Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: the million dollar ravioli casserole! This dish is a warm hug on a plate, bursting with rich flavors and cheesy goodness. Picture layers of tender cheese ravioli swimming in marinara sauce, nestled beneath a blanket of creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella. It’s like a cozy Italian restaurant in your own kitchen! The best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that feels fancy but requires minimal effort. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds, and you’ll be smiling all the while!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 package frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw, just grab it straight from the freezer)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or your favorite store-bought brand works great)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (make sure it’s creamy for that perfect texture)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (go for the good stuff; it melts beautifully!)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a lovely salty kick)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (this blend really brings out the flavors)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy—season it well!)
How to Prepare the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get it nice and toasty while you prepare everything else.
- Grab a large baking dish and spread half of that delicious marinara sauce right on the bottom. You want to create a cozy little pool for the ravioli.
- Now, layer half of your frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce. No need to thaw them; just place them right in there!
- Next up, dollop the ricotta cheese over the ravioli. I like to use a spoon to spread it around evenly, so every bite has that creamy goodness.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta. Oh, it’s already looking so good!
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients: more ravioli, the rest of the marinara sauce, and top it off with the remaining mozzarella cheese. It’s like a cheesy lasagna, but way easier!
- Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top for that extra flavor kick.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes. This helps everything meld together beautifully.
- After that, remove the foil and bake it for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Wow, the aroma is going to make your mouth water!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without a ton of fuss.
- Deliciously Satisfying: Packed with layers of cheesy ravioli, rich marinara, and creamy ricotta, every bite is a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This dish is a great option for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike—everyone will enjoy it!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can assemble it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready, making it a lifesaver for dinner parties or meal prep.
- Leftover Heaven: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day—if there are any left!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this casserole is sure to impress and satisfy a crowd.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your million dollar ravioli casserole turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my best tips to help you succeed:
- Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t have ricotta? No problem! You can use cottage cheese for a slightly different texture, or even a mix of cream cheese and sour cream for a tangy twist. And if you’re looking for a lighter version, try using part-skim mozzarella.
- Adjusting Cooking Times: Every oven is a little different! Keep an eye on your casserole during the last few minutes of baking to make sure the cheese doesn’t over-brown. If you notice it browning too quickly, just cover it back up with foil.
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: A little salt and pepper can go a long way! Taste your marinara sauce before adding it, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Layering is Key: Make sure to evenly distribute the ingredients in each layer. This ensures every bite is a delicious mix of flavors—no dry ravioli or bland spots!
- Let it Rest: After baking, let your casserole sit for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This lets the layers set up a bit, making it easier to slice and serve. Plus, it’ll be a little cooler, so you won’t burn your tongue!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Toss in some sautéed spinach, cooked ground sausage, or even roasted vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if you add a lot of extra ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve crafted this delicious million dollar ravioli casserole, let’s talk about how to make your meal even more delightful! Here are some of my favorite side dishes and accompaniments that pair perfectly with this cheesy masterpiece:
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread. Slather it with butter and garlic for the ultimate sidekick to soak up all that marinara goodness!
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole. It’s refreshing and balances out the meal beautifully.
- Steamed Vegetables: Brighten your plate with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or zucchini. They add color and nutrition, plus they’re super easy to prepare!
- Caprese Salad: Layers of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a classy, Italian-inspired side dish that complements the flavors of the casserole.
- Antipasto Platter: For a fun twist, serve an antipasto platter with olives, marinated artichokes, and slices of salami or prosciutto. It’s a great way to start the meal and gets everyone excited!
Don’t forget to top your casserole with some freshly chopped basil or parsley right before serving for that extra pop of flavor and color. Enjoy your cozy meal with family and friends, and watch them rave about this delicious dish!
Nutritional Information
This million dollar ravioli casserole is not just delicious but also a satisfying meal option! Each serving typically contains around 400 calories, with 20g of protein and 40g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you choose to use. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli can be used, but you might need to adjust the baking time since they cook faster than frozen ones. Just keep an eye on it while it’s in the oven!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with million dollar ravioli casserole?
There are so many great options! A simple green salad or some garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish. You could also serve it with steamed veggies for a pop of color and nutrition.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. It reheats wonderfully in the oven or microwave, so you can enjoy it again and again!
Can I freeze million dollar ravioli casserole?
Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake it as directed. You’ll still have a delicious meal waiting for you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After you’ve enjoyed your million dollar ravioli casserole, storing the leftovers is super simple! Just let it cool down, then transfer any remaining portions to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, so you can savor that cheesy goodness again soon!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out, and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave—just be sure to cover it to keep it moist. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole: 7 Cheesy Comfort Layers
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and delicious million dollar ravioli casserole packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Layer half of the frozen ravioli on top of the sauce.
- Spread ricotta cheese over the ravioli.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta.
- Repeat layers with remaining ingredients, finishing with marinara sauce and mozzarella.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- This dish can be made ahead and frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: million dollar ravioli casserole, ravioli casserole, easy casserole recipes
