Introduction

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Using frozen ravioli and simple ingredients creates a rich, cheesy baked pasta dish that tastes like a million bucks. For more delicious ravioli variations, try this Creamy Cajun Sausage Ravioli Recipe or this Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs Recipe.

Ingredients

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole combines rich, creamy cheeses with savory Italian sausage and tangy marinara sauce for an incredibly comforting dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 (28 oz) jar spaghetti or marinara sauce
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (25 oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients and Preheat Oven

Gather all ingredients including frozen ravioli, marinara sauce, shredded cheese, and any optional meat or vegetables. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when your casserole is assembled.

Tip: Let frozen ravioli sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to prevent excess moisture in your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.

Step 2 — Create the First Layer

Spread about ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange a single layer of ravioli over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.

Tip: Use store-bought or homemade marinara—both work beautifully in this easy Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole recipe.

Step 3 — Add Cheese and Sauce Layers

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the ravioli. Follow with another ½ cup of sauce, spreading it evenly over the cheese.

Tip: For extra creaminess, mix ricotta cheese with the shredded cheeses before layering.

Step 4 — Repeat the Layers

Add another layer of ravioli, then more cheese and sauce. Continue alternating until all ingredients are used, finishing with a cheese layer on top.

Tip: Press down gently on each layer to compact the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole slightly, which helps it hold together when serving.

Step 5 — Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes to allow the ravioli to cook through and the flavors to meld.

Tip: The foil trap steam that helps cook the ravioli perfectly without drying out your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.

Step 6 — Uncover and Brown the Top

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.

Tip: For extra browning, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 7 — Check for Doneness

Insert a knife into the center of the casserole—it should slide through the ravioli easily without resistance. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Tip: The edges should be bubbling vigorously, indicating your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is fully heated through.

Step 8 — Rest Before Serving

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut clean portions.

Tip: The resting time is crucial for the perfect Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole texture—rushing this step can make it soupy.

Step 9 — Serve and Enjoy

Use a spatula to portion out squares of the casserole. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

Tip: This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485
Protein	24g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fat	22g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	890mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean Ground Turkey or Chicken — Lighter protein option that maintains savory flavor while reducing saturated fat.
• Whole Wheat or Chickpea Ravioli — Higher fiber alternative that adds nutrients while keeping the classic Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole texture.
• Zucchini Noodle Base — Low-carb foundation that absorbs sauce beautifully while adding vegetable servings.
• Nutritional Yeast Cheese Sauce — Dairy-free option providing cheesy flavor with B-vitamins and reduced calories.
• Low-Sodium Marinara Sauce — Heart-healthy swap that controls salt without sacrificing Italian seasoning notes.
• Plant-Based Ground Crumbles — Meat-free protein alternative that mimics traditional texture with less cholesterol.
• Gluten-Free Ravioli — Perfect for dietary restrictions while maintaining the comforting Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole experience.
• Greek Yogurt Instead of Ricotta — Higher protein, lower fat filling that creates creaminess with tangy notes.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this rich Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with a crisp Caesar salad and warm garlic bread for a classic Italian-American feast.
• Serve alongside roasted asparagus or green beans with almonds for a lighter, elegant dinner party.
• This casserole is a perfect potluck or game day dish; transport it in its baking dish for easy serving.
• For a comforting family weeknight meal, simply serve the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole straight from the oven with a side of steamed broccoli.
• Elevate your plating by garnishing with fresh chopped basil or parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking for cleaner slices that hold their shape beautifully on the plate.

This versatile Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole fits any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive holiday gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using frozen ravioli without thawing first. Fix: Thaw completely to prevent excess water from ruining your sauce consistency.
• Mistake: Overcooking the ravioli before baking. Fix: Use uncooked or slightly undercooked pasta since it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Mistake: Skipping the meat browning step. Fix: Always brown ground beef thoroughly to develop deeper flavor in your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.
• Mistake: Using watery jarred pasta sauce straight from the jar. Fix: Simmer sauce first to thicken and concentrate flavors.
• Mistake: Not seasoning each layer adequately. Fix: Season meat, sauce, and cheese layers separately for balanced flavor throughout.
• Mistake: Overloading with too many cheese types. Fix: Stick to 2-3 complementary cheeses to maintain clean flavor profiles.
• Mistake: Baking without a proper resting period. Fix: Let casserole rest 10-15 minutes after baking for cleaner slices.
• Mistake: Using the wrong baking dish size. Fix: Use a 9×13 inch dish to ensure even cooking and proper layering.
• Mistake: Not testing ravioli doneness before assembling. Fix: Taste one ravioli to confirm texture and adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Mistake: Rushing the broiling step for browning. Fix: Watch closely during broiling—30-60 seconds is usually sufficient for perfect golden topping.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Cover and bake at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 20–30 minutes for refrigerated portions or longer if frozen.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is safely reheated to 165°F before serving.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both easy and delicious. We hope you love it as much as we do! Try the recipe, then leave a comment with your review. For more family-friendly dinners, check out our Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Casserole Recipe and Classic Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble this casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving. This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

What type of ravioli works best for this casserole?

Frozen cheese ravioli works perfectly as it holds its shape during baking. You can also use refrigerated or meat-filled ravioli. The key is to ensure the ravioli is not overcooked before assembling the casserole.

How can I customize my Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or vegetables like spinach and mushrooms. You can also mix in different cheeses or use a different pasta sauce. This flexibility makes the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole a versatile family favorite.