Ah, the weeknight dinner dilemma! You know the one I’m talking about—those hectic evenings when you’re hurrying home from work, the kids are asking what’s for dinner, and your brain feels like it’s stuck in neutral. Enter my absolute lifesaver: the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. This dish is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s the ultimate hug in a baking dish! I first made this gem around the holidays when both my schedules were jam-packed. The aroma wafting through my home made everyone believe I was channeling my inner Italian chef. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t!
Imagine layers of cheesy goodness coming together like they were meant to be—rich ricotta, gooey mozzarella, zesty marinara, and, of course, those scrumptious ravioli. It feels like a million bucks, but I promise it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Let me take you on a delicious journey through this easy-peasy recipe that’s sure to impress!
What’s in Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
- Frozen cheese ravioli: The star of the show! I usually grab a 25 oz package from my local grocery store. They thaw perfectly and cook to a lovely texture in the oven.
- Marinara sauce: Go for a good quality jar—look for brands with simple ingredients. I adore Rao’s Homemade; it has a delightful richness without too much sweetness.
- Ricotta cheese: This creamy delight is also rich in protein, adding a luscious texture to the dish. Make sure it’s smooth for easy layering!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Talk about melty magic! I like using whole milk mozzarella for its creamy consistency.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A little sprinkle of this salty goodness elevates the dish to pure comfort heaven.
- Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs will transport you straight to the Italian countryside. Don’t skimp on this one!
- Garlic powder: Because everything is better with garlic, am I right? It imbues the casserole with a warm aroma that makes dinner-time feel special.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings, but they help bring all the flavors together beautifully.
- Fresh parsley: This isn’t just for show—it adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh finish!
Is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about the “diet” elephant in the room. This casserole isn’t exactly a salad, but I don’t think it’s all bad! The cheese ravioli provides carbs and some protein, while the ricotta cheese adds calcium. Plus, if you load it up with some sautéed veggies like spinach or bell peppers, it’ll definitely tip the scales a bit more towards nutritious rather than indulgent. The Parmesan cheese adds a savory punch, but if you are watching your salt intake, you could lower the amount added during preparation. Ultimately, it’s about balance. Pair this with a refreshing salad, and you’ve got a delightful meal!
Ingredients List
- 1 (25 oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) because we want that baby nice and toasty when it’s time to bake!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth. Trust me, this mixture is going to fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma!
- Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This will prevent your ravioli from sticking.
- Layer half of the frozen ravioli over the marinara sauce in the baking dish. Like placing the first bricks of a cozy little house!
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli, and then pour half of the remaining marinara sauce on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, and marinara sauce. Yes, it’s as satisfying as it sounds!
- Finish strong by topping the final layer with the remaining mozzarella cheese, sprinkling it evenly on top like a cheesy blanket.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Don’t peek—trust the process!
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden, and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. This is the part where you can practically hear your stomach growling!
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes; don’t burn your tongue, my friends! Then, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Elevating Your Casserole Game!
- This dish can be customized easily: add sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers or cooked ground meat for an earthy touch!
- Don’t forget to serve it with a side salad and some crusty garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. Trust me; you’ll thank yourself later!
- If you have leftovers (though I’m not sure that’s ever happened to me!), it reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven. Just sprinkle a little water over it to keep it moist!
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is sure to please a crowd and make your weeknight dinners less of a chore and more of a treat. I can absolutely picture you and your family gathering around the table, digging into this cheesy goodness. Please do share your experiences if you try it—chefs of all levels can use a little validation! Happy cooking!
