Ah, the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole—a dish that is more than just a crowd-pleaser; it’s a true party on a plate! I remember the first time I had this delightful recipe at a potluck with friends. Everyone was buzzing about it, and I honestly couldn’t believe how simple it was to make. With layers of cheesy goodness, hearty ravioli, and that comforting tomato sauce, it quickly became a staple in my recipe rotation.
What I love about this casserole is how versatile it is. You can whip it up to impress guests at a dinner party or casually throw it together for a busy weeknight meal. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some vegetables if you have picky eaters—you can almost hide those veggies under all that cheesy goodness! So, roll up your sleeves as I take you through this delectable journey.
What’s in Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
Let’s break down the ingredients! Each one plays a crucial role in creating that dreamy, hearty casserole we all crave.
Frozen Cheese Ravioli: The star of this dish! I love using frozen cheese ravioli because it’s super convenient. They cook up beautifully in the casserole, soaking up the flavors of the sauce.
Marinara Sauce: A good jar of marinara is key! I’ve had great success with brands like Rao’s or Classico for their rich, robust flavor. You can even make your own if you’re feeling ambitious!
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds a luscious layer and helps to bind everything together. Look for whole milk ricotta for the best texture!
Shredded Mozzarella: Who doesn’t love gooey, stretchy cheese? I usually go for part-skim mozzarella to balance richness with some lower fat content.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top never hurts. For me, it’s the finishing touch that gives the dish that Italian restaurant feel.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs will elevate the flavors. I often use a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme, or just grab a pre-made Italian seasoning.
Spinach (optional): If I’m feeling virtuous, I’ll toss in some fresh or frozen spinach—it adds color and nutrients without compromising on taste!
Is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about whether this casserole is a health juggernaut or a guilty pleasure.
Ravioli: While delicious, those little pasta pockets can be carb-heavy, so moderation is key here!
Ricotta and Mozzarella: These cheeses are rich in calcium and protein, but they can also be high in fat, so it’s nice to go easy on the portions if you’re monitoring your intake.
Marinara Sauce: This is where you can score some health points! Many marinara sauces are packed with tomatoes, which are full of antioxidants. Just be mindful of added sugars in some brands!
Spinach: Adding spinach is definitely a win for extra vitamins. It’s like giving your casserole a superfood boost!
In short, while this dish can have some indulgent parts, it also offers nutritious benefits depending on how you prepare it.
Ingredients
This recipe makes hearty servings for about 6-8 people.
– 1 (25 oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
– 4 cups marinara sauce (your favorite jarred variety)
– 15 oz ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 2 cups fresh or frozen spinach (optional)
– Olive oil (for greasing the pan)
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
Ready to dive in? Let’s turn these ingredients into a comforting casserole that’ll wow your taste buds:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s important to get that oven nice and toasty for even baking!
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish—this keeps the ravioli from sticking.
4. Layer half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce, following with half of the ricotta cheese dolloped on top. Don’t stress about spreading it perfectly; it will melt together beautifully.
5. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella over the ricotta, followed by a layer of spinach if using, and then a generous sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
6. Repeat the layers: add the remaining ravioli, marinara sauce, ricotta, and top with the rest of the mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
8. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before digging in—trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!
Add Some Flavor with These Tips!
As a passionate home-cook, I’ve got some extra thoughts for you:
– **Add Protein:** Throw in cooked sausage or ground turkey for a heartier meal! Just make sure to sauté it beforehand.
– **Veggie Boost:** Experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini—just sauté them before layering to avoid excess moisture.
– **Herbal Touch:** Fresh herbs like basil or parsley sprinkled on top before serving add a fresh finish!
– **Make Ahead:** This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
I can’t wait for you to try this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole! It’s one of those recipes that merges comfort with nostalgia, and I promise it’ll quickly become a favorite in your home too. Don’t forget to share your experience with me—I’d love to hear how it turns out! Happy cooking!
