Million Dоllаr Ravioli Casserole is the dish that got me hooked at first bite . I mean seriously it’s just packed with cheesy layers and tangy mаrinara sauce that makes every spoonful feel like a party in your mouth ! You don’t need to be a pro cook to pull this off , and yet you’ll look like one when you serve it .
What makes this casserole a “million dollar” hit isn’t only how good it tastes but how you can tweak it for meat lovers or veggie fans . Throw in meat-filled ravioli if you want more protein, or go all in on spinach and cheese for a veggie twist . Either way , it turns simple ingredients into something folks rave about.
In this guide you’ll find everything on the Million Dоllаr Ravioli Casserole : a walkthrough of what to do , tips to make it even better , nutrition facts and fun serving ideas . From seasoned cooks to total newbies , you’ll have what you need to impress everyone at dinner .
What is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
Million Dоllаr Ravioli Casserole is a cozy , filling meal made of layers of ravioli , rich sauce , and loads of melted cheese . Baked until it’s bubbly and golden , this casserole is pure comfort food . The fancy name might make you think it’s hard to make , but it’s really super easy and flexible .
It comes from Italian-American home cooking but you can switch it up however you like . Use beef , sausage or turkey for meat versions , or pick spinach and ricotta ravioli for a vegetarian option . Spice it up with arrabbiata sauce , or toss in mushrooms , bell peppers or any veg you have . The best part is everyone can help build the layers , making it a fun family project .
All that cheesy goodness and simple prep makes it perfect for parties, potlucks or just weeknight dinners . The look of that bubbly top alone gets people excited , and since it feeds a crowd , you won’t have to worry about running out . No wonder this casserole is a go-to for so many households .
Ingredients
To make a tasty Million Dоllаr Ravioli Casserole, gather these items :
- Ravioli : fresh or frozen, cheese , meat or vegetable fillings
- Marinara Sauce : jarred or homemade tomato sauce
- Cheeses : ricotta , mozzarella , parmesan for that perfect melt
- Ground Meat : beef , sausage or turkey (optional)
- Veggies : spinach , mushrooms , bell peppers or whatever you like
- Spices & Herbs : Italian seasoning , garlic , onion powder
Using good quality brands for sauces and cheeses makes a big difference in taste and texture .
Directions
Follow these steps to build your casserole :
- Cook ravioli : boil fresh until al dente , or follow package directions for frozen
- Make meat & veg mix : in a skillet over medium heat brown your choice of meat . Add diced veggies and cook until soft . Season with salt , pepper and Italian seasoning
- Layer casserole : grease a 9x13 inch dish . Spread a thin layer of sauce , then half the ravioli , half the meat mix , dollops of ricotta and a sprinkle of mozzarella . Repeat layers , finishing with sauce and all the remaining cheese
- Bake : preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) . Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes . Remove foil and bake 15 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden
Let it rest a few minutes so the layers set up before you dig in .
Cooking Tips & Advice
Here’s how to make it even better :
- Customize : try whole wheat ravioli or low-fat cheese for a lighter version
- Prep ahead : assemble the night before , cover and refrigerate , then bake when you’re ready
- Reheat : leftovers go back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or zap in the microwave for a quick bite
- Serve with : fresh green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Million Dоllаr Ravioli Casserole has roughly :
- Calories : 400 per serving
- Protein : 20g from ravioli , cheese and meat
- Carbs : 40g mostly from ravioli and sauce
- Fat : 18g from cheese and meat
For a healthier twist use whole wheat ravioli or light cheese to cut calories and fat without losing flavor .
Serving Suggestions
Make it look extra special :
- Garnish : fresh basil or parsley on top adds color and a pop of flavor
- Cheese finish : sprinkle extra parmesan or mozzarella right before serving for that gooey stretch
- Drink pairing : a fruity Chianti or a crisp iced tea goes great with the tomato sauce
FAQs About Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
- Best ravioli type ? Cheese or spinach-ricotta ravioli shine , but any kind works
- Gluten free option ? Use gluten-free ravioli and check sauce labels
- Fridge life ? Keeps 3–4 days in an airtight container
- Freezing leftovers ? Yes—freeze up to 3 months , then reheat in oven or microwave
- Common mistakes ? Don’t overcook ravioli first or the casserole gets mushy , and pick a dish that fits all the layers to avoid spills
Conclusion
Million Dоllаr Ravioli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s also a canvas for your creativity . Easy to make and loved by many , it’s perfect for weeknight dinners , family gatherings or potlucks . Try it out , mix and match ingredients , and share your spin with friends and family .
Additional Resources
- Stuffed Shells with Marinara Sauce
- Lasagna with a twist
- Pasta Bake with Mixed Vegetables
For more ideas visit Delicious Dishes or Cooking Resource for tips and recipes .
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Equipment
- 1 Large baking dish (9x13 inches)
- 1 Medium mixing bowl
- 1 Large saucepan
- 1 Aluminum foil
- 1 Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 2 packages cheese ravioli 25-ounce packages, frozen or fresh.
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- to taste fresh basil leaves For garnish, optional.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm the marinara sauce until heated through.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish (about 1 cup).
- Layer half of the ravioli over the sauce, placing them evenly across the dish.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat with another layer of marinara sauce, the remaining ravioli, the remaining ricotta mixture, and finish with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
