This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a cheesy, hearty, and absolutely irresistible dinner option that your family will rave about! Combining layers of tender ravioli, creamy cheese, and rich meat sauce, it’s like a lasagna but much easier to make. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting guests and want something that’s both impressive and effortless.
This ravioli casserole has become a go-to dish in our household, especially when I’m in need of a comforting meal that everyone will devour. My husband absolutely loves this casserole—he jokes that it’s called “Million Dollar” because it tastes like a million bucks! The first time I made it, the kids couldn’t stop asking for seconds, and now it’s on our regular dinner rotation. Whether it’s a casual family night or when friends come over, this casserole is always a hit. It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, and I love how easy it is to throw together, even on a busy day.
Why This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
- Layered with Creamy Cheeses: A luscious blend of cream cheese, ricotta, and sour cream envelops the ravioli, giving it a rich, creamy texture.
- Savory Meat Sauce: Lean ground beef, garlic, and Italian seasoning combine with marinara for a flavorful sauce that balances the creamy layers.
- Family-Friendly & Kid-Approved: It’s easy to prepare, and both adults and kids love the cheesy, comforting flavors.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a weeknight meal or a family gathering, this casserole is sure to please everyone.
- Quick and Easy: No need to boil the ravioli beforehand, making this a time-saving dish!
Ingredients:
Meat Sauce:
- 15g (1 tablespoon) olive oil
- 450g (1 lb) lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 680g (24 ounces) marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
Ravioli/Cheese Mixture:
- 680g (24 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli
- 225g (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 60g (1/4 cup) sour cream
- 180g (3/4 cup) ricotta cheese
For Topping:
- 113g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 56g (1/2 cup) grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
Meat Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Add the Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt.
- Turn off the heat and stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce until well combined. Set aside.
Ravioli/Cheese Mixture:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the frozen cheese ravioli to the bowl and toss them gently to coat with the cheese mixture.
Assembly:
- Spread the ravioli and cheese mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Pour the meat sauce over the top of the ravioli, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes:
- Ravioli Variations: While cheese ravioli works best for this dish, you can experiment with meat-filled or spinach-filled ravioli for a different flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Substitutions: For a lower-fat option, use light cream cheese and sour cream. You can also swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, and they reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying your family’s cravings for something warm, cheesy, and downright delicious!