If you’re craving a meal that’s rich, indulgent, and family-approved, this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the recipe you need. It’s layered with pillowy cheese ravioli, creamy ricotta, tangy marinara, and gooey mozzarella—baked together until bubbling hot. The name comes from the fact that it tastes like a million bucks without costing much or taking hours to make.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday dinner, this dish combines the flavor of lasagna with the simplicity of ravioli, making it a crowd-pleaser every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Quick & Easy – No need to boil pasta or fuss with layers of lasagna sheets.
- ✅ Family Favorite – Even picky eaters devour it.
- ✅ Customizable – Works with frozen, fresh, or homemade ravioli.
- ✅ Freezer-Friendly – Make it ahead and bake later.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make the ultimate ravioli casserole:
- 2 packages (20 oz each) frozen cheese ravioli (or use fresh if preferred)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 lb Italian sausage or ground beef (optional, for extra protein)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for lighter option)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Ravioli → Any type works! Cheese, spinach, or meat-filled.
- Ricotta Mix → The combo of ricotta + cream cheese + sour cream gives it the creamy “million dollar” texture.
- Meat Option → Add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or even shredded chicken.
- Sauce → Marinara is classic, but vodka sauce or arrabbiata adds a flavor twist.
Instructions – Step by Step
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook meat (if using): In a skillet, brown Italian sausage or beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Stir in 2 cups marinara sauce.
- Make the creamy layer: In a bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
- Assemble casserole:
- Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Add half the ravioli in a single layer.
- Spread half the creamy ricotta mixture over the ravioli.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella + Parmesan.
- Repeat layers with remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, sauce, and cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden.
- Rest & serve: Let sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Pro Tips for Success
- Cover loosely with foil for the first 20 minutes to prevent cheese from burning.
- Use fresh mozzarella slices on top for a gooey, restaurant-style finish.
- For a luxury twist, drizzle with truffle oil before serving.
- Double the recipe and freeze one for later!
Variations
- 🥦 Vegetarian: Use spinach ravioli + sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.
- 🍗 Protein Boost: Add shredded chicken or turkey.
- 🌶️ Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage + crushed red pepper.
- 🍝 Lasagna Style: Add a layer of spinach or kale between ravioli layers.
What to Serve with Ravioli Casserole
This dish is rich and cheesy, so pair it with:
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- Caesar salad or mixed greens
- Roasted vegetables (zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli)
- Red wine (Chianti, Merlot) or sparkling water with lemon
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Assemble casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Nutrition (Per Serving – approx. 8 servings)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
(Values may vary depending on ingredients used.)
FAQs
Q: Can I make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely. Fresh ravioli cooks faster, so reduce baking time by 5–7 minutes.
Q: How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
Make sure to use plenty of sauce and cover with foil for the first half of baking.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—just use gluten-free ravioli and double-check the marinara sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and saucy flavors—without the fuss of traditional lasagna. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or meal prep, this dish always delivers comfort and satisfaction.
✨ Try it once, and it’ll become a go-to family favorite in your kitchen!
