🍽 Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
📝 Description:
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with Italian flavor, this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a weeknight dinner dream. Frozen cheese ravioli gets layered with rich ricotta, gooey mozzarella, marinara, and parmesan to create a bubbly, satisfying dish that tastes like a million bucks—but is incredibly easy to make.
🧄 Ingredients:
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or fresh basil for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ravioli according to package directions just until al dente (they’ll cook more in the oven). Drain well.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half the cooked ravioli over the sauce.
- Dollop half the ricotta over the ravioli and gently spread.
- Add 1 cup of marinara sauce and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers: remaining ravioli, ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and Italian seasoning if using.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly and cheese is lightly golden on top.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
🍽 Servings:
Serves 6 generous portions or 8 smaller servings.
💡 Notes & Tips:
- Add protein: Mix in cooked Italian sausage or ground beef with the marinara.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add 5–10 minutes to baking time if cold.
- Freezer-friendly: Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze unbaked. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F for about 45–55 minutes.
- No ricotta? Use cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream for a rich, creamy layer.
🧪 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – based on 6 servings, approximate):
- Calories: ~430
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Sodium: ~700mg
- Calcium: ~350mg
(Nutrition will vary based on sauce and cheese brands used.)
🌟 Health Benefits:
- Protein-packed: Thanks to the cheese and pasta, this dish provides a hearty protein boost.
- Bone-friendly: High in calcium from ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Comfort food with options: Use whole wheat or veggie ravioli for added fiber and nutrients.
- Customizable: Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a veggie boost.
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
A: Yes! You can skip the boiling step and assemble directly with fresh ravioli.
Q: Is this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, as long as your marinara sauce and cheeses are vegetarian-friendly (no animal rennet in cheese).
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Definitely—use a larger casserole dish or two 9×13-inch pans. Great for feeding a crowd!
Q: What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
A: Use a high-quality store-bought brand or your favorite homemade version. A garlic basil marinara pairs beautifully.