This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate cheesy, indulgent comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for a family dinner. Layers of tender cheese ravioli, creamy cheese filling, and rich, savory meat sauce come together in one satisfying dish. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a hearty dish for a gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation – No need to boil ravioli beforehand. Just mix, layer, and bake.
• Ultra-Cheesy & Creamy – A rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella makes every bite delicious.
• Hearty & Satisfying – Packed with ground beef and ravioli for a comforting, filling meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Make ahead and refrigerate or freeze for later.
• Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this baked ravioli casserole.

Part 1: Ingredients & Step-by-Step Instructions

Essential Kitchen Tools

Before you start, gather these tools:

• Large skillet – To brown the ground beef.
• Mixing bowl – For the creamy cheese mixture.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – To assemble and bake the casserole.
• Aluminum foil – Helps prevent over-browning.

Ingredients

Casserole Base:

• 1 (25-ounce) package frozen cheese ravioli
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (28-ounce) jar marinara sauce

Creamy Cheese Mixture:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt

Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 400°F (204°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

• In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
• Drain excess grease.
• Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

• In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Cream cheese (softened)
  • Sour cream
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt
• Stir until smooth and well-mixed.
• Gently fold in the frozen ravioli, coating them in the mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the ravioli mixture in the baking dish.
2. Spread the meat sauce evenly over the top.
3. Sprinkle with ½ cup Parmesan cheese and 1 cup mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

• Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan, if desired.

Best Side Dishes for Ravioli Casserole

Pair this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with these delicious sides for a well-rounded meal.

1. Garlic Bread – The crispy, buttery texture complements the cheesy casserole perfectly.
2. Caesar Salad – A fresh, tangy salad balances the richness of the dish.
3. Steamed Green Beans – A light vegetable side adds color and freshness.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – A savory, caramelized side for added texture.
5. Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil enhance the Italian flavors.
6. Roasted Broccoli – A nutritious and simple side dish.
7. Minestrone Soup – A warm and hearty starter that pairs well with pasta dishes.
8. Cheesy Garlic Knots – A fun alternative to classic garlic bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time, avoid these common mistakes.

• Overbaking – Cooking for too long can dry out the casserole. Stick to the recommended time.
• Skipping the Rest Time – Allowing the casserole to sit for 10 minutes after baking helps the layers set.
• Using Too Much Sauce – Overloading with marinara sauce can make the dish soggy instead of creamy.
• Forgetting to Cover While Baking – Covering with foil during the first half of baking prevents the cheese from over-browning.
• Not Draining the Beef – Leaving excess grease in the sauce can make the dish greasy. Drain the ground beef after browning.
• Using Fresh Ravioli Without Adjusting Cook Time – Fresh ravioli cooks faster than frozen, so slightly reduce the baking time if using fresh pasta.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Proper storage and reheating will help maintain the texture and flavor of the casserole.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Freezer Storage

• Freeze the casserole before or after baking for up to 1 month.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then cover with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before wrapping and freezing.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on a microwave-safe plate for 2 to 3 minutes, checking halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh ravioli works well, but since it cooks faster, you may need to reduce the baking time by 5 to 10 minutes.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add an extra 5 minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes. You can use ground turkey, Italian sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute for a different flavor profile.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

No, but it can be easily adapted. Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or plant-based crumbles, and use a vegetarian marinara sauce.

What’s the best cheese to use for this casserole?

A combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta creates the best flavor and texture. You can also add cheddar or provolone for a slightly different taste.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too watery?

• Drain excess grease from the ground beef.
• Avoid using too much marinara sauce.
• Allow the casserole to rest before slicing to help the layers set properly.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes. Chopped spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers can be mixed into the cheese filling or sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is an easy, satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. With layers of creamy cheese, tender ravioli, and rich meat sauce, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Pair it with garlic bread, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It also stores and reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers.

Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out. If you made any variations, share them in the comments. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy baked ravioli casserole!

Print

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

This indulgent, cheesy ravioli casserole features layers of tender ravioli, creamy cheese filling, and a rich meat sauce, making it the ultimate comfort food for any night of the week!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 1 25-ounce package frozen cheese ravioli
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 28-ounce jar marinara sauce
• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

• Set oven to 400°F (204°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook the Meat Sauce:

• Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
• Stir in marinara sauce and set aside.

Make the Cheese Mixture:

• In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, half of the Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt until smooth.
• Gently fold in the frozen ravioli.

Layer the Casserole:

• Spread the ravioli mixture in the baking dish.
• Pour meat sauce over the top.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan and 1 cup of mozzarella.

Bake:

• Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for 15 more minutes until bubbly.

Rest & Serve:

• Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Time Saver: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef.
Storage: Keeps in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with crusty bread and a Caesar salad.