Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a cheesy, comforting dish that brings together tender ravioli, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese in a big, warm pan. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big hug after a long day, with lots of hearty flavors and a little bit of spice to keep things interesting.
I love making this casserole for busy weeknights because it’s super simple to put together but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. One of my favorite things about it is how the ravioli soaks up all the sauce and cheese, getting soft and flavorful with every bite. Plus, it’s easy to customize—add a bit of sausage, some veggies, or extra herbs if you want to make it your own.
When I serve this dish, I usually pair it with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. It’s always a hit with family and friends since it’s both satisfying and cozy. Honestly, this casserole feels like the perfect go-to dinner that makes everyone smile and ask for seconds.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cheese Ravioli: Frozen cheese ravioli is the base here, making prep quick. If you can’t find cheese ravioli, spinach or meat ravioli work well too. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free ravioli.
Cottage and Ricotta Cheese: These cheeses create a creamy texture in the casserole. If you want it lighter, try using part-skim ricotta. No cottage cheese? Use all ricotta instead.
Marinara Sauce: Choose a good quality jarred sauce or homemade if you have it. You can swap marinara for your favorite tomato sauce or add extra herbs for more flavor.
Mozzarella and Parmesan: Mozzarella melts perfectly to give that gooey, golden top. Parmesan adds a nutty taste. If needed, provolone or fontina work instead of mozzarella, and asiago can substitute Parmesan.
Spinach (Optional): Fresh chopped spinach adds a nice freshness and color. You can skip it or substitute with kale or Swiss chard for a different green.
How Do You Layer and Bake for the Best Texture?
Layering is key to getting great flavor and texture in this casserole. Here’s how I do it:
- Start with a little sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking and add moisture.
- Layer your cooked ravioli evenly, then spread the cheese mixture carefully over it.
- Repeat the ravioli layer and top with sauce and cheese for a rich finish.
- Cover with foil while baking to keep moisture in and avoid drying out.
- Remove the foil towards the end to let the cheese brown and bubble beautifully.
- Let it rest a few minutes after baking to help everything set and make serving easier.
These steps help the ravioli soak up sauce without getting mushy, and the melted cheese creates that irresistible golden crust on top. Patience here really pays off!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch casserole dish – perfect size for even baking and layering your ravioli and cheese.
- Large pot – to boil the frozen ravioli quickly and easily.
- Mixing bowl – for combining the cheeses and seasonings smoothly.
- Spoon or spatula – to spread sauce and cheese layers evenly without mess.
- Aluminum foil – to cover the casserole while baking and keep it moist.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef for a meaty boost that makes it heartier.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and a veggie twist.
- Swap spinach for kale or arugula for a peppery green flavor.
- Use a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese for a creamier, meltier topping.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package (about 25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for greasing casserole dish)
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 30-40 minutes to bake, plus an optional 5 minutes to rest before serving. All together, plan for around 45-55 minutes from start to table.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish using olive oil to prevent sticking. Next, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the frozen cheese ravioli and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 3-5 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix these until the mixture is creamy and well blended. If you’re using spinach, gently fold it into this cheese mixture now.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your greased casserole dish to keep the ravioli from sticking. Place a layer of the cooked ravioli over the sauce evenly. Dollop and spread half of the cheese mixture on top of the ravioli layer. Add another layer of ravioli over the cheese, then pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top. Spread the remaining cheese mixture over the sauce and sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake with Care:
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
5. Rest, Garnish, and Serve:
When baked, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes—this helps it set and makes serving neat and easy. Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve warm alongside a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to round out your comforting meal.
Can I Use Frozen Ravioli Without Thawing?
Yes! You can cook frozen ravioli directly by boiling them according to the package instructions before baking. Just be sure not to overcook to keep them from becoming mushy in the casserole.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if baking from cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To keep it from drying out, cover with foil when reheating in the oven.
What Can I Serve with Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty garlic bread to soak up all the creamy sauce and cheese.
