Introduction

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner that tastes like a million bucks without the fuss. Using frozen ravioli and simple ingredients, it creates a rich, cheesy baked pasta dish the whole family will love. If you enjoy ravioli bakes, you might also like this Creamy Cajun Sausage Ravioli Recipe or this Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs Recipe for more delicious variations.

Ingredients

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole combines rich, creamy cheeses with savory Italian sausage and tangy sauce for an unforgettable comfort food experience that feels truly indulgent.

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 (28-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 Tbsp parsley
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 (25-oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	50 minutes

Context: This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is about 20% faster than similar recipes thanks to its simple assembly and use of pre-made ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Meat Sauce

Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat before adding one diced onion and two minced garlic cloves, cooking until softened and fragrant.

Stir in a 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 2 — Mix the Creamy Filling

In a medium bowl, combine 16 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, one beaten egg, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.

Mix until well blended. For extra creaminess, you can substitute half the ricotta with cream cheese at room temperature.

Step 3 — Assemble the First Layer

Spread about 1/2 cup of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a single layer of frozen cheese ravioli (about 20 ounces) over the sauce.

Press the ravioli gently into the sauce to prevent them from shifting during baking.

Step 4 — Add the Cheese Layer

Spoon the ricotta mixture over the ravioli layer and spread it evenly with a spatula. Top with half of the remaining meat sauce, spreading carefully to cover the cheese filling.

Step 5 — Repeat the Layers

Add another layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce. Cover with the rest of the meat sauce, making sure all ravioli are submerged to prevent drying out.

For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella over the top.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges are bubbling vigorously.

Step 7 — Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes for cleaner portions.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485
Protein	24g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fat	22g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	980mg

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 fat content
• Zucchini or eggplant slices — Lower-carb alternative to traditional pasta that adds vegetable servings
• Lentils or mushrooms — Plant-based protein swap that creates rich, meaty texture without animal products
• Low-fat ricotta or cottage cheese — Reduced-fat dairy option that keeps the creamy filling texture
• Nutritional yeast or cashew cream — Dairy-free alternatives that provide cheesy flavor without lactose
• Gluten-free ravioli or wonton wrappers — Perfect for dietary restrictions while maintaining the layered structure
• Reduced-sodium marinara and cheeses — Cuts salt significantly while preserving the classic Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole taste
• Whole wheat or chickpea pasta — Higher fiber option that adds nutritional value to this comforting dish

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this rich Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with a crisp Caesar salad and warm garlic bread for a classic Italian-American dinner.
• Serve alongside roasted asparagus or steamed green beans to add a fresh, vibrant component that cuts through the richness.
• Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings—this casserole feeds a crowd and travels well in a disposable pan.
• Elevate weeknight dinners by pairing with a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette for a quick, balanced meal.
• For a cozy comfort food night, serve in shallow bowls with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil.
• Make it a special occasion meal by serving with a side of homemade garlic knots and a robust red wine.

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for everything from casual family suppers to holiday feasts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using watery sauce that makes the casserole soggy. Fix: Simmer your sauce longer to reduce excess liquid before assembling.
• Mistake: Overcooking the ravioli before baking, causing mushiness. Fix: Use frozen or fresh ravioli directly; the oven will cook them perfectly.
• Mistake: Skipping the cheese layer between ravioli, missing richness. Fix: Add a generous shredded cheese layer for that signature “million dollar” gooeyness.
• Mistake: Not seasoning the ricotta mixture, leading to bland flavor. Fix: Always mix salt, pepper, and herbs into ricotta for a flavor boost.
• Mistake: Baking uncovered the entire time, resulting in dry top. Fix: Cover with foil for most of baking, then remove to brown the cheese topping.
• Mistake: Using only one cheese type, limiting complexity. Fix: Combine mozzarella, parmesan, and a creamy cheese for depth.
• Mistake: Packing ravioli too tightly, preventing sauce penetration. Fix: Arrange ravioli in a single layer with space for sauce to seep through.
• Mistake: Skipping the rest time after baking, causing a soupy slice. Fix: Let the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole rest 10 minutes for clean cuts.
• Mistake: Overloading with extra fillings that water out. Fix: If adding veggies like spinach, sauté first to remove moisture.
• Mistake: Using low-fat cheeses that don’t melt well. Fix: Stick with full-fat cheeses for the creamiest, most luxurious texture.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in a freezer-safe container, for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a 350°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 25-30 minutes.

For best quality, let the casserole cool completely before storing. Always use a food thermometer to ensure it is reheated to a safe temperature.

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! If you try it, please leave a comment or rating. For more family-friendly dinners, check out our Turkey Sausage Pasta or Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash. Don’t forget to subscribe for more amazing recipes!

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FAQs

Can I prepare the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

What can I use instead of frozen ravioli in this recipe?

You can substitute fresh ravioli or even cheese-filled tortellini for the frozen ravioli. Adjust the baking time slightly if using fresh pasta, as it may cook faster. This substitution still yields a delicious Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.

How should I store and reheat leftovers of this casserole?

Store any leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven until warmed through.