Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

 Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying as a cheesy, hearty casserole. Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole takes this concept to the next level by combining the deliciousness of cheese-filled ravioli with a rich, creamy sauce and a layer of melty, gooey cheese. The result is a dish so indulgent, so decadent, that you might just feel like you’ve hit the jackpot! This casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve something comforting and irresistible.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work. It’s a great way to take frozen or fresh ravioli and turn them into a showstopping meal in no time.

Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

1. Creamy and Cheesy: With a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, this casserole delivers a creamy, cheesy experience with every bite. The creamy sauce blends perfectly with the ravioli, creating a comforting dish that’s rich but not too heavy.

2. Easy to Make: This casserole is perfect for busy nights. With minimal prep work and just a few basic ingredients, you can have a satisfying dinner on the table in under an hour.

3. Perfect for a Crowd: Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a gathering, this dish is perfect for serving a large group. It’s filling, flavorful, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

4. Comforting and Satisfying: There’s something about a cheesy, saucy casserole that instantly makes you feel at home. The layers of ravioli, cheese, and sauce are the epitome of comfort food, making this dish perfect for any occasion where you want to indulge.

5. Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Add in some vegetables for extra nutrition, swap out the ravioli for a different pasta shape, or add a protein like ground beef or sausage for a heartier meal.

Recipe for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 (25 oz) package of frozen cheese ravioli (or fresh if preferred)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
• 1 (15 oz) container of ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or olive oil.

2. Cook the Ravioli: If you're using frozen ravioli, cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the ravioli and set them aside. (Note: If using fresh ravioli, there’s no need to cook them ahead of time.)

3. Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese to make a creamy, cheesy filling.

4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Then, arrange a layer of cooked ravioli on top of the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta and cheese mixture over the ravioli, followed by another layer of marinara sauce. Repeat the process with another layer of ravioli, the remaining ricotta mixture, and the remaining marinara sauce.

5. Add the Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

6. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

7. Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Why Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Is So Special

• Rich and Cheesy: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates a rich, decadent flavor that complements the ravioli perfectly. The cheese doesn’t just add flavor, but also makes the casserole extra creamy and satisfying.

• Hearty and Filling: Between the layers of ravioli, sauce, and cheese, this casserole is hearty and filling. It’s the perfect meal to enjoy with family or friends, as it will keep everyone satisfied and happy.

• Comforting and Familiar: The flavors of cheese ravioli are comforting and familiar, making this casserole an easy choice for a crowd. It’s the type of dish that everyone loves—simple, flavorful, and satisfying.

• Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole makes excellent leftovers. You can easily store any extra portions in the fridge and reheat them the next day for a quick and delicious meal. In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting overnight!

Tips for the Best Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

1. Use Quality Sauce: Since the marinara sauce is one of the key flavors in this casserole, it’s important to use a high-quality sauce. If you have the time, consider making your own marinara sauce for an extra boost of flavor.

2. Add Protein: If you’d like to add some protein to the dish, consider mixing in some cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or even rotisserie chicken. This will give the casserole more depth and make it even heartier.

3. Add Vegetables: You can easily add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a nutritional boost. Simply sauté the vegetables before adding them to the casserole layers.

4. Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After the casserole comes out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

5. Make-Ahead Option: If you want to prepare the casserole in advance, you can assemble the entire dish and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic Bread: Serve your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with a side of crispy garlic bread for a complete Italian meal.

• Salad: Pair the casserole with a fresh green salad or a Caesar salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

• Wine: If you’re enjoying this dish with a glass of wine, a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot would pair beautifully with the flavors of the cheese and marinara sauce.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a showstopping, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. With its cheesy, creamy layers and hearty ravioli, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a simple weeknight meal, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.