Let me tell you about the dish that changed my weeknight dinner game forever – Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. The first time I made this for family Sunday supper, my picky nephew actually asked for seconds (shocking, I know!). There’s something magical about how those plump cheese ravioli soak up the marinara while the three-cheese topping gets golden and bubbly in the oven. It’s creamy comfort food that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but the secret? It comes together faster than takeout!
After testing dozens of versions (my poor family were very willing taste-testers), I landed on this perfect balance of textures. The ricotta adds this luxurious creaminess between layers, while the parmesan gives that salty crunch we all crave. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday or holiday potluck, this million dollar ravioli casserole never fails to disappear. Trust me, once you see how those cheese strings stretch as you serve it, you’ll understand why we call it “million dollar” good.
What makes my version special? Years of tweaking taught me that frozen ravioli actually work better than fresh here – they hold their shape beautifully during baking. And that garlic powder? It’s my grandma’s trick for boosting flavor without overpowering the delicate cheese filling. This isn’t just another pasta dish – it’s a hug in casserole form.
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
This million dollar ravioli casserole is my go-to for so many reasons, and once you try it, I know it’ll become yours too. Here’s why:
- Effortless prep – No boiling pasta separately or making sauce from scratch. It’s dump-and-bake easy!
- Unanimous crowd-pleaser – My toughest food critics (aka my kids and in-laws) all clean their plates every time.
- Endlessly customizable – Swap cheeses, add veggies, or mix in cooked meat. It’s like a blank canvas for your cravings.
- Forgiving timing – Whether you bake it right away or let it sit assembled in the fridge, it always turns out delicious.
- Leftovers magic – Somehow tastes even better the next day when the flavors really meld together.
Seriously – this recipe is weeknight gold. The kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar with minimal effort. If you want more easy weeknight inspiration, check out my Bruschetta Chicken with Zucchini Noodles!
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this cheesy masterpiece – I promise it’s all simple stuff you might already have on hand:
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli – do not thaw (trust me, they bake up perfectly straight from the freezer!)
- 2 cups marinara sauce – store-bought or homemade (I won’t judge – I use jarred sauce most weeknights)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – buy the block and shred it yourself for best meltability
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese – the real stuff from the fridge section, not the shaker can
- 1 cup ricotta cheese – whole milk for maximum creaminess
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – our flavor secret weapon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – that little green shaker in your spice rack
Ingredient Substitutions
No ricotta? Cottage cheese blends in surprisingly well. For meat lovers, swap in frozen beef ravioli or add cooked Italian sausage between layers. Fresh basil works instead of dried herbs – use triple the amount. Gluten-free? Any GF ravioli will do (just check baking time).
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Making this million dollar ravioli casserole is like assembling edible happiness – follow these simple steps and you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece in no time!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish (no need to grease it – the sauce prevents sticking). This temp gives us that perfect golden crust without drying out the ravioli.
- Cook the ravioli just 1 minute less than the package directions – they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain them gently so they don’t break (those little cheese pockets are precious!).
- Spread 1 cup marinara across the baking dish bottom – I like to use the back of a spoon to create an even saucy foundation. This keeps our first ravioli layer from sticking.
- Arrange half the ravioli in a single layer, letting some edges peek through. Overcrowding makes them steam instead of bake – we want those nice defined layers!
- Dollop ricotta over the ravioli, then gently spread it with a spatula. Leave some “cheese islands” rather than making it perfectly even – those pockets of pure ricotta bliss are heavenly.
- Sprinkle half the mozzarella and parmesan evenly across the ricotta. The mix of melty and sharp cheeses creates amazing flavor layers.
- Repeat all layers with remaining ingredients – sauce, ravioli, ricotta, cheeses. The top cheese layer should completely cover everything to prevent drying.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the sauce bubbles at the edges and the cheese turns golden brown in spots. Your kitchen will smell like an Italian bistro!
Pro Tips for Perfect Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
- Press ravioli gently into the sauce between layers – this prevents any dry spots and helps them soak up flavor.
- Check browning at 20 minutes – oven temps vary! If the cheese is browning too fast, tent loosely with foil.
