Comforting Ravioli Casserole

Category: Dinner

This dish has tender ravioli stacked with ground beef or spicy sausage cooked in marinara. A creamy mix of ricotta, sour cream, and cheeses adds richness. Melted mozzarella on top creates a golden crust. Garlic and Italian herbs give great flavor. Baking covered keeps it juicy, then uncovered to brown the cheese. Let it cool a bit so it slices well and the flavors settle.

Dana
Recipe Created By Dana
Last updated on Sat, 08 Nov 2025 16:25:56 GMT
Spoon digging into a pasta and meat casserole dish. Save
Spoon digging into a pasta and meat casserole dish. | chefsnaps.com

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a cozy, filling meal that stacks cheesy ravioli with a rich meat sauce and a smooth ricotta mix, topped off with melted mozzarella. Instead of boiling, the ravioli gets baked, making a gooey, satisfying dish that’s great for family dinners.

I whipped this casserole up one chilly night craving something comforting and warm. It quickly became a regular hit since it’s indulgent but easy enough for busy nights.

Needed Ingredients

  • Italian sausage or ground beef: adds rich, meaty flavor—pick good stuff with some marbling
  • Marinara sauce: bright, garlicky tomato goodness—grab a quality jar for best taste
  • Frozen cheese ravioli: cuts down prep time and delivers soft, cheesy pasta—make sure it’s well sealed with no freezer burn
  • Ricotta cheese: smooth and mild, balances tomato and meat nicely
  • Sour cream: gives a fresh tang and creamy texture to the ricotta mix
  • Mozzarella cheese, shredded: melts golden and stretchy for topping and filling—freshly shredded melts best
  • Parmesan cheese, grated: sharp and salty punch—fresh grate beats pre-grated
  • Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: add nice herbs and savory hints
  • Salt and black pepper: season to bring all flavors together
  • Fresh parsley: a bright, fresh sprinkle to cut the richness

Step-by-Step Cooking

Close-up of a tasty Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.
Close-up of a tasty Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. | chefsnaps.com

The very first time I layered this, I didn't know what to think. It turned out so comforting and delicious it instantly became our go-to special meal.

How To Store

Ingredient Swaps

Best Things To Serve With It

Close-up of a delicious pasta meal.
Close-up of a delicious pasta meal. | chefsnaps.com

Enjoy this hearty, comforting casserole that blends ease with decadence. It’s bound to become a favorite dinner choice.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ What type of meat can I use?

You can go with ground beef or Italian sausage. Sausage adds a bit more spice and flavor.

→ Should ravioli be thawed before layering?

It's better to use frozen ravioli so they don’t stick together and keep their shape when baked.

→ Can I substitute the cheeses?

Ricotta and mozzarella give creaminess and good melt. Parmesan adds a nutty touch. Feel free to change amounts to your liking.

→ How do I know when it is cooked through?

You'll see melted bubbly cheese on top and the inside should reach 165°F (74°C).

→ Any tips for achieving a golden topping?

Take off the foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes to let the mozzarella get golden and a little crispy.

Ravioli Casserole

Layers of cheesy ravioli, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese topped with gooey mozzarella.

Preparation Duration
20 minutes
Time to Cook
45 minutes
Overall Time
65 minutes
Recipe Created By: Dana

Type of Recipe: Dinner

Cooking Skill Level: For Moderate Skills

Cuisine Style: Italian-American

Serving Amount: 7 Number of Servings (6 to 8 servings)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Meat

01 450 grams ground beef or Italian sausage

→ Cheese Blend

02 240 grams ricotta cheese
03 240 grams sour cream
04 Divided 240 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
05 50 grams grated Parmesan

→ Sauce

06 680 grams marinara sauce

→ Pasta

07 710 grams frozen cheese ravioli

→ Seasoning

08 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
09 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 0.25 teaspoon salt
11 1 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Topping

12 Chopped fresh parsley

Detailed Preparation Steps

Step 01

Set your oven to 190°C and lightly oil a 23x33 cm baking dish.

Step 02

Cook the ground beef or sausage in a pan over medium heat until browned. Mix in the marinara sauce and take the pan off the heat.

Step 03

In a bowl, stir together ricotta, sour cream, half of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until creamy.

Step 04

Start by spreading some meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. Then put down half of the frozen ravioli, followed by half of the cheese mixture spread evenly. Repeat with the ravioli and cheese mix, then top off with the leftover meat sauce.

Step 05

Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella over everything. Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes.

Step 06

Take off the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes so the cheese gets nice and bubbly and turns golden.

Step 07

Give the dish 5 to 10 minutes to cool before serving. Add some fresh chopped parsley on top to finish.

Helpful Tips

  1. Want it spicier? Swap ground beef for Italian sausage. Keep ravioli frozen to stop them sticking. Baking time can change depending on your oven. It’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and melted and reaches 74°C inside.

Essential Kitchen Tools

  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish

Allergy Information

Always check labels for allergens and reach out to a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Contains gluten and dairy

Nutrition Information (Per Portion)

Nutrition facts are provided for reference and don’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 600
  • Fat Content: 35 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 45 grams
  • Protein Content: 32.5 grams