Description
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rich, cheesy, and comforting dish that tastes like a million bucks! Made with layers of cheese-filled ravioli, creamy ricotta mixture, savory marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella, this baked pasta casserole is an easy crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Layer
- In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sour cream until smooth.
- Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread ⅓ of the meat sauce at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
- Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the ravioli.
- Sprinkle with ½ cup mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers: 1/3 meat sauce → remaining ravioli → remaining cheese mixture → ½ cup mozzarella.
- Spread the remaining ⅓ meat sauce over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan and remaining mozzarella.
- Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use different ravioli: Try beef, spinach, or mushroom ravioli for variety.
- Make it spicy: Use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef for extra kick.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the meat and use extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Storage & Freezing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg