Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

If you’re searching for a dinner that’s creamy, cheesy, and exuberantly flavorful, look no further than Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate—easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With layers of cheesy goodness and tender ravioli, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have a lot of time. Fun fact: This recipe earned its name because it feels like a million bucks, but it’s actually very budget-friendly! It’s one of those magical dishes that makes everyone at the table cheer. And it takes less than an hour to prepare! If you love comfort foods as much as our famous lasagna or creamy mac and cheese, this casserole will quickly earn a spot in your family’s dinner rotation. Let’s get ready to impress your loved ones!

What is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

Have you ever wondered how a dish can command a price tag in its name? Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole – now that’s a name that makes your taste buds tingle! Imagine a dish that shines just as brightly as a million-dollar diamond; how could you resist? This delightful casserole is a layer of savory ravioli topped with gooey cheese and a mouthwatering sauce. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish just might bring everyone to the dinner table! With its budget-friendly ingredients and drool-worthy flavor, you’ll definitely want to whip up this slice of luxurious comfort. Are you ready to indulge in this extravagance?

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely fall in love with this ravioli casserole! First, the main highlight is the harmonious blend of flavors—from the gooey melted cheese to the savory tomato sauce and perfectly cooked ravioli. It’s a texture and taste explosion in every mouthful! Second, making this dish at home saves you a pretty penny compared to dine-in options. You can whip up something that’s just as good, if not better, than restaurant fare without breaking the bank. Finally, the toppings make all the difference! You can customize it with fresh herbs or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for those who like a kick. If you enjoy our comforting stuffed bell peppers, this casserole will have similar appeal, so don’t hesitate to take the plunge!

How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Quick Overview

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a breeze to throw together! With an easy prep time of about 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, you’ll be savoring this delicious meal in under an hour. This dish boasts a creamy texture and the warmth of cheesy goodness, making it a family favorite that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Key Ingredients for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Gather the following ingredients to create your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole:

• 1 package (25-30 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnishing

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking.
2. Cook the Ravioli: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the frozen ravioli according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce with ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
4. Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ravioli on top. Sprinkle one cup of mozzarella cheese over the ravioli. Repeat the layering with the remaining sauce, ravioli, and another cup of mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake: Generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil. Slice and serve hot!

What to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole With

To create a well-rounded meal, serve your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Garlic bread would make for an excellent complement, allowing you to soak up any leftover sauce with ease. For a fun addition, consider a light white wine spritzer or a sparkling water with lemon—refreshing and perfect alongside this hearty dish!

Top Tips for Perfecting Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

To take your casserole to the next level, here are some handy tips:

• Fresh vs. Frozen: While frozen ravioli is convenient, using fresh ravioli can enhance the texture and flavor.
• Herb Substitutions: Feel free to use fresh herbs like basil or parsley instead of dried Italian seasoning for a vibrant, fresh taste.
• Don’t Overcook: Be cautious while cooking the ravioli. You want them al dente, as they’ll continue to cook while baking in the casserole.
• Customize It: Add your favorite vegetables or proteins, like sautéed spinach or grilled chicken, for extra oomph!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a joy to save! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’re looking to enjoy it at a much later date, freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through—this usually takes about 20-25 minutes. Adding a splash of marinara sauce before reheating can help maintain that creamy texture!

In closing, Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a delightful and budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for family dinners. By mixing simplicity with flavor, this recipe is destined to become a new favorite in your home. Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking! You won’t regret it.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

A creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish featuring layers of ravioli, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 package (25-30 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnishing

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the frozen ravioli according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce with ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Layering and Baking

1. In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ravioli on top and sprinkle one cup of mozzarella cheese over the ravioli.
2. Repeat the layering with the remaining sauce, ravioli, and another cup of mozzarella cheese.
3. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serving

1. Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil. Slice and serve hot.

Notes

To elevate the dish, use fresh ravioli for better flavor and texture, substitute fresh herbs for dried, avoid overcooking ravioli, and customize with additional vegetables or proteins as desired. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.