Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rich, comforting baked dish that combines the flavors of cheesy lasagna and hearty pasta bake—all with minimal effort. This crowd-pleaser layers frozen or fresh ravioli with a savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and plenty of melted mozzarella.
It’s called “million dollar” because it tastes like a million bucks, even though it’s made with budget-friendly ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry family, this casserole delivers all the flavor of a gourmet Italian meal with just a few simple steps. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and totally irresistible!
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rich, cheesy, comfort-food classic that combines layers of frozen or fresh ravioli with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta, all smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella.
Baked until bubbly and golden, this easy casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
The “million dollar” name comes from its decadent, indulgent flavor that tastes like a million bucks—but it's budget-friendly and simple to make.
Serve with garlic bread and a salad for a full meal that feels like an Italian-American hug in a dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth and creamy.
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Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
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Arrange half the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
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Drop spoonfuls of the cheese mixture over the ravioli and spread gently.
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Pour half of the remaining marinara over the cheese layer and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella.
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Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and cheese mixture. Top with the last of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
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Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 550kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g47%
- Saturated Fat 15g75%
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 7g
- Protein 22g44%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips for the Best Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
1. Choose the Right Ravioli
Use frozen cheese ravioli for a classic version, but you can easily switch it up with meat, spinach, or mushroom-filled ravioli depending on your flavor preferences. Frozen ravioli can go straight into the casserole—no need to boil!
2. Enhance the Sauce
While store-bought marinara is totally fine, consider boosting the flavor with a few extras:
- Sautéed garlic and onions
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh basil or Italian seasoning
- A splash of red wine or a tablespoon of tomato paste
3. Add Protein
Want to bulk it up? Brown and season ground beef, Italian sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken and layer it with the ravioli. This adds flavor, texture, and heartiness.
4. Go Creamy and Cheesy
The “million dollar” layer usually includes cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta. Mix until smooth for a rich, creamy texture. For even more decadence, add a bit of shredded mozzarella or a spoonful of Alfredo sauce into the cheese layer.
5. Bake Until Golden
Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking to keep it moist, then remove the foil for the last 10–15 minutes so the cheese gets bubbly and slightly browned. Letting it rest before serving helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Serving Tricks and Ideas
1. Let It Rest
After baking, allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps everything firm up, making it easier to scoop or slice without it falling apart.
2. Garnish for Color and Flavor
Top the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or even crushed red pepper for a pretty and flavorful finishing touch.
3. Serve with Sides
Complete the meal with:
- Garlic bread or warm focaccia
- A fresh green salad with vinaigrette (to cut the richness)
- Roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans
4. Portion Like a Pro
This dish easily serves 6–8, depending on hunger levels. Use a large serving spoon or square spatula to dish it out cleanly. You can even prep it in individual ramekins for a fancy twist.
5. Make It Ahead or Freeze It
You can assemble the entire casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Or freeze it (uncooked or fully baked) for up to 2–3 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge and extend bake time if starting cold.
Whether you're feeding a crowd or just craving comfort food, these tips will help your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole turn out rich, creamy, and absolutely satisfying every time! Let me know if you want a printable version or low-carb swap ideas!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh or refrigerated ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes! Fresh or refrigerated ravioli works just as well as frozen. However, since it cooks faster, you may want to reduce the baking time slightly—check around the 25-minute mark. Be careful not to overcook, as fresh ravioli can become too soft and lose its shape.
Can I make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. This dish is very make-ahead friendly. You can assemble the entire casserole (uncooked), cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes and then bake as directed.
You can also freeze it before or after baking for up to 3 months. If baking from frozen, extend the bake time by 20–30 minutes and keep it covered for longer.
What can I substitute for ricotta or cream cheese?
If you're out of ricotta, you can use cottage cheese (for a similar texture) or a small amount of mascarpone (for richness).
For cream cheese, Neufchâtel (a lower-fat version) works well, or you can increase the amount of sour cream and ricotta slightly for a similar creamy base. You can also add a spoonful of Alfredo sauce or heavy cream to boost richness if needed.
