Ingredients
For the Ravioli Casserole:
- 2 (25 ounce) jars marinara sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 (20-25 ounce) packages frozen ravioli (cheese or meat filled)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Red pepper flakes
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese, the egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. This mixture adds a creamy, flavorful layer to our casserole. Don’t skip the seasoning!
Layer the Casserole:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This prevents the ravioli from sticking and adds a delicious base.
- Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Don’t worry about thawing them; they’ll cook perfectly in the oven.
- Spoon half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the ravioli. Try to spread it as evenly as possible to ensure every bite is creamy and delicious.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta. This creates a gooey, cheesy layer that’s hard to resist.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the mozzarella cheese.
- Top with the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and the last cup of mozzarella cheese over the entire casserole. This creates a golden, bubbly crust.
Bake to Perfection:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps to trap moisture and prevent the top from burning.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
Rest and Serve:
- Let the casserole stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut.
- Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes, if desired. These add a pop of freshness and a little heat.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Ravioli Casserole
Choosing Your Ravioli:
Feel free to use your favorite type of ravioli for this casserole. Cheese-filled ravioli are a classic choice, but meat-filled or even spinach-filled ravioli work wonderfully too! You can even use a combination for a more complex flavor profile. I like to use a four-cheese ravioli to really boost the cheesiness!
Making it Ahead:
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Assemble the casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Adding Vegetables:
Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Sauté some chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms and add them to the marinara sauce before layering the casserole. This adds extra flavor and nutrients. Spinach is another great addition; simply wilt it in a pan before adding it to the ricotta mixture.
Spice it Up:
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture or sprinkle them on top of the casserole before baking. You can also use a spicy marinara sauce for an extra kick.
Preventing a Watery Casserole:
Sometimes, casseroles can become watery due to the moisture released from the ravioli and sauce. To prevent this, make sure to drain any excess liquid from the ricotta cheese before mixing it with the other ingredients. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the marinara sauce to help thicken it.
Variations on a Theme: Remixing Your Ravioli Casserole
Creamy Pesto Ravioli Casserole:
Swap out the marinara sauce for pesto for a fresh and vibrant twist. Mix some cream cheese into the ricotta mixture for added creaminess. This variation is perfect for spring and summer!
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with Meat Sauce:
Brown some ground beef or Italian sausage and mix it with the marinara sauce for a heartier casserole. This is a great option for meat lovers. A pinch of fennel seed really enhances the Italian sausage flavor!
Vegetarian Delight:
Load up your casserole with veggies! Sauté a medley of zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers and add them to the marinara sauce. Use cheese-filled ravioli and plenty of mozzarella for a truly satisfying vegetarian meal.
Chicken Alfredo Ravioli Casserole:
Use a creamy Alfredo sauce instead of marinara and add cooked chicken to the casserole. This is a decadent and comforting variation that’s sure to please. Consider adding some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Your Million Dollar Creation
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing! The crispy bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and flavorful additions.
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you loved this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, you might also enjoy these other cheesy and comforting pasta dishes:
- Try the Boursin Chicken Pasta for a creamy and flavorful weeknight meal.
- Warm up with a bowl of Lasagna Soup, a deconstructed version of the classic lasagna.
- Impress your guests with Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells, a delicious and elegant pasta dish.
- The Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole is another excellent option for an easy, cheesy family dinner.
- For a different twist on baked pasta, check out Baked Spaghetti Cream Cheese.
- And if you’re a fan of “Million Dollar” recipes, you have to try Million Dollar Spaghetti.
Why This Recipe is a Winner
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious. The combination of cheesy ravioli, creamy ricotta, and tangy marinara sauce is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients and feed a large group. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly million-dollar meal!
Can I prepare the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
What kind of ravioli should I use for this casserole?
You can use your favorite type of ravioli, such as cheese-filled, meat-filled, or spinach-filled. A four-cheese ravioli is also a great option to boost the cheesiness.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Drain any excess liquid from the ricotta cheese before mixing it with the other ingredients. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the marinara sauce to help thicken it.
What are some variations I can make to the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
You can try a Creamy Pesto Ravioli Casserole (using pesto instead of marinara), a Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with Meat Sauce (adding ground beef or Italian sausage), a Vegetarian Delight (adding sautéed vegetables), or a Chicken Alfredo Ravioli Casserole (using Alfredo sauce and cooked chicken).
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese, the egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
- Spoon half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the ravioli.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the mozzarella cheese.
- Top with the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and the last cup of mozzarella cheese over the entire casserole.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Let the casserole stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes, if desired.
