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Rich Cheesy Ravioli Casserole

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Stack ravioli, hearty meat sauce, and cheeses, then bake for 45 minutes till bubbly. A crowd-pleaser serving six.
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Clare Recipes
Updated on Tue, 27 May 2025 11:46:49 GMT
Cheesy Baked Ravioli with Beef Save
Cheesy Baked Ravioli with Beef | recipesclare.com

If you're craving pure comfort but also want something that feels fancy, this Million Dollar Ravioli Bake is the answer. Piles of cheesy ravioli, layers of savory meat and so much melty cheese come together for a cozy, over-the-top dinner that'll have everyone going back for seconds. Seriously, it's nothing but creamy, saucy goodness in every forkful.

Last year, I whipped this up for a family party and my nonna—who grew up in Naples—asked if I'd share how I made it. I was stunned! The true trick? Getting those layers just right so every bit pops with flavor.

Irresistible Ingredients

  • Three kinds of shredded cheese: Give a deep, gooey flavor combo
  • Cottage cheese: Brings a little lightness to every bite
  • Ricotta: Makes everything creamy and traditional
  • Marinara sauce: Pick your favorite for big, bold taste
  • Ground beef: 80/20 keeps it rich and juicy
  • Cheese ravioli: Go for frozen or fresh—just grab a good brand

Building Your Casserole

Bake It Up:
Top with foil and keep an eye on it. Let the cheese get bubbly and a little golden. Don’t rush—let it settle before digging in.
Put It All Together:
Pour a thin layer of sauce down first. Lay out your ravioli. Slather on the cheese blend. Repeat with whatever’s left.
Melt Cheese Mix:
Whip ricotta until it's light. Mix in cottage cheese gently, then scoop in sour cream. Season well so it's super tasty.
Sizzle Up the Meat Sauce:
Warm a little olive oil in a big pan. Soften up your onions. Crumble in the beef and brown it fully. Add marinara and any dried herbs you like.
Million Dollar Ravioli Bake Save
Million Dollar Ravioli Bake | recipesclare.com

My mom's trick? She always snuck a hint of nutmeg into the cheese filling. You’ll never taste it, but it makes the cheesy parts even better.

Gorgeous Ways to Serve

Toss on some fresh basil, splash a little olive oil on top and serve with crunchy garlic bread plus a snappy Caesar salad. That’s how you make an Italian-ish meal feel totally complete.

Tasty Twists

Swap in Italian sausage if beef isn't your thing, throw in layers of spinach, or try ravioli stuffed with different fillings. If you want more heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or go with spicy sausage.

Stay Fresh Longer

Keep leftovers sealed in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it well-wrapped for a couple of months. Reheat while covered until everything’s hot and bubbly.

Now, this Million Dollar Ravioli dish is my go-to for holidays or whenever I want to wow a crowd. It’s wild how a few simple things can turn into a dish that feels truly special. That’s the magic of putting your heart into cooking.

Close-Up of Million Dollar Ravioli Bake Save
Close-Up of Million Dollar Ravioli Bake | recipesclare.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prep this early?
Absolutely! Put it together, cover, and chill. Bake it later, adding 10-15 more minutes to the cook time.
→ Can this be frozen?
Totally! Freeze it before baking and keep it up to three months. Thaw overnight and bake.
→ How can I make it meatless?
Swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Works great and tastes amazing!
→ What sides should I serve?
Pair it with crispy garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a full meal.
→ Can I try fresh ravioli?
For sure! Fresh ravioli works perfectly—just cut the baking time by about 5-10 minutes when covered.

Rich Cheesy Ravioli Casserole

This cozy bake layers ravioli, ground beef, and four gooey cheeses in flavorful marinara sauce.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
40 min
Total Time
60 min

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine Type: American-Italian

Makes: 6 Serves (One casserole (9x13-inch))

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Meats and Pasta

01 1 lb ground beef
02 One pack (25 oz) of frozen cheese ravioli

→ Cheese and Tomato Sauce

03 24 oz marinara sauce (1 jar)
04 1 cup ricotta
05 1 cup of cottage cheese
06 2 cups mozzarella (shredded)
07 Half a cup of Parmesan (grated)
08 1/2 cup of sour cream

→ Spices and Extras

09 1 teaspoon oregano (dried)
10 A tablespoon of olive oil
11 Pinch of salt and pepper, adjusted to taste
12 Two garlic cloves, chopped finely
13 1 tsp dried basil
14 Parsley, chopped for topping

Steps

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get it warming. Heat oil in a skillet, then sauté the garlic till it smells good.

Step 02

Cook the ground beef until browned. After draining the fat, stir in marinara and season it with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 03

Grab a bowl and mix together ricotta, cottage cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella.

Step 04

In a buttered 9x13-inch pan, layer the following: first some meat sauce, then half your ravioli, next the cheese mix, then the other half of the ravioli, more sauce, and finally the rest of the Parmesan and mozzarella.

Step 05

Cover the pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, take the foil off and bake another 10–15 minutes till the top is golden. Sprinkle parsley before serving.

Helpful Notes

  1. You can prep this in advance and chill it. For a veggie twist, swap the beef with mushrooms or cooked spinach.

Required Tools

  • Baking pan (9x13-inch)
  • Big skillet
  • Bowl for mixing
  • Foil for covering

Allergen Info

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and seek medical advice if unsure.
  • Includes dairy products
  • Made with wheat

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These are general insights and don’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Carbs: 30 g
  • Protein: 26 g