- Let it rest 5 minutes before slicing – this allows the layers to set so you get clean servings with all that gorgeous cheese pull.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Variations
One of my favorite things about this million dollar ravioli casserole is how easily it adapts to whatever I’m craving that week. Here are my go-to twists that keep this dish exciting every time:
- Meat Lover’s Dream – Brown some Italian sausage (hot or sweet – your call!) and layer it between the ravioli. My husband swears by adding pepperoni slices under the top cheese layer for extra flavor. For more sausage ideas, see my Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with Sausage and Cheese.
- Garden Fresh Spinach – Mix thawed, drained frozen spinach into the ricotta along with a pinch of nutmeg. The green flecks make it pretty, and sneaks in some veggies!
- Spicy Arrabbiata Kick – Swap regular marinara for spicy arrabbiata sauce and add red pepper flakes between layers. Perfect for when you want that slow-building heat.
Honestly? I’ve yet to find a variation that doesn’t work with this flexible million dollar ravioli casserole base. The possibilities are endless! You can find more inspiration for savory dishes like this on my Pinterest page.
Serving Suggestions for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Oh, let me tell you how we love to serve this million dollar ravioli casserole in my house! A simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly – I use whatever greens look freshest at the market. And garlic bread? Non-negotiable. That crispy, buttery bread is made for scooping up every last bit of cheesy sauce.
For busy nights, I’ll sometimes just pair it with roasted broccoli or zucchini – anything fresh and green balances the decadence. But honestly? This casserole stands proud all on its own when you’re craving pure comfort food. If you need a quick side dish, try my recipe for Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries!
Storing and Reheating Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Here’s the beautiful thing about this million dollar ravioli casserole – it keeps like a dream! Let any leftovers cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days (though mine never lasts that long).
When reheating, I’ve learned the microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes per portion keeps the ravioli tender and prevents that rubbery cheese texture. If you’ve got a bigger batch to reheat, pop it in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes – it’ll come out nearly as good as fresh!
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Nutrition
Now let’s talk nutrition – because even comfort food deserves a little transparency! These values are estimates based on my standard recipe, but remember:
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole (a generous portion!)
- Calories: 420 – totally worth every cheesy bite
- Protein: 22g – thanks to all that glorious cheese and pasta
- Carbohydrates: 45g (with 4g fiber from the marinara and ravioli)
- Sugar: 8g (mostly from the natural tomato sweetness)
- Fat: 18g (9g saturated – it is called million dollar for a reason!)
- Sodium: 980mg – easy to reduce with low-sodium marinara if needed
A quick disclaimer: Your exact numbers will vary based on ingredient brands and any customizations you make. I always say – enjoy this rich dish in moderation, then go for an extra walk tomorrow! The memories (and flavors) are worth it. For more easy dinner ideas, check out my Dinner Ideas section.
FAQs About Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
I’ve gotten so many questions about this million dollar ravioli casserole over the years – let me share the answers to the ones that pop up most often!
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli works beautifully – just reduce the baking time to about 15-18 minutes since they cook faster. Watch for that perfect golden cheese topping rather than timing it exactly. Pro tip: Handle fresh ravioli extra gently when layering to keep those delicate pasta pockets intact.
How can I make this ahead for a busy night?
This is my favorite meal prep trick! Assemble the entire million dollar ravioli casserole cold (with thawed ravioli if using frozen), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake straight from the fridge – just add 5-10 extra minutes to account for the chill. The flavors actually deepen as they sit!
What’s your favorite cheese blend for this?
While the classic mozzarella-parmesan combo is perfect, I love adding provolone for a smoky depth. Try replacing half the mozzarella with provolone – it melts like a dream and adds this incredible savory note. For extra richness, sometimes I’ll mix a handful of fontina into the ricotta layer too. Cheese experimentation is half the fun with this recipe! If you love cheese bakes, you might also enjoy my Biscuit Vegetable Pot Pie Casserole.
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Irresistible Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole in 45 Minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy ravioli casserole that tastes like a million bucks
Ingredients
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Cook ravioli according to package directions
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in baking dish
- Layer half the ravioli over sauce
- Spread ricotta cheese over ravioli
- Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and parmesan
- Repeat layers with remaining ingredients
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly
Notes
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving
- Can substitute meat ravioli for cheese
- Add cooked ground beef for meat lovers version
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American