Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Looking for a crowd-pleasing, cheesy, and ultra-comforting baked pasta dish? This million dollar ravioli casserole is the answer! With layers of tender cheese ravioli, rich marinara sauce, creamy cheese filling, and a golden, bubbly top, this dish is as indulgent as it sounds.

The name “million dollar” comes from its rich, creamy texture and incredible flavor it tastes like a million bucks but is surprisingly easy to make! Unlike traditional lasagna, which requires boiling noodles and layering everything from scratch, this casserole uses frozen ravioli for a shortcut without sacrificing taste. Plus, the blend of cream cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella gives it that signature creamy bite.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Let’s get started!

What is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

If you’ve ever heard of million dollar spaghetti, this dish follows the same concept but swaps the pasta for cheese-stuffed ravioli. The layers of marinara sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella create a luxurious, restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.

What makes it “million dollar”? It’s all about the combination of cheeses—cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan making every bite creamy, cheesy, and ultra-indulgent. Instead of boiling and layering pasta, frozen ravioli goes straight into the casserole, absorbing all the delicious flavors as it bakes.

If you love rich, cheesy pasta dishes, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No need to pre-boil ravioli – Saves time and effort!
• Rich, creamy, and ultra-cheesy – Every bite is loaded with flavor.
• Perfect for meal prep – Freezes and reheats beautifully.
• Easier than lasagna – No tedious layering or pasta boiling required.
• Crowd-pleaser – A family-friendly dish that even picky eaters will love!

How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Quick Overview

Making this casserole is as easy as layering frozen ravioli, creamy cheese filling, marinara sauce, and shredded cheese then baking until bubbly!

Key Ingredients for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Ingredient	Quantity	Preparation
Frozen cheese ravioli	1 (25 oz) bag	No need to thaw
Marinara sauce	2 cups	Use store-bought or homemade
Cream cheese	8 oz	Softened
Ricotta cheese	1 cup	Can substitute with cottage cheese
Mozzarella cheese	2 cups	Shredded
Parmesan cheese	½ cup	Grated
Garlic powder	1 tsp	Adds depth of flavor
Italian seasoning	1 tsp	For a classic Italian taste
Ground beef (optional)	½ lb	Browned for extra heartiness

Step-by-Step Instructions for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the cheese mixture – In a bowl, mix cream cheese, ricotta, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
3. Assemble the layers – Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of the dish. Add half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer, then spread half of the cheese mixture over it. Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan.
4. Repeat layers – Add another layer of ravioli, remaining cheese mixture, and the rest of the sauce. Top with more mozzarella and parmesan.
5. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

What to Serve with Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

This cheesy and comforting casserole is a meal on its own, but the right sides can make it even better. Whether you’re looking for a light contrast, a hearty side, or a delicious dessert, these pairings will complement the rich, creamy flavors of the dish.

Light and Refreshing Additions

• Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup – A flavorful, slightly spicy soup that adds warmth without overpowering the richness of the casserole.
• Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – Peppery arugula and a zesty lemon dressing provide a crisp and refreshing contrast.
• Steamed Broccoli – A simple, healthy vegetable that helps balance out the richness of the cheese and sauce.

Savory and Comforting Sides

• Chicken and Dumpling Casserole – A classic, cozy dish that pairs well with this pasta casserole for an ultimate comfort food experience.
• Buttery Garlic Knots – Soft, golden-brown knots brushed with garlic butter, perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot – A slow-cooked, creamy chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan that pairs beautifully with the ravioli casserole

Drinks That Enhance the Meal

• Smash Burger Tacos – If you’re serving this casserole for a gathering, pairing it with another fun dish like these flavorful tacos makes for an indulgent meal.
• Sparkling Lemon Water – A refreshing, bubbly drink that cleanses the palate between cheesy bites.
• Classic Iced Tea – A lightly sweetened tea provides a simple and refreshing pairing.

Sweet Treats to End the Meal

• Protein Brownies – A high-protein, chocolatey dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without being overly heavy.
• Cannoli Dip with Biscotti – A no-bake, creamy ricotta dessert with chocolate chips, perfect for dipping.
• Vanilla Panna Cotta – A light, silky Italian dessert that provides the perfect balance to a rich meal.

These delicious sides, drinks, and desserts will create a well-rounded and satisfying meal to go along with your million dollar ravioli casserole!

Top Tips for Perfecting Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Making the perfect Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is simple with a few key techniques. Follow these tips to ensure a creamy, flavorful, and well-balanced dish every time.

1. Use Frozen Ravioli

Skip boiling frozen ravioli cooks perfectly in the sauce as it bakes. Pre-boiling can make the pasta too soft, leading to a mushy texture.

2. Customize the Cheese

Ricotta is classic, but cottage cheese works as a lighter alternative. Adding a little cream cheese makes the dish even creamier, while shredded provolone or parmesan deepens the flavor.

3. Let It Rest

After baking, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. By doing this, the layers solidify, the cheese doesn’t flow, and slicing is made simpler.

4. Add Protein for a Hearty Meal

For extra flavor, mix in browned ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken. This adds texture and makes the casserole more filling.

5. Make It Ahead

Put the dish together a day ahead of time and keep it chilled. If baking from cold, add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Follow these tips for a rich, cheesy, and perfectly baked ravioli casserole every time!

Storing and Reheating Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Proper storage and reheating will keep your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole fresh and just as delicious as when it was first baked. Follow these simple methods to maintain the best flavor and texture.

Refrigeration

Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container. Keeping it properly sealed prevents it from drying out and helps maintain the cheesy, creamy consistency.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, cook straight from frozen at 375°F for 50-55 minutes. If already baked, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

• Oven: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat each part in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until it’s hot.

These methods will keep your casserole tasting fresh and delicious for days!

FAQs About Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Can you bake frozen ravioli instead of boiling?

Yes! There’s no need to boil frozen ravioli before baking. It softens perfectly in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors while cooking.

What is a million dollar chicken casserole?

It’s a creamy, cheesy baked dish made with chicken, similar in texture and richness to this million dollar ravioli casserole but with a different protein.

Can frozen ravioli be cooked in sauce?

Absolutely! Cooking frozen ravioli directly in the sauce keeps it tender and flavorful without the extra step of boiling.

Can you use cottage cheese in ravioli?

Yes, cottage cheese is a great alternative to ricotta, offering a lighter option while still keeping the dish creamy.

Is it better to thaw frozen ravioli before cooking?

No, frozen ravioli should be used straight from the freezer. Thawing it first can make it too soft, affecting the final texture of the casserole.

This million dollar ravioli casserole is rich, creamy, and ridiculously easy give it a try for your next cozy dinner!

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