Looking for a rich, indulgent, and family-friendly dinner that practically guarantees empty plates? This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole delivers layers of creamy, cheesy goodness packed with savory beef and robust marinara flavor. It’s a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or comforting weekend dinners—and it just might become your most-requested recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Casserole

Freezer-friendly and meal prep approved
Perfect for potlucks or weeknight dinners
Uses affordable ingredients with high-impact flavor
A guaranteed hit with picky eaters and pasta lovers alike
High protein and customizable

Ingredients Breakdown

Main Components:

Frozen Cheese Ravioli (25 oz): Acts as the pasta and cheese layer in one; a convenient base for the casserole.
Ground Beef (1 lb): Adds a savory, meaty layer for a hearty texture.
Marinara Sauce (24 oz jar): Brings tomato flavor and moisture to the casserole.

Creamy Cheese Layer:

Cottage Cheese (1 cup): Adds creaminess and protein to the filling.
Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates a smooth, rich texture in the cheese layer.
Sour Cream (1 cup): Adds tanginess and helps blend the cheeses into a creamy mixture.

Toppings:

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully on top for a gooey, golden finish.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup): Adds salty, nutty depth to the final layer.

Seasonings:

Salt & Pepper: Enhances the flavor of the meat sauce and cheese filling.
Italian Seasoning (1 tbsp): Adds herby, classic Italian flavor.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides aromatic depth to the meat sauce.

Tips and Tricks

Soften cream cheese at room temp for easier mixing.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter version.
Mix in spinach or chopped mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Sprinkle with fresh basil after baking for a fresh finish.

Variations and Customizations

Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or plant-based crumbles.
Use ricotta cheese in place of cottage cheese for a smoother texture.
Try spinach or mushroom ravioli for a twist.
Make it gluten-free with gluten-free ravioli and sauce.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve this rich casserole with:

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and loaded with layers of cheesy ravioli, hearty meat sauce, and a luscious blend of cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly dinner that tastes like a million bucks.

Ingredients

Scale

1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
1 lb ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 cup cottage cheese
8 oz brick cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.

2. Cook the Ravioli

Prepare the frozen ravioli according to package instructions.
Drain well and set aside.

3. Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink.
Drain excess fat for a leaner result.

4. Add Flavor

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning.
Let simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine:
- Cottage cheese
- Softened cream cheese
- Sour cream
Blend until smooth and creamy.

6. Assemble the Layers

In the baking dish:
1. Layer half of the ravioli.
2. Spread half the cheese mixture.
3. Spoon on half the meat sauce.
4. Repeat layers with the remaining ingredients.

7. Top and Bake

Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

8. Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm and enjoy every rich, cheesy bite!

Notes

For best results, use a high-quality marinara sauce for richer flavor.
If baking from frozen, cover and add 15-20 extra minutes to the baking time.
This dish is ideal for feeding a crowd—double the recipe for a larger batch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American