If you’re looking for a comforting, rich, and absolutely satisfying dinner idea, Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the dish for you. This recipe brings together layers of cheesy ravioli, a creamy ricotta mixture, tangy marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella to create a hearty, family-friendly casserole that lives up to its name. It’s simple to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekend dinners.
Whether you’re new to the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. It tastes like something you’d find in a fancy Italian restaurant, yet it’s easy enough to make from scratch using just a few ingredients. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole — how to make it, how to store it, variations you can try, and answers to frequently asked questions.
What Is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a baked pasta dish that layers frozen or fresh cheese ravioli with a creamy ricotta-based cheese mixture, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella. It’s called “Million Dollar” because of its rich, indulgent flavor and creamy texture that feels like it’s worth a fortune.
The recipe is inspired by classic lasagna and million-dollar spaghetti, but instead of using spaghetti or lasagna noodles, it swaps in ravioli for a more elevated, cheese-filled twist. The result is a comforting casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic list of ingredients for a traditional version of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. These are pantry-friendly, easy to find, and affordable:
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Frozen or fresh cheese ravioli
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Marinara or pasta sauce
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Ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
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Sour cream
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Cream cheese (optional but adds richness)
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Shredded mozzarella cheese
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Parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
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Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Making this dish is incredibly simple. Even if you’re short on time, you can prepare and bake the casserole in under an hour. Here is a step-by-step guide:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Prepare the cheese mixture by combining ricotta cheese, sour cream, softened cream cheese (if using), shredded mozzarella, and seasonings in a bowl.
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Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish.
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Add a layer of ravioli (uncooked, straight from the package).
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Spoon the cheese mixture over the ravioli and spread evenly.
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Repeat the layers – sauce, ravioli, cheese – until all ingredients are used.
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Top with more mozzarella and parmesan.
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Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
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Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
This layering process locks in flavor and gives the casserole that satisfying, creamy bite in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy to prepare: No need to boil the ravioli in advance, making it a one-dish wonder.
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Comforting and hearty: Full of rich cheeses and tangy sauce, it’s incredibly filling.
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Customizable: Add ground beef, sausage, or vegetables to make it your own.
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Perfect for leftovers: It reheats well and even tastes better the next day.
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Freezer-friendly: You can freeze it before or after baking.
Tips for the Best Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
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Use high-quality marinara or make your own sauce for extra flavor.
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Let the casserole sit before serving so the layers can firm up slightly.
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Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
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For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking (watch it closely).
Variations You Can Try
You can easily tweak the recipe based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences:
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Meaty Version: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken to the layers.
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Vegetarian Delight: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
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Spicy Kick: Mix red pepper flakes into the sauce or cheese for heat.
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Different Ravioli Fillings: Try spinach and cheese or mushroom ravioli for unique flavors.
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Low-carb Version: Use low-carb ravioli or replace with zucchini slices.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To reheat: Microwave individual portions or cover and bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
To freeze: Assemble the casserole (without baking) and wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen ravioli without boiling them?
Yes, frozen ravioli can go straight into the casserole. They will cook while baking.
2. What kind of ravioli should I use?
Cheese ravioli is traditional, but you can also use meat, spinach, or mushroom-stuffed varieties.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or a blend of sour cream and cream cheese.
5. How long should it bake?
Typically 40–45 minutes total. Cover for the first 30 minutes and uncover for the rest.
6. Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, ground beef or Italian sausage is a great addition between layers.
7. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
It’s optional, but you can leave it out or add extra sour cream or ricotta.
8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free ravioli and ensure all sauces and cheeses are gluten-free.
9. How do I know when it’s done baking?
The casserole should be bubbly around the edges and golden brown on top.
10. Is it okay to freeze leftovers?
Yes, wrap individual portions and freeze for easy future meals.
11. What size pan should I use?
A 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect for this recipe.
12. Can I double the recipe for a large crowd?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish or make two casseroles side by side.
13. Should I cover the casserole while baking?
Yes, cover with foil for most of the baking to prevent the top from burning.
14. What herbs pair well with this recipe?
Fresh basil, parsley, oregano, or thyme are all excellent choices.
15. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, roasted or sautéed veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms add nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a truly crowd-pleasing meal that combines comfort, convenience, and bold flavor in every bite. It’s one of those reliable recipes that you can turn to anytime you need something easy, satisfying, and universally loved. From busy weeknights to potlucks and Sunday dinners, it fits perfectly into any meal plan.
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