Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender ravioli, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese, it offers layers of delicious flavors in one easy casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 package of ravioli (about 20 oz)
- 3 cups meat sauce (your favorite marinara with ground beef or sausage)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.
- Step 3: Add a layer of ravioli over the sauce, covering the bottom evenly.
- Step 4: Spoon meat sauce over the ravioli, then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese on top.
- Step 5: Repeat layering once more, ending with cheese on top.
- Step 6: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 7: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh or frozen ravioli depending on convenience; cooking times may vary slightly.
- For a vegetarian version, swap meat sauce for a hearty tomato or vegetable sauce.
- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top before baking for extra flavor.
- Mix in some chopped spinach or mushrooms with the meat sauce for added nutrition.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli for this casserole?
Yes, frozen ravioli works well. There’s no need to thaw before assembling; just adjust the baking time by adding a few extra minutes to ensure the ravioli cooks through.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
PrintMillion Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a comforting Italian-American baked dish featuring layers of tender ravioli, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese, creating a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 package (25 oz) refrigerated or frozen ravioli (cheese or meat filled)
- 3 cups meat sauce (homemade or store-bought marinara with ground beef)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Layer Ravioli: Spread half of the ravioli evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add Meat Sauce: Spoon half of the meat sauce over the layer of ravioli, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the sauce layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, meat sauce, and cheeses to build a hearty casserole.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the ravioli are cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve hot.
Notes
- Use frozen ravioli directly without thawing for convenience.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute meat sauce with marinara or vegetable sauce.
- Add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms for more nutrition.
- Leftovers keep well and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- If using store-bought meat sauce, choose a low sodium option for a healthier dish.
Keywords: ravioli casserole, baked ravioli, million dollar ravioli, Italian casserole, pasta bake, meat sauce casserole
