Rich, creamy, and bubbling with cheese, the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food bake. This hearty dish brings together pillowy ravioli, a luxurious cream cheese blend, and a golden cheesy topping that makes every bite feel indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this casserole will have everyone asking for seconds.
What makes it truly “million dollar”? It’s the irresistible combo of layers: tender pasta, seasoned beef or sausage, and that creamy middle layer made from cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan. Finished with melted mozzarella and a dusting of fresh parsley, it’s a crowd-pleaser that turns a humble freezer ravioli pack into something spectacular.
Ingredients for this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
- 1 (25 oz) bag of frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning meat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and brown the ground beef or sausage. Season with salt and pepper. Once fully cooked, drain excess fat.
Step 3: Mix Sauce with Meat
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Layer
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Layer half of the ravioli on the bottom of the dish. Spread the entire cream cheese mixture over the ravioli. Add half of the meat sauce. Repeat with the remaining ravioli, followed by the rest of the sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Let it cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make it vegetarian?
Use plant-based crumbles or skip the meat entirely and bulk it up with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time by about 5-10 minutes, since fresh pasta cooks faster.
Is it possible to make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 extra minutes to baking time if starting from cold.
Can I substitute ricotta for cream cheese?
Yes, ricotta can be used in place of cream cheese, though it will be slightly less rich and tangy.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a good substitute and keeps the creamy consistency with added protein.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Be sure to cover the casserole with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking. This helps melt the cheese evenly without over-browning.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: 51 minute
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
Get ready for a cozy, creamy classic that tastes like pure comfort in every bite! This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole combines the ease of frozen cheese ravioli with a rich layer of cream cheese and sour cream, topped off with a golden, melty blanket of mozzarella. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, an easy weeknight bake, or a hearty casserole to please a crowd, this dish delivers.
Ideal for busy nights when you want something filling, cheesy, and oven-ready in no time. It’s one of those easy recipes that feels special—and tastes like it took hours to make. Perfect for anyone craving comfort food, simple food ideas, or just another irresistible casserole to add to your dinner ideas list.
Ingredients
1 (25 oz) bag of frozen cheese ravioli
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown meat. Season with salt and pepper. Drain fat.
- Stir marinara sauce into the cooked meat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Layer half the ravioli in the dish, then spread all the creamy cheese mixture over it.
- Top with half the meat sauce, then repeat layers with remaining ravioli and sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella on top. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve!