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Cheesy Ravioli Casserole

Featured in Simple, Tasty Pasta for Every Day.

Start by layering frozen ravioli, savory meat sauce, and three types of cheese. Then bake it until hot and bubbly for a meal that tastes homemade.
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Emily Watson
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:27:11 GMT
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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole | thefamilycooks.com

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole takes classic cheese ravioli to new heights with layers of seasoned meat sauce, rich melted cheeses, and a golden-brown crust. The result is a decadent, restaurant-quality pasta dish that comes together effortlessly.

Key Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio provides ideal flavor and texture
  • Ravioli: Fresh or frozen cheese ravioli with generous filling
  • Cream cheese: Full-fat, room temperature for smooth blending
  • Marinara: Choose a thick, herbed sauce
  • Mozzarella: Fresh-grated for superior melting
  • Italian seasoning: A blend of Mediterranean herbs
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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole | thefamilycooks.com

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Let cream cheese soften. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 9x13 baking dish.
  2. Brown beef in olive oil, drain fat, add minced garlic.
  3. Season meat with Italian herbs and salt. Stir in marinara.
  4. Combine softened cream cheese, sour cream and ricotta. Mix in ravioli.
  5. Layer ravioli mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella and parmesan.
  6. Bake covered 30 minutes, then uncovered 10-15 minutes until bubbly.

Building the Layers

The layering technique creates distinct flavor zones. Start with the cheese-coated ravioli base, add the rich meat sauce layer, and finish with a generous blanket of cheese that will form a golden crust.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. The flavors develop beautifully overnight. When baking from cold, add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole | thefamilycooks.com

Serving Ideas

Balance the rich casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette. Serve alongside warm garlic bread for soaking up the sauce. For entertaining, start with antipasto before the main course.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can this dish be prepped early?
Sure thing! You can put it together a day ahead, keep it in the fridge, and bake it when ready. Add 10-15 extra minutes if you’re starting cold.
→ What kind of ravioli works best?
Frozen cheese ravioli handles cooking perfectly for this recipe. Fresh ravioli will also work, but you’ll need to reduce the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes.
→ Is it freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Wrap it up tight and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking, and give it 15-20 extra minutes in the oven.
→ What pairs well with this bake?
A nice green salad and breadsticks go great! You could also serve roasted veggies, or a Caesar salad on the side.
→ Can I switch up the meat in this recipe?
Totally! Try ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a mix. Just remember to drain off any grease after cooking.

Cheesy Ravioli Bake

A comforting baked dish featuring cheese-filled ravioli, savory meat sauce, and gooey layers of melted cheese. Every bite is loaded with flavor!

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Savory Meat Sauce

01 1 tablespoon of high-quality olive oil
02 1 pound of freshly ground lean beef
03 1 teaspoon of freshly chopped or minced garlic
04 2 teaspoons of a flavorful Italian herb mix
05 A jar of marinara sauce, about 24 ounces

→ Ravioli and Cheese Layers

06 A bag of frozen cheese-filled ravioli (24 ounces)
07 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
08 A quarter cup of sour cream
09 Three-fourths of a cup of smooth ricotta cheese
10 1 full cup of shredded mozzarella
11 Half a cup of parmesan, freshly grated

Instructions

Step 01

Heat up the olive oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. Drop in the ground beef and cook it until browned all over, then pour out any extra grease. Toss in the garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Mix in the Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt, then pour in 2 cups of marinara sauce and combine everything thoroughly.

Step 02

Before you start, set your oven to 350°F so it can warm up. While that’s happening, spray a 9x13 dish with some non-stick spray. In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, throw the frozen ravioli in and make sure every piece gets a good coating of the cheesy mix.

Step 03

Spread your ravioli cheesy blend evenly across the bottom of the dish you prepped. Pour your meat sauce on top and smooth it into an even layer. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan over it generously. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then take off the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and melted to perfection.

Notes

  1. This dish mixes hearty ravioli with creamy cheese and a savory meat sauce in a way that’s totally irresistible.
  2. It’s an ideal choice for family meals or bringing along to potlucks—guaranteed to be a hit!

Tools You'll Need

  • A large skillet for cooking the meat
  • A large mixing bowl for the cheese blend
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Foil for covering while baking

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Made with dairy products (lots of cheese)
  • Includes gluten due to the pasta
  • Contains eggs, which are often used in ravioli pasta

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 745
  • Total Fat: 41 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 52 g
  • Protein: 41 g