Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a cheesy, hearty, and comforting dish that brings together tender ravioli, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This casserole is all about easy, delicious layers that come together to make a meal everyone will love. You get that perfect mix of soft pasta, flavorful sauce, and a bubbly cheesy top that’s hard to resist.
I love making this casserole when I want something that feels like a special treat but doesn’t require a lot of fuss. It’s one of those recipes where you throw everything into a dish, bake it up, and then enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl that feels like a hug from the inside. Honestly, this is the kind of meal that once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
My favorite way to serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is with a simple green salad and maybe a little crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. It’s also great for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy weeknights. Whenever I make this, it reminds me of cozy family dinners where everyone comes together to share good food and good times.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cheese Ravioli: Frozen cheese ravioli is the star here. It’s quick and tasty. If you prefer, use spinach or mushroom ravioli for variety. Just cook according to package directions before layering.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Both add rich flavor. For a lighter dish, swap with ground turkey or chicken. Veggie crumbles work great for a meatless option.
Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms give earthiness and texture. If unavailable, you could add diced zucchini or bell peppers instead for color and bite.
Ricotta Cheese & Mozzarella: Ricotta keeps the casserole creamy and soft. Using part-skim ricotta and mozzarella lowers fat but retains creaminess. For extra flavor, add a bit of shredded provolone or fontina.
Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty topping. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Asiago make tasty alternatives.
How Do You Layer the Casserole for Best Results?
Layering is the secret to great texture and flavor in this casserole. Here’s how I do it simply:
- Start with a thin layer of sauce so ravioli won’t stick to the pan.
- Place ravioli evenly without overcrowding them—this helps them bake perfectly.
- Spoon dollops of the ricotta cheese mixture and gently spread so every bite is creamy.
- Add plenty of sauce between layers to keep ravioli moist.
- Finish with a generous layer of shredded cheese on top for that golden bubbly crust.
- Cover with foil while baking to lock in moisture, then uncover at the end to brown the cheese.
This careful layering means you get tender pasta nestled in creamy cheese and saucy goodness with cheesy, crispy bits on top. Letting the casserole rest after baking helps everything settle, so when you serve, it holds together beautifully.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch casserole dish – perfect size for layering and baking everything evenly.
- Large skillet – you’ll brown the meat and cook mushrooms here in one pan.
- Large pot – for boiling the ravioli before assembling the casserole.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the ricotta and cheeses smoothly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – easy for stirring the sauce and meat mixture without scratching your pan.
- Aluminum foil – to cover the casserole while baking and keep it moist.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage to add more spice and depth of flavor.
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the cheese layer for a fresh green twist.
- Use a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese for a richer, creamier top.
- Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to give the sauce a little extra kick.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package (25-30 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 3 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil, plus extra for garnish
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Olive oil for sautéing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 20 minutes to prepare, including boiling the ravioli and cooking the meat mixture, plus 40 minutes of baking time. Add 10 minutes resting before serving. Total time: approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ravioli:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the frozen ravioli in boiling water according to package instructions until just tender but still firm (al dente). Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Meat and Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
3. Mix the Cheese:
In a big bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and the chopped parsley. Mix well to blend all the flavors.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread about 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom. Arrange half of the cooked ravioli over the sauce. Spoon and evenly spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the ravioli. Add another layer of meat sauce on top of the ricotta layer. Add the remaining ravioli. Spread the remaining ricotta mixture evenly over the second ravioli layer. Top with the remaining meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Optionally, sprinkle breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
5. Bake and Serve:
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes. Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving. Enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with a side salad or crusty bread!
Can I Use Fresh Ravioli Instead of Frozen?
Yes! If using fresh ravioli, cook them gently until just tender—usually less time than frozen. Be careful not to overcook since they’ll bake further in the casserole.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Simply skip the meat and add extra mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite veggies. You can also use plant-based ground “meat” substitutes to keep that hearty texture.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake covered, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time if needed.
How Should I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions for convenience.
