Oh, let me tell you about my love affair with this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole! This dish is the epitome of comfort food – it’s cheesy, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying. I first stumbled upon it during a potluck dinner at a friend’s house, where it quickly became the star of the evening. We couldn’t get enough of it, and as the last bite disappeared, we promised to make it a staple in our cooking repertoire.
What I love most about this casserole is how it brings people together. There’s something about pulling a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece out of the oven that makes everyone’s eyes light up. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, which is a huge bonus for busy weeknights when all I want is something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s called “Million Dollar” – it feels like a million bucks on your taste buds!
What’s in Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
Let’s break down this delightful dish and see what makes it so irresistible! Each ingredient plays a special role in creating a warm, hearty meal.
Frozen Ravioli: The star of the show! I usually go for cheese-filled ravioli – they’re easy to cook and pair perfectly with the sauce. Plus, using frozen ravioli means you can whip this dish together in no time!
Marinara Sauce: A smooth, savory sauce that brings a ton of flavor. I love using homemade marinara if I have some on hand, but a good-quality jarred version works wonderfully too.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness and contributes to the creamy texture of the casserole. I often use part-skim ricotta for a lighter option, but go full-fat for that extra indulgence!
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Because, let’s be honest, more cheese can only be a good thing! This cheese melts beautifully and creates that gooey, cheesy layer we all crave.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of this hard cheese on top adds a delightful nuttiness and a crispy texture after baking. It’s like the cherry on top of this cheesy masterpiece!
Italian Seasoning: A simple blend of oregano, basil, and thyme that ties all the flavors together. It feels like a warm hug for your taste buds.
Fresh Parsley: For garnishing – it’s all about presentation! A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness.
Is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Good for You?
You might be wondering if this cheesy casserole can fit into a healthy diet. While it’s certainly not a “health food,” it can still have its merits!
Frozen Ravioli: A convenient option, but it can be high in carbohydrates. Look for whole wheat or vegetable options for a little more fiber.
Marinara Sauce: Often made from tomatoes, this adds valuable vitamins, including vitamin C and potassium. Just be mindful of the sugar content in store-bought versions; opting for low-sugar options can be a better choice.
Ricotta Cheese: This cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, but it does have fat content. You could swap it out for cottage cheese if you want a lower-fat option!
Cheese in General: Don’t forget that cheese also provides protein and calcium, but you may want to keep portion sizes in check if you’re watching your saturated fat intake.
All in all, this casserole is best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than an everyday meal. Pair it with a side salad, and you’ve got yourself a balanced dinner!
Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 6 people, perfect for a family meal or leftovers for the week.
– 1 bag (25-30 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
– 3 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s super simple, so grab your apron, and let’s dive in:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole will be bubbly and hot when it’s ready to serve.
2. In a large pot of salted water, cook the frozen ravioli according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 4-6 minutes. You don’t want to overcook it since it will bake in the oven later.
3. Drain the ravioli and set it aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy.
5. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked ravioli on the bottom. Pour half of the marinara mixture over the top. Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli and marinara mixture.
6. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent burning), and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes.
8. Uncover the casserole and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is slightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven, and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Serving Suggestions That Wow!
Now, here are a few tips and fun variations to make this casserole even more special:
– **Add veggies:** Toss in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a nutritious boost.
– **Protein power:** Try adding cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken for extra protein and flavor.
– **Herb infusion:** Fresh basil or oregano can really elevate the dish. Consider adding these just before serving.
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is truly a showstopper and can be enjoyed by everyone around your table. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or at a gathering with friends, it never fails to impress.
So go ahead and give it a whirl; I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking!
