Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight. It’s packed with tender ravioli, bubbling cheese, and a rich tomato sauce that brings all the flavors together perfectly. The golden, crispy top is just the cherry on top, giving you a little crunch with every bite.
I love making this casserole because it’s so easy to throw together, yet it always impresses the whole family. I usually sneak in some extra cheese because, well, can you ever have too much? Plus, it’s a great way to get everyone around the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
My favorite way to serve this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is with a simple green salad and some garlic bread on the side. It makes the meal feel complete and satisfying without much extra work. Every time I make it, someone asks for seconds, and honestly, I’m right there asking for thirds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cheese Ravioli: Frozen cheese ravioli is convenient and tasty. If you prefer, fresh ravioli also works well but watch cooking time. For a twist, try spinach or mushroom-filled ravioli.
Ground Beef: This adds a rich, meaty flavor. For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works great. You can also skip the meat for a vegetarian version and add more veggies.
Marinara Sauce: I recommend a flavorful jarred marinara for ease, but homemade sauce is even better if you have time. Tomato sauce or spaghetti sauce are fine substitutes.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives the gooey, melty texture, while Parmesan adds a bit of sharpness. Feel free to add ricotta or provolone for extra creaminess.
Spinach: Optional but a great way to sneak in greens. Fresh spinach wilts quickly in the sauce; frozen can be used if drained well.
How Do I Get the Perfect Cheesy, Golden Bake on Top?
To achieve that bubbly, lightly browned cheese topping, follow these tips:
- Cover the casserole with foil for the initial baking to keep moisture and heat even.
- Remove the foil toward the last 10-15 minutes to let the cheese brown and get bubbly.
- If you want extra crisp on top, switch the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes—but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Let the casserole sit after baking to allow cheese to set a bit, so it slices cleanly.
These steps help you get that beautiful, cheesy finish that makes this dish so inviting and delicious!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch casserole dish – perfect size for layering ravioli and sauce evenly.
- Large skillet – for cooking ground beef and onions; helps develop good flavor.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – easy to stir and break up meat without scratching your pan.
- Colander – to drain cooked ravioli quickly and safely.
- Aluminum foil – keeps casserole moist while baking and prevents cheese from burning.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier, richer flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce for extra texture and taste.
- Use spinach ravioli or add extra fresh spinach for a boost of greens.
- Mix in some ricotta cheese between layers for creamier, milder cheese flavor.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 (25 oz) packages frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil, for cooking
Time Needed:
You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the beef and sauce. With baking time included—30 to 35 minutes in the oven—expect the total time to be around 50 minutes. Plus, giving the casserole a few minutes to rest before serving helps it slice nicely.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Cook Ravioli:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Then, cook the ravioli according to the package directions until they are al dente. Drain and set them aside for layering later.
2. Make the Meat Sauce:
Heat a little olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the ground beef, cooking and breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Pour in the marinara sauce, then add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes. If you want extra greens, toss in the spinach now and cook until it wilts.
3. Assemble and Bake the Casserole:
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Lay half of the cooked ravioli evenly over the sauce, then spoon half the remaining sauce on top. Sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the sauce. Repeat these layers with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and cheeses.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to make cutting easier.
This tasty Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is perfect for a cozy dinner, with lots of cheesy, meaty goodness everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Ravioli Straight from the Bag?
Yes! Make sure to cook the frozen ravioli according to the package instructions until al dente before layering in the casserole. Avoid skipping this step so the ravioli cook evenly and don’t become mushy in the oven.
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey or Chicken for Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well and makes a lighter version of this casserole. Just brown the meat thoroughly and season as directed for great flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
