This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. With layers of frozen cheese ravioli, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy cheese mixture, this casserole is baked to perfection and topped with a golden, bubbling layer of melted mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. It’s the kind of dish everyone will love!

Why Make This Recipe

Flavorful and Satisfying

The layers of tender ravioli, savory beef, marinara sauce, and creamy cheese come together to create a comforting and filling meal. The blend of ricotta, cottage cheese, and sour cream makes the cheese mixture smooth and rich, complementing the hearty meat sauce.

Perfect for Gatherings

This casserole is a great choice for feeding a crowd. It’s easy to make, yields generous portions, and is always a hit at parties, family dinners, or gatherings. Plus, it’s a make-ahead recipe, so you can prepare it in advance and bake it just before serving.

Simple and Delicious

With minimal prep work and ingredients, this dish is simple to put together, but it tastes like it came from a five-star restaurant. The combination of ravioli, cheese, and savory beef sauce makes for a deliciously indulgent meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients & Substitutions

2 packages (25 ounces each) frozen cheese ravioli: Frozen ravioli saves time and effort but still provides that authentic Italian flavor. You can use any type of ravioli—cheese, spinach, or meat-filled ravioli will all work great.
1 pound ground beef: Ground beef is the base of the meat sauce. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce: A jar of marinara sauce adds convenience and flavor. You can use your favorite brand or homemade marinara sauce for a more personalized touch.
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained: Adds extra texture and depth to the sauce. You can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer, or try adding a can of crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture.
1 cup ricotta cheese: The ricotta adds creaminess to the cheese layer. You can substitute with mascarpone or cream cheese for a richer flavor.
1 cup cottage cheese: Cottage cheese adds a bit of texture and protein to the mix. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use more ricotta cheese instead.
1 cup sour cream: Sour cream helps create a creamy consistency in the cheese mixture. You can use Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The mozzarella melts beautifully on top and adds a gooey, cheesy layer.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor to the casserole. You can use Monterey Jack or Gouda as a substitute if you prefer.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a nutty flavor to the dish and a golden, crispy top. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano cheese for a sharper taste.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the onion and garlic. You can substitute with vegetable oil or butter.
1 small onion, finely chopped: The onion adds sweetness and depth to the meat sauce. You can use yellow, white, or red onion.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a delicious aroma and flavor to the dish. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh garlic is best.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a savory, herbaceous flavor to the meat sauce.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Another classic herb that complements Italian flavors. Fresh basil can be used as an alternative.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness. You can substitute with basil or thyme.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Prepare the sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce and drained diced tomatoes. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Make the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Mix until well blended.
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
Assemble the casserole: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Place a layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli, followed by a generous layer of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Top the casserole with the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

This casserole is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It’s rich, cheesy, and comforting, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. You can also pair it with a glass of red wine to complement the hearty flavors.

How to Store Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Pro Tips from the Chef

Use frozen ravioli: Frozen ravioli works best for this recipe because it holds up well when baked and soaks up the delicious sauce. You can use any variety of ravioli, such as cheese, spinach, or meat-filled.
Let the casserole rest: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set and allow the layers to firm up for easier serving.
Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!
Add vegetables: For added nutrition, toss in some vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat sauce.

Variations

Vegetarian Casserole: Omit the ground beef and add more vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Spicy Casserole: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy sausage instead of ground beef.
Cheesy Casserole: For an extra cheesy version, sprinkle some additional mozzarella on top and bake for a few more minutes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh ravioli?
Yes, fresh ravioli can be used, but make sure to adjust the baking time slightly, as fresh ravioli cooks faster than frozen.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a must-try comfort food that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. With layers of cheesy ravioli, savory beef, and a rich tomato sauce, it’s a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to enjoy on a cozy night, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite!