a tangy base. Next, arrange one-third of the ravioli over the sauce. Smooth the creamy cheese mixture over that layer of ravioli, ensuring every piece gets some love. Then place the remaining ravioli on top, followed by spooning the meat and marinara sauce evenly over the pasta.

Step 7: Add the Cheese Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan across the top, like the crowning glory of your casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to let the flavors meld and the cheeses melt. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling deliciousness. For an extra touch of crispiness, pop the casserole under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes but keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 8: Let it Rest

Once your Hearty Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe is out of the oven, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This small pause helps the layers set a little, making it easier to serve up perfect portions brimming with cheesy, saucy goodness.

How to Serve Hearty Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley sprinkled over the top can brighten the look and aroma, adding a splash of green and a fresh note that balances the richness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can add a subtle zing for those who like a little heat.

Side Dishes

This casserole is quite filling on its own, but serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette adds refreshing crunch and balance. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect to scoop up the leftover sauce and oozy cheese. For a veggie boost, roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach complement the rich and hearty main beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Layering the casserole in clear glass dishes creates a stunning visual display of the creamy, meaty, and cheesy layers. And if you’re short on time, assemble the casserole in the morning and bake it fresh for dinner—it’s a meal that feels like a treat any time of day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Hearty Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe will keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor, and you’ll have ready-to-go meals that taste almost as good as fresh.

Freezing

Want to stash a batch for later? This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble and bake it fully, then allow it to cool completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power until warm through, or pop the whole casserole back in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) covered with foil for about 20 minutes. Removing the foil in the last 5 minutes helps restore that irresistible bubbly and golden top.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ravioli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If you’re using frozen ravioli, just adjust the quantity slightly to 24 ounces, and toss it with sauce while still frozen. It will cook perfectly baked inside the casserole.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef and Italian sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite roasted veggies instead. Use a hearty marinara sauce to keep the flavor satisfying.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble everything the night before and refrigerate it, then bake fresh when you’re ready to eat for convenience and maximum flavor.

Why do we mix cream cheese, ricotta, and sour cream?

Combining these cheeses creates a luxuriously smooth, creamy layer that contrasts deliciously with the hearty meat sauce and tender pasta—giving the dish a richer depth of flavor and texture.

What can I serve with Hearty Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe?

A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables are great options. They help balance the richness of the casserole while adding variety to your meal.

Final Thoughts

If comfort food had a champion, this Hearty Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe would take the crown every time. It’s the perfect blend of cheesy, meaty, and saucy layers that feel like a special occasion without the fuss. Once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen, ready to impress family and friends with every serving. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious casseroles you’ll ever make.

Hearty Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 78 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Hearty Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a comforting baked pasta dish featuring layers of tender cheese ravioli, savory meat sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole combines rich Italian flavors with ease and convenience.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cooking Essentials

• Non-stick cooking spray or olive oil for greasing the dish

Main Ingredients

• 1 (20-ounce) package fresh cheese ravioli (or 24-ounce frozen ravioli)
• 1 (40-ounce) jar marinara sauce, divided
• 1 lb 90% lean ground beef
• ½ lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed

Cheese Mixture

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Toppings

• 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using non-stick cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Toss Ravioli with Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the fresh or frozen ravioli with 1 cup of marinara sauce, tossing gently to coat. Set this mixture aside for layering.
3. Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and mild Italian sausage, breaking the meat apart, until browned and fully cooked through, which will take about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Add Marinara to Meat: Stir 2 cups of marinara sauce into the cooked meat mixture in the skillet, then remove the pan from heat.
5. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and kosher salt. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
6. Layer Sauce in Baking Dish: Spread the remaining marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish to create a flavorful base layer.
7. Layer Ravioli: Place one-third of the sauced ravioli over the marinara sauce in the baking dish.
8. Add Cheese Layer: Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the ravioli layer.
9. Add Remaining Ravioli: Add the remaining ravioli mixture on top of the cheese layer to create a second layer.
10. Top with Meat Sauce: Pour the prepared meat sauce evenly over the top of the ravioli layer.
11. Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole for a cheesy crust.
12. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to meld flavors and heat thoroughly.
13. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Optionally, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end for a nicely browned top.
14. Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to let it set for easier serving and to enhance flavors.

Notes

• Frozen ravioli can be used but may require slight adjustments in cooking time or thawing.
• For a spicier version, substitute mild Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage.
• Broiling at the end is optional but adds a beautiful golden crust to the cheese topping.
• The casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; add extra baking time if cooking from cold.
• Use leaner meat to reduce fat content if desired.
• Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian