Oh my goodness, let me tell you, this million dollar ravioli casserole is a total game changer for family dinners! It’s one of those cozy, hearty meals that brings everyone to the table with smiles and satisfied bellies. I mean, who wouldn’t love layers of cheesy ravioli, rich marinara sauce, and creamy ricotta? It’s like a warm hug in a dish! Trust me, it’s super easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you have friends over. And the best part? You can customize it to your liking! Toss in veggies or ground meat if you want, but honestly, it’s delicious just as it is. So grab your baking dish, and let’s get ready to create some magic in the kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 1 package frozen cheese ravioli (about 25-30 ounces) – no need to thaw, just grab it straight from the freezer!
- 2 cups marinara sauce – your favorite store-bought or homemade, it’s all good!
- 1 cup ricotta cheese – creamy and dreamy, this is what adds that luscious texture!
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – for that melty, gooey top that everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – a sprinkle of this adds a nice salty kick!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – you can use dried or fresh, but I love the convenience of dried!
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – because garlic makes everything better, right?
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t skip these, they really elevate the flavors!
How to Prepare the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole 2
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and those cheesy layers get all bubbly and golden. Trust me, no one wants a cold middle in their delicious dinner!
Layer the Marinara Sauce
Next, grab your large baking dish and spread a layer of marinara sauce right on the bottom. You want to coat it evenly so that the ravioli don’t stick and soak up all that yummy flavor as they bake. Just pour it in and use the back of a spoon to spread it out nice and smooth.
Build the Ravioli Layers
Now it’s time to get those frozen ravioli in! Lay half of them on top of that marinara sauce, making sure they’re not too crowded. Then, take your ricotta mixture and dollop it on top of the ravioli. Don’t stress about being perfect—just spread it around a bit. This creamy layer is what makes it truly indulgent!
Add Remaining Ingredients
After you’ve got that ricotta layer down, drizzle a bit more marinara sauce over it and then add the rest of the ravioli. Finish off with a final layer of marinara sauce and then sprinkle that glorious mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Oh wow, it’s looking good already!
Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven for about 25 minutes. This helps everything steam nicely. Once that’s done, carefully remove the foil—watch out for the steam, it’s hot! Then, bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is all bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in, and then get ready for the rave reviews!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together in no time! With just a bit of layering, you can have dinner ready without the fuss.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will rave about this dish! It’s packed with cheesy goodness that even the pickiest eaters will love.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: With layers of ravioli, rich marinara, and creamy cheeses, this casserole is like a warm hug on a plate.
- Customizable: Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies or meat to make it your own! Spinach, mushrooms, or ground turkey can all work wonders.
- Make Ahead: Perfect for busy weeks! You can assemble it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
- Leftover Heaven: Trust me, this casserole tastes even better the next day! It’s a fantastic option for meal prep.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your million dollar ravioli casserole turns out just as delicious as it sounds! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve gathered over the years:
- Don’t Thaw the Ravioli: Seriously, just grab that frozen cheese ravioli and throw it in. It helps keep the layers intact and gives you that perfect chewy texture once baked!
- Mix Up the Sauces: If you want to kick it up a notch, try mixing your marinara with a little Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist. It adds a whole new level of richness that’s to die for!
- Vegetable Boost: For an extra burst of flavor and nutrition, add some sautéed veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just be sure to cook them first so they don’t release too much moisture in the casserole.
- Cheese Choices: Mix up your cheeses! You can use provolone or even a bit of goat cheese for a tangy surprise. Just keep that mozzarella for the gooey top layer—you can’t skip that!
- Season to Taste: Always taste your ricotta mixture before spreading it on. A little extra salt or a pinch of red pepper flakes can really amp up the flavor!
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up nicely and makes for cleaner slices when you serve it!
With these tips, you’re well on your way to a fabulous meal that everyone at the table will be talking about for days. Enjoy the process and have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk about the numbers! While I always like to keep an eye on what I’m eating, remember that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, take these as estimates rather than exact figures. Here’s what you can expect per serving of this million dollar ravioli casserole:
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Sugar: 6g
Just keep these figures in mind as you enjoy your hearty, cheesy masterpiece! Happy cooking!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you have fresh ravioli on hand, feel free to use it. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as fresh ravioli may cook faster than frozen. You want that cheese to be melty and delicious!
What can I add to the million dollar ravioli casserole for extra flavor?
There are so many options! You can mix in sautéed vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for a boost of flavor and nutrition. If you want a meaty version, cooked ground beef or turkey works great too. Just remember to adjust your seasonings accordingly!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy those tasty leftovers again!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the million dollar ravioli casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
You bet! This casserole freezes beautifully. Just assemble it, cover it well with foil or plastic wrap, and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual. Perfect for meal prep!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about storing those delicious leftovers! If you happen to have any of this million dollar ravioli casserole left (which is a rare occurrence, trust me), you’ll want to store it properly to keep all that cheesy goodness intact. Simply let the casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can hang out in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly to lock in that flavor!
When it comes time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is super easy. For the best results, I recommend using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), and then place your casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s warmed through and the cheese is all melty again. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just pop a serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second increments until it’s hot enough to enjoy. Just be careful not to overheat it in the microwave, or you might end up with a rubbery texture.
And there you have it! Easy storage and reheating tips to ensure every bite of your million dollar ravioli casserole is as delightful as the first. Happy eating!
Print
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole 2: A Cozy Family Favorite
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and hearty million dollar ravioli casserole perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon 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 a layer of marinara sauce.
- Add half of the frozen ravioli on top of the sauce.
- Mix ricotta cheese with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the ricotta mixture over the ravioli.
- Add another layer of marinara sauce.
- Add the remaining ravioli and top with the rest of the marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- For a meatier dish, add cooked ground beef or turkey.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: million dollar ravioli casserole, ravioli casserole, Italian dinner
