Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort dish: Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole! This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s not just delicious; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I remember the first time I made this dish for a family gathering. My kids were practically licking their plates clean, and my husband proclaimed it one of the best dinners yet (which says a lot considering my tendency to experiment in the kitchen!).
What makes this casserole so special is how wonderfully cheesy and creamy it is – like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, it’s layered with tender ravioli, rich sauce, and a delightful crunch from the topping. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s a versatile recipe that I often whip up whenever I’m craving something comforting and hearty. Let’s dive into how to create this masterpiece!
What’s in Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
Ravioli: The star of the show! I love using cheese-filled ravioli for that gooey, melty center. Fresh or frozen works beautifully – just make sure it’s your favorite kind!
Marinara Sauce: This adds a vibrant tomatoey flavor that balances out the creaminess of the cheese. I like to use a good quality jarred sauce, but if you feel adventurous, homemade is always an option!
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and rich, this ingredient brings a delightful layer of creaminess to the dish. Opt for whole milk ricotta for the best flavor!
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: You can never go wrong with mozzarella! It melts beautifully and creates that wonderful cheese pull we all adore.
Parmesan Cheese: For an extra touch of nutty flavor, sprinkle some parmesan on top. It adds a lovely golden crust while baking!
Spinach: A tad of nutrition never hurts! I throw in fresh or frozen spinach to give this dish a pop of color and health.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs gives the casserole an aromatic finish. It brings together all the flavors beautifully.
Breadcrumbs: For that crunchy topping! A sprinkle of seasoned breadcrumbs over the cheese enhances the texture and adds a satisfying crunch.
Is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Good for You?
So, let’s talk health! As delicious as this casserole is, it’s rich, so moderation is key, but it does have some positive aspects.
Ravioli: Provides carbs that offer energy, making this a filling dish! Whole-grain ravioli could be a healthier option as well.
Spinach: Loaded with vitamins and minerals like iron and calcium, spinach helps boost your nutrient intake.
Ricotta Cheese: A good source of protein and calcium, ricotta can support muscle health and bone strength. It can be a tad high in fat, though, so it’s best to balance it out with veggies.
Overall, while Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a comfort food splurge, it can certainly have healthy components when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet!
Ingredients List
– 1 package (about 25 oz) cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
– Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe serves about 6-8 people, perfect for a family meal or to have leftovers for lunch the next day!
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get that kitchen cozy!
2. In a large pot, boil water and cook the ravioli according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. If you’re using fresh ravioli, they’ll only need a few minutes to cook.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and spinach. Season with a bit of salt and pepper. This mixture is the creamy goodness that holds the casserole together!
4. In a greased casserole dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom. This prevents sticking and adds flavor.
5. Layer half of the cooked ravioli over the sauce in the dish. Top with half of the ricotta mixture, followed by half of the remaining marinara sauce.
6. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli and ricotta mixture. Finish off with the last of the marinara sauce.
7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top and finish with a generous helping of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese for that crunchy perfection.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the cheesy, hearty warmth!
Serving Suggestions for Your Million Dollar Creation!
You can’t go wrong with a salad on the side – a fresh garden salad or a classic Caesar would complement the richness of the casserole beautifully. I also sometimes serve it with garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Feeling adventurous? Top it with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor!
Remember, this recipe can be easily customized. Feel free to add cooked ground beef, sausage, or any of your favorite veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to make it your very own.
You absolutely must give this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole a try! I promise it will warm your heart and your belly the same way it did mine. When you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Happy cooking!
