Nothing says cozy, family dinner quite like a baked casserole, and this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole hits all the right notes for a truly comforting meal. Inspired by classic Italian flavors, this casserole combines the creamy, cheesy goodness we crave in a lasagna with the simplicity of ravioli. With layers of rich marinara, savory ground beef, and a velvety ricotta-sour cream blend, each bite delivers hearty satisfaction. Perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or when you need a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe brings both taste and comfort straight to your table. And while it may sound fancy, it’s surprisingly easy to put together—making it a go-to for busy evenings when you still want a “million-dollar” meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Comfort: With minimal prep and just a handful of steps, it brings maximum comfort with minimal fuss.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy, cheesy layers combined with tender ravioli and beefy marinara make this casserole a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or a second meal during the week.
- Customizable: Add in your favorite vegetables or switch up the cheese to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce (or homemade if preferred)
- 1 package (24 oz) frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Beef
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan, then stir in the marinara sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside. - Prepare the Cream Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add a rich, luxurious layer to the casserole, providing that signature “million-dollar” texture. - Layer the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the beef marinara mixture across the bottom. Place a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce, slightly overlapping if needed. Spoon a layer of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle with a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers—beef sauce, ravioli, ricotta mixture, mozzarella—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top. - Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with foil, ensuring it’s sealed tightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. - Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- For a Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce if you like a bit of heat.
- Creamier Texture: If you want an even creamier filling, substitute half of the sour cream with softened cream cheese.
- Add Veggies: To sneak in some greens, layer in spinach, mushrooms, or finely chopped zucchini along with the marinara sauce.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano sprinkled on top just before serving can add a bright, fresh flavor to the finished dish.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Family-friendly
Notes
- Frozen ravioli works best for this recipe, as it holds up nicely during baking. No need to thaw it beforehand!
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and add an extra layer of vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Calcium: 20% of Daily Value
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, simply bake as directed.
Can I freeze Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Serve this casserole with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
You can, but keep in mind that fresh ravioli may cook faster, so you might need to reduce the baking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Storage Instructions
To store any leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer portions to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, check out these other family-friendly, cheesy casseroles:
Conclusion
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole brings everything you love about classic Italian flavors into a single, easy-to-assemble dish. With layers of gooey cheese, tender ravioli, and savory marinara sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or potlucks. So grab that baking dish, gather your ingredients, and get ready to serve up a meal that’s every bit as indulgent and satisfying as its name suggests!
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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Description
Nothing says cozy, family dinner quite like a baked casserole, and this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole hits all the right notes for a truly comforting meal. Inspired by classic Italian flavors, this casserole combines the creamy, cheesy goodness we crave in a lasagna with the simplicity of ravioli. With layers of rich marinara, savory ground beef, and a velvety ricotta-sour cream blend, each bite delivers hearty satisfaction. Perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or when you need a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe brings both taste and comfort straight to your table. And while it may sound fancy, it’s surprisingly easy to put together—making it a go-to for busy evenings when you still want a “million-dollar” meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce (or homemade if preferred)
- 1 package (24 oz) frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan, then stir in the marinara sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside. - Prepare the Cream Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add a rich, luxurious layer to the casserole, providing that signature “million-dollar” texture. - Layer the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the beef marinara mixture across the bottom. Place a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce, slightly overlapping if needed. Spoon a layer of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle with a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers—beef sauce, ravioli, ricotta mixture, mozzarella—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top. - Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with foil, ensuring it’s sealed tightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. - Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Frozen ravioli works best for this recipe, as it holds up nicely during baking. No need to thaw it beforehand!
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and add an extra layer of vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
