Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
A hearty, cheesy, ultra-satisfying baked pasta dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—but it’s secretly incredibly easy. Layers of pillowy cheese ravioli, rich beefy marinara, and a creamy, tangy cheese filling make this an instant family favorite. Think lasagna vibes, minus the hassle.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz / 680g) marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Filling:
- 1 package (8 oz / 225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other:
- 1 package (25 oz / 700g) frozen cheese ravioli (keep frozen)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make It
1. Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off excess fat.
Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 5–10 minutes so the flavors meld. Set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan. Use a spatula to mash and mix until smooth—don’t worry if it’s a little lumpy, it’ll melt beautifully in the oven.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom (this keeps the pasta from sticking). Layer half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Spoon half the cheese mixture over the ravioli and gently spread it out. Add another layer of meat sauce.
Repeat the layers: ravioli, cheese mixture, meat sauce. Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella evenly on top.
4. Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbling around the edges. Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes to get that golden, cheesy top.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
What to Serve with It
All this dish needs is something fresh on the side:
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread (obviously)
- Steamed green beans or broccoli for something lighter
Tips & Tricks
- Frozen Ravioli: No need to thaw! Goes straight into the casserole frozen and cooks perfectly.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble it earlier in the day or even the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it when ready.
- Freezer-Friendly: Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Swap it Up: Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef, or go meatless and double the cheese layers.
This is one of those recipes you’ll make once and find yourself craving again and again. It’s cozy, rich, and makes enough for leftovers (that somehow taste even better the next day). A true weeknight hero. Want a showstopper meal with minimal effort? This one’s got your back.
