Name: Baked Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli; 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup sour cream; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

This Baked Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a hearty and indulgent dish packed with layers of cheesy ravioli, a creamy ricotta and sour cream blend, and a rich meat sauce. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, making it a satisfying weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing comfort food.

Baked Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s easy to make, uses frozen ravioli for convenience, and delivers all the flavors of a homemade lasagna without the hassle. The creamy layers add richness, while the meat sauce gives it a savory depth that I can never resist. Plus, it feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef with chopped onion until fully browned. Then, I add garlic and cook for one more minute. I drain the excess grease.
I stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for 5 minutes before removing from heat.
In a medium bowl, I mix ricotta cheese and sour cream until smooth.
In the baking dish, I layer half of the frozen ravioli, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
I repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients and top everything with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
I cover it with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, I remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden.
After letting it cool for 5 minutes, I garnish it with chopped parsley before serving if I have it on hand.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Calories: 560 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes switch the ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor. For a vegetarian version, I skip the meat and use sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Mixing in a bit of pesto to the ricotta layer also gives it a delicious twist.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions for about 2 minutes. This casserole also freezes well before or after baking.

FAQs

Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, I can use fresh ravioli, but I make sure to adjust the baking time slightly since they cook faster than frozen.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. I assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate until I’m ready to bake. I might need to add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold.

What can I use instead of ricotta?

If I don’t have ricotta, I substitute it with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, I often add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.

How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?

I make sure to drain the meat well and use a thick marinara sauce. Letting the casserole rest after baking also helps it set.

Conclusion

This Baked Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s hearty, cheesy, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether I’m feeding my family or entertaining guests, this dish always impresses and satisfies.