This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rich, cheesy bake that melts together creamy cheeses, tangy marinara, and pillowy cheese ravioli for a comfort meal the whole family will ask for again. The top gets golden and bubbly while the inside stays soft and velvety it’s like lasagna, but faster and easier.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Top reasons to make it: it comes together quickly, uses simple pantry and fridge staples, and is a true crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or simple weekend dinners.
- Ready in about 30–40 minutes from start to table
- Uses common ingredients you likely already have
- Feeds a family or makes great leftovers the next day
- Comforting, cheesy, and kid-approved
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage or ground beef
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 25 oz cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)
Step-by-Step Instructions of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the sausage or ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into pieces until cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Soften the cream cheese in a bowl and mix in the ricotta until smooth; stir in half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan.
- Combine about one cup of the meat-marinara mixture with the cream-cheese mixture to loosen it, then fold together gently.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat-marinara on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange half the ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Spoon half the cheese mixture over the ravioli and spread gently.
- Add another layer of sauce and the remaining ravioli, then top with the rest of the cheese mixture. Smooth the top and sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–12 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving so slices hold together. Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature cream cheese so it blends smoothly with the ricotta.
- If ravioli is frozen, you can layer it straight from the freezer add a few extra minutes to baking time.
- For a crispier top, broil 1–2 minutes at the end while watching closely.
- Want another cheesy bake idea? Try this creamy mac and cheese recipe for inspiration.
Substitutions & Variations of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:
- Use vegan Italian sausage and dairy-free cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan substitutes.
- Swap ravioli for gluten-free ravioli or use a gluten-free pasta that holds sauce well.
Variations:
- Stir in a handful of chopped spinach or baby kale into the cheese mixture for greens.
- Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked eggplant with the meat for more veggies.
- Use pesto swirled with the marinara for a basil-forward twist.
- Swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Storage Instructions of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Refrigerator:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Freezer:
- Freeze cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating; you may need to add 10–15 minutes to baking time if reheating from cold.
Make-Ahead:
- Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake from chilled, adding 10–15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Can I skip the meat and keep it vegetarian?
- Yes. Simply omit the sausage and use extra veggies or a plant-based meat substitute. Increase the seasoning a bit for flavor.
Do I need to thaw frozen ravioli first?
- No need. You can layer frozen ravioli straight into the dish; add a few extra minutes to the covered baking time to ensure they cook through.
Can I make this in a smaller dish for two people?
- Yes. Halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8-inch dish; check for doneness slightly earlier.
Final Thoughts
The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole turns simple ingredients into a rich, cheesy meal that’s perfect for busy families, weeknight comfort, or an easy potluck offering. It’s quick to assemble, forgiving if you swap ingredients, and keeps well for leftovers. Try it this week, then come back and tell me how it went — leave a comment and a star rating so others can find this cozy, cheesy winner.
Print
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rich, cheesy bake that melts together creamy cheeses, tangy marinara, and pillowy cheese ravioli for a comfort meal the whole family will ask for again.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage or ground beef
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 25 oz cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the sausage or ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into pieces until cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Soften the cream cheese in a bowl and mix in the ricotta until smooth; stir in half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan.
- Combine about one cup of the meat-marinara mixture with the cream-cheese mixture to loosen it, then fold together gently.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat-marinara on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange half the ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Spoon half the cheese mixture over the ravioli and spread gently.
- Add another layer of sauce and the remaining ravioli, then top with the rest of the cheese mixture. Smooth the top and sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10–12 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving so slices hold together. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
Use room-temperature cream cheese so it blends smoothly. If ravioli is frozen, layer it straight from the freezer and add a few extra minutes to baking time. For a crispier top, broil 1–2 minutes at the end while watching closely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Meat