How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Discover the creamy, cheesy delight of Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, an easy, flavorful comfort food perfect for any meal. This dish layers tender ravioli with a rich combination of cheese, savory sauce, and herbs, creating a hearty casserole that feels indulgent but comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or serving guests at a gathering, Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole offers a timeless, crowd-pleasing twist on Italian-inspired comfort food that you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless prep: Uses pantry staples and frozen ravioli for quick assembly without sacrificing flavor.
• Family friendly: A creamy, cheesy meal that pleases kids and adults alike without complicated steps.
• One-dish wonder: Everything cooks in one casserole dish, saving time on cleanup.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust with your favorite cheeses, herbs, or adding veggies and meats.
• Comfort food classic: Perfectly warm, satisfying, and indulgent for cozy nights or special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole are straightforward but essential, each adding rich flavor, creamy texture, or vibrant color. Using good-quality ravioli and fresh cheeses really elevates this dish into something truly special and satisfying.

• Frozen cheese ravioli: The base of the dish, providing tender pasta filled with melty cheese.
• Marinara sauce: Adds tangy tomato flavor and moisture to complement the creamy layers.
• Ricotta cheese: Creates a luscious, creamy filling throughout the casserole.
• Shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully on top for a golden, bubbly crust.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish for depth and savory appeal.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the casserole’s aromatic quality.
• Minced garlic: Infuses subtle warmth and savory notes into the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors to perfection.
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional): For a bright, herbal garnish that adds freshness.

Variations for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

One of the best parts about Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to customize it for dietary preferences or add a personal touch of flavor, simply swap or add ingredients to suit your taste.

• Meat lovers’ version: Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef layered between ravioli.
• Vegetarian upgrade: Toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra veggies.
• Spicy kick: Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to boost heat.
• Cheese swap: Use provolone, fontina, or gouda for a different cheesy twist.
• Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free ravioli and ensure your sauce ingredients meet dietary needs.

How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your casserole dish to prevent sticking. This simple preparation step ensures your casserole bakes evenly with a perfectly crispy cheese top.

Step 2: Layer the Ravioli

Place a single layer of frozen ravioli in the bottom of the dish. There’s no need to thaw first, as the ravioli will cook thoroughly in the oven with the sauce.

Step 3: Mix the Cheesy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, a portion of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy, creating the rich filling that defines the dish.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread half of your marinara sauce over the ravioli layer, then dollop and gently spread half of the ricotta mixture on top. Repeat with another ravioli layer, remaining sauce, and the rest of the cheese mixture.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Finish with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan on top for a golden crust. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes serving easier. Enjoy warm, garnished if desired with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.

Pro Tips for Making Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Use quality ravioli: The texture and flavor of fresh or frozen cheese ravioli make all the difference.
• Don’t skip the rest time: Letting the casserole settle after baking makes serving neater and flavors more cohesive.
• Cover during baking: Prevents the ravioli from drying out and the cheese from burning before fully cooked.
• Customize cheese ratios: Adjust the amounts of mozzarella and Parmesan to control gooeyness and sharpness.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate, then bake fresh when ready.

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley add a fresh, aromatic touch that balances the richness of the cheese. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil also enhances flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, crusty garlic bread, or steamed seasonal vegetables for a complete meal that is both hearty and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a dinner party, or layer thin slices of zucchini or eggplant instead of ravioli for a lower-carb twist. A colorful sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or fresh cherry tomatoes adds texture and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy delicious leftovers without losing texture or flavor.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. To freeze, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving works too but may compromise the crispy cheese topping.

FAQs

Can I use homemade ravioli for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade ravioli adds a fresh, artisanal touch to Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole and works perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Is it necessary to use ricotta cheese?

Ricotta provides the creamy base that balances the marinara and melted mozzarella, but you can substitute cottage cheese for a lighter option if you prefer.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit any meat additions and boost the flavor with extra veggies or seasonings to keep it hearty and satisfying.

What type of marinara sauce is best?

Choose a rich and flavorful marinara, either store-bought or homemade, without added sugars for the best balance of tang and sweetness.

How do I make the casserole less salty?

Use low-sodium marinara and cheeses, and adjust salt to taste during assembly to keep the flavor balanced and avoid over-salting.

Final Thoughts

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rose among casseroles—rich, comforting, and incredibly simple to pull together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself, this dish brings cozy flavors and cheesy warmth to the dinner table with ease. Give it a try and watch it become a new family favorite you’ll make time and again!

Related Posts

• How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Perfectly
• Why Slow Cooker Angel Chicken Is a Must-Try
• Why Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna Rocks

Print