Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

This Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a comfort food classic that brings all the flavor of lasagna—without the fuss! It’s a cozy, cheesy, meat-filled baked dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love.

With layers of cheese ravioli, creamy ricotta blend, savory meat sauce, and melty mozzarella, it’s bound to be a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No boiling required – Use frozen ravioli straight from the bag!

Lasagna vibes, less work – All the cheesy layers without the assembly stress.

Feeds a crowd – Perfect for potlucks, busy weeknights, or freezer meals.

Customizable – Swap out meat, add veggies, or make it spicy!

Kid- and freezer-friendly – Everyone loves it, and it stores beautifully.

Key Ingredients

Frozen Cheese Ravioli: The shortcut star that makes prep a breeze.

Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Adds savory depth and heartiness.

Marinara Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade for rich tomato flavor.

Ricotta, Sour Cream & Parmesan: A creamy, tangy, cheesy blend for that “million dollar” flavor.

Mozzarella: Melts beautifully on top for that irresistible cheese pull.

Italian Seasoning, Salt & Pepper: Classic flavor enhancers.

Fresh Parsley (optional): For a fresh and colorful garnish.

Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

1 bag frozen cheese ravioli about 25 oz

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

24 oz marinara sauce store-bought or homemade

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated

2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided

1 tsp Italian seasoning

salt and pepper to taste

fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2:

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until fully browned.

Drain off any excess grease, then stir in the marinara sauce.

Let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 3:

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, sour cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4:

Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in the bottom of the baking dish.

Spread half of the ricotta mixture on top, followed by half of the meat sauce.

Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella.

Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella on top.

Step 5:

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 10–15 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.

Step 6:

Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Recipe Notes

No Need to Boil the Ravioli: You can add the frozen ravioli directly to the dish—no need to thaw or pre-cook them. The sauce and oven heat will do the work.

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Use a Deep Baking Dish: This casserole is layered and cheesy, so a deeper 9×13-inch dish helps keep everything neatly contained as it bakes and bubbles.

Let It Rest After Baking: Resting the casserole for 5–10 minutes after baking helps it set, making it easier to cut and serve neat portions.

Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and store it covered in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if going straight from the fridge to the oven.

Double It for a Crowd or Freezer Meal: This dish freezes well either before or after baking, making it perfect for batch cooking or meal prep.

Mix Up the Cheese: For extra flavor, add an Italian cheese blend or a sprinkle of smoked mozzarella for a deeper flavor profile.

Customize the Meat: Italian sausage adds a spicy kick, while ground turkey or chicken makes it lighter.

Add a Crunchy Topping (Optional): For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed garlic croutons over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Nutrition Information

(Approx. per serving; serves 8)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large skillet

Mixing bowl

9×13-inch baking dish

Wooden spoon or spatula

Measuring cups and spoons

Aluminum foil

Oven mitts

Recipe Swaps and Variations

Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a meatless crumble for a lighter option.

Sauce: Try Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist or spicy arrabbiata for heat.

Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini between layers.

Cheese: Sub cottage cheese for ricotta, or use an Italian cheese blend on top.

Make it spicy: Mix in crushed red pepper or hot Italian sausage.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Wrap tightly or portion into containers and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Warm in the microwave or bake at 350°F covered until hot and bubbly.

Food and Drink Pairings

Sides: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted broccoli, or green beans.

Drinks: Red wine (Chianti, Zinfandel), sparkling water with lemon, or sweet tea.

Dessert: Tiramisu, cannoli, or a simple lemon sorbet to balance the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use refrigerated ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes! Just reduce the bake time by about 10 minutes since they cook faster.

Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese or even a ricotta-Alfredo mix for extra creaminess.

Can I use all beef or all sausage?

Absolutely—either one works well based on your taste preference.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Totally. Wrap tightly and freeze before or after baking.

Thaw overnight and reheat.

Do I need to thaw the frozen ravioli?

Nope! They go straight into the dish frozen—super convenient.

Can I bake it without covering it?

It’s best to cover it for the first 30 minutes so the cheese doesn’t overbrown. Then uncover for that bubbly, golden finish.

Should I drain the meat before adding sauce?

Yes, drain the fat to avoid a greasy casserole.

Can I cut the recipe in half?

Yes! Use an 8×8-inch pan and adjust the bake time slightly shorter.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Microwave individual portions, or cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through.