Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a cheesy, comforting baked dish full of tender ravioli, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside, with layers of pasta, sauce, and plenty of cheese that come together to create a simple but satisfying dinner.
I love making this casserole when I want something easy but still special enough to share with family or friends. One of my favorite parts is how the edges get a little crispy and golden in the oven—that texture contrast always feels like a bonus surprise. Plus, it’s a great dish to prep ahead and pop in the oven when you’re ready, saving me from stressful last-minute cooking.
Serving it with a crisp green salad or some warm garlic bread makes the whole meal feel complete. Whenever I bring this casserole to a gathering, it disappears fast—people just can’t resist that cheesy, saucy goodness. It’s definitely one of those go-to comfort meals I turn to again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cheese Ravioli: This is the star of the dish. You can use fresh, refrigerated, or frozen ravioli. If you prefer, switch to spinach or meat-filled ravioli for variety. Just cook them until al dente before baking.
Marinara Sauce: A good-quality jarred marinara works well here, but homemade sauce adds a fresh touch. If you’re short on time, tomato pasta sauce is a fine swap.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and balances the acidity of the tomato sauce. Cottage cheese is a lighter alternative, but the texture will be different. Remember to stir it smooth before mixing.
Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese: Mozzarella gives that melty, stretchy cheese goodness. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. Feel free to use part-skim mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses to suit your taste.
Fresh Basil & Italian Seasoning: They bring herby freshness. Dried basil works fine if fresh isn’t available—just add a little less. Italian seasoning adds a nice depth without fussing over multiple herbs.
How Do You Get a Perfectly Cheesy and Creamy Bake?
It’s all about layering and even cooking. First, cook ravioli just until tender so they don’t get mushy baking. Mixing the sauce and cheeses before adding ravioli helps each piece soak up flavor and stay moist.
- Grease your dish well so the ravioli don’t stick and edges crisp up nicely.
- Spread the ravioli and sauce gently in layers to get even cheese distribution and heat penetration.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F until the cheese bubbles and browns. This usually takes 25-30 minutes.
- Let it rest before serving so the sauce thickens and slices hold shape easier.
These steps make the casserole gooey, flavorful, and just the right texture every time. I like to top mine with a little extra Parmesan and fresh basil for color and fresh flavor after baking—it’s a simple but effective touch!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for layering ravioli and cheese, plus it heats evenly for a golden top.
- Large mixing bowl – makes combining sauce, cheese, and seasonings easy and mess-free.
- Pot for boiling ravioli – you’ll need this to cook ravioli just until tender before baking.
- Colander – handy for draining cooked ravioli without losing any pieces.
- Spoon or spatula – to gently fold ravioli into the sauce and spread layers evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cheese ravioli with meat or spinach ravioli for a heartier or veggie twist.
- Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef into the sauce for extra protein and flavor.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for some added texture and nutrition.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add garlic powder for a bit of heat and depth.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (25-ounce) package refrigerated or frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray, for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation, including boiling the ravioli, mixing the sauce, and assembling layers. Then bake it for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Allow 5-10 minutes of resting time before serving. In total, plan for roughly 45-50 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Ravioli
If using frozen ravioli, cook according to package directions until just tender (al dente). For refrigerated ravioli, boil briefly until al dente. Drain thoroughly to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.
3. Mix the Sauce and Cheese
In a large bowl, combine marinara sauce, ricotta, half of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, basil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until smooth and well blended.
4. Combine Ravioli with Sauce
Gently fold the cooked ravioli into the sauce mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Spread half of the ravioli mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the remaining shredded mozzarella over this layer. Then add the remaining ravioli mixture on top, spreading it out evenly.
6. Add Cheese Topping and Bake
Top the casserole with the rest of the mozzarella and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and turn golden brown on top.
7. Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes; this helps set the layers and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley if you like. Enjoy with a crisp salad or warm garlic bread!
Can I Use Frozen Ravioli in This Casserole?
Yes! Just be sure to cook the frozen ravioli according to the package instructions until al dente before assembling the casserole. Properly draining them helps prevent excess moisture.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole fully and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through or use a microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Add Meat or Vegetables to This Casserole?
Definitely! Cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or sautéed veggies like spinach and mushrooms make tasty add-ins. Just mix them into the sauce before layering.