Million dollar ravioli casserole—cheesy layers of ravioli, meat sauce, and 4 cheeses! Easy, Freezer-Friendly, and perfect for potlucks. Get the recipe!
There is something magical about a casserole that brings everyone back for seconds (and thirds). Enter the million dollar ravioli casserole—a dish so rich, hearty, and downright delicious, it’s earned its “million dollar” title.
Imagine layers of tender cheese ravioli, savory meat sauce, and a decadent blend of four cheeses, all baked to golden perfection.
Whether you are feeding a hungry family, hosting a potluck, or meal-prepping for the week, this million dollar ravioli casserole delivers flavor, ease, and pure comfort. Let’s dive into the recipe first!
Table of Contents
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the meat sauce:
- 1 lb. Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean for best flavor)
- 1 medium onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 2 (24-oz) jars marinara sauce
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp. red pepper flakes
For the cheese layers:
- 1 (25-oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
- 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups cottage cheese (or ricotta)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (or more mozzarella)
Optional garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Extra Parmesan
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef over medium heat. Break the meat into crumbles as it cooks.
Add the onion and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant for about 5 minutes. Drain the excess grease.
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Simmer on low for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
In a bowl combine cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and ½ cup Parmesan. Mix until smooth(a few lumps are okay).
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9*13 inch baking dish.
Spread one cup of meat sauce on the bottom.
Arrange half of ravioli in second layer.
Spread the entire cheese mixture over the ravioli.
Add remaining ravioli.
Pour the rest of meat sauce on top.
Sprinkle mozzarella, provolone, and remaining Parmesan over everything.
Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes, uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes more until bubbly and golden.
Let million dollar ravioli casserole rest for 15 minutes before slicing, this helps the layers to set.
Why does this beat traditional Lasagna?
Million dollar ravioli casserole leaves traditional lasagna behind, you know how?
- No boil ravioli saves time.
- Cream cheese layer adds tanginess which is missing in classic ricotta.
- Freezer-friendly flexibility vs. Lasagna’s fussy prep.
Why this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen?
It’s Effortlessly Impressive: With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this casserole tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The secret? Letting the layers of meat, cheese, and pasta do work for you.
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it the night before, freeze it for later, or bake it straight away—this dish is as flexible as it is delicious.
Kid-approved and crowed pleasing: Picky eaters? Gone. Empty plates? Guaranteed. The cheesy, meaty goodness wins over everyone, from toddlers to grandpas.
Customizable: Swap ingredients based on what you have. Or sneak in veggies for a
Reader Success Stories
“Sarah from Texas added spinach and said her kids didn’t notice“.
“Mike swapped in spicy sausage and called it life-changing”.
Leftover Hacks
“Turn million dollar ravioli casserole leftovers into new meals”
Stuff bell peppers with chopped casserole+ extra cheese.
Fry leftover slices in a skillet for ravioli leftover hash.
Conclusion: Why this million dollar ravioli casserole deserves a spot on your table?
Let’s be real—life is hectic. Between work, school, errands, and the endless hustle, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours slaving over a complicated dinner. But here is the thing: good food doesn’t have to be hard.
That’s why this million dollar ravioli casserole is not just a recipe—it is a lifesaver. It is the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the smell of garlic and simmering sauce, brings anyone running to the table, and leaves you feeling like a rockstar…even if you are still in sweatpants.
I’ll never forget the first time I made this casserole. My kids, who usually treat dinner like a negotiation (I’ll eat three bites if I get a screen time”), actually asked for seconds. My husband, who claims he does not do leftovers, sneaked a midnight forkful straight from the fridge.
And me? I felt like I’d crack the code to stress-free, crowed-pleasing, meals. That’s the magic of this dish: it is unapologetically comforting, yet secretly simple. No fancy techniques, no obscure ingredients—just layers of flavor that feel like a warm hug.
But here is what I love most: this million dollar ravioli casserole meets you where you are.
- Got picky eaters? The cheesy, meaty layers win them over.
- Hosting friends? Double the batch and watch it disappear.
- Meal-prepping for the week? Freeze half and thank yourself later.
And let’s talk about those leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!). Reheat a slice for lunch, and I promise your coworkers will hover around your desk asking, “What smells so good?!” Pro tip: Crumble it over a bed of greens the next day for a “deconstructed” ravioli salad—trust me, it works.
Now, I would love to hear from you. Did you add a secret ingredient? Swap the sausage for mushrooms? Did your toddler finally declare, “Mom, this is bussin'”? (Hey, we take wins where we can get them.) Drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out—your tweaks might just inspire someone else’s kitchen adventure!
And while you are here…let’s stay connected!😊
Follow me on Instagram for sneak peeks of upcoming recipes, and behind-the-scenes chaos. Or join the fun on Facebook where I answer your burning questions (yes, you can use gluten-free ravioli—I tested it!).
Plus, when you tag me in your million dollar ravioli casserole master pieces, I’ll feature your creation in my stories! Nothing makes me happier than seeing your tables filled with food that brings joy.
At the end of the day, cooking is not just about feeding people—it is about connection. It is the laughter over garlic bread crumbs, the “mmm’s” around the table, and the memories you make one bite at a time.
So whether you are a seasoned chef or a “wait, does the oven go beep when it is preheated?” newbie, this casserole is your invitation to slow down, savor, savor the moment. and maybe even let someone else handle the dishes.
Here is to good food, messy kitchens, and the magic of million dollar ravioli casserole that does not cost a fortune. Now go grab that baking dish—your future self(and your hungry crew) will thank you. Also, do not forget to check out my dump-and-bake meatball casserole recipe.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Ingredients
For the meat sauce:
- 1 lb. Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 lb. ground beef 85% lean for best flavor
- 1 medium onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 2 24-oz jars marinara sauce
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp. red pepper flakes
For the cheese layers:
- 1 25-oz bag frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
- 1 8-oz block cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups cottage cheese or ricotta
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese or more mozzarella
For optional garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Extra Parmesan
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef over medium heat. Break the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Add the onion and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant for about 5 minutes. Drain the excess grease. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Simmer on low for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- In a bowl combine cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and ½ cup Parmesan. Mix until smooth(a few lumps are okay).
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9*13 inch baking dish. Spread one cup of meat sauce on the bottom. Arrange half of ravioli in second layer. Spread the entire cheese mixture over the ravioli. Add remaining ravioli. Pour the rest of meat sauce on top. Sprinkle mozzarella, provolone, and remaining Parmesan over everything.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes, uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes more until bubbly and golden. Let million dollar ravioli casserole rest for 15 minutes before slicing, this helps the layers to set.