Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Craving a cheesy, hearty pasta bake that tastes like a million bucks? This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is your answer. Made with layers of tender ravioli, rich marinara sauce, creamy cheese filling, and a golden, bubbly topping, this casserole is comfort food perfection—and it’s incredibly easy to make. It’s a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or just when you want a no-fuss meal that feels indulgent.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultra Creamy – A special cheese layer adds decadent texture and flavor.
Family Favorite – Even picky eaters love this saucy, cheesy bake.
No Boiling Required – Use frozen or fresh ravioli right from the package.
Freezer-Friendly – Perfect for prepping ahead.
Feeds a Crowd – Easily serves 6–8 hungry mouths.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
• 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the “Million Dollar” Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or basil (optional for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Spatula or spoon
• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or chicken over medium heat until browned.
Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
This layer is the “million dollar” secret—super rich and flavorful!

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Layer half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce.
Spoon and spread all of the creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli.
Top with half of the remaining meat sauce.
Add the rest of the ravioli, followed by the remaining meat sauce.
Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for Best Results
Use Frozen Ravioli – No need to thaw; it bakes perfectly from frozen.
Go Meatless – Skip the ground meat or use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
Add Spinach – Stir a cup of chopped fresh spinach into the cheese mixture for extra nutrients.
Make Ahead – Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Double Up – Make one to bake now and freeze one for later.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – For scooping up all that extra sauce.
Caesar Salad – Crisp and refreshing with creamy dressing.
Roasted Vegetables – Adds color and a healthy side option.
Antipasto Platter – Perfect if you’re serving this casserole for a crowd.
Iced Tea or Lemonade – A cool, light drink balances the richness.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap the entire unbaked casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating:
Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until hot (about 20–25 minutes).
Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use meat ravioli instead of cheese?
   Yes! Meat ravioli works just as well and adds even more savory flavor.
2. Do I have to use ricotta?
   You can substitute with cottage cheese or an extra ½ cup of sour cream if you prefer.
3. Can I use fresh ravioli?
   Absolutely. Just reduce the bake time by about 10 minutes.
4. Is this casserole spicy?
   Not at all, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce if you like a little heat.
5. Can I use a different sauce?
   Sure! Try alfredo for a creamy twist, or a spicy arrabbiata for bold flavor.

Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole lives up to its name with layers of creamy cheese, hearty sauce, and melty goodness in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer, this dish delivers all the comfort of lasagna with a fraction of the work.

Bake it up and enjoy a cozy, satisfying meal that tastes like a million bucks—without the fancy ingredients or prep!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: American–Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 530 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fat: 32g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 780mg

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