Oh my gosh, I have to tell you about my favorite comfort food of all time: Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole! A dish that is both cheesy and savory, it feels like a warm hug on a plate. I remember when I first made this casserole. I was too lazy to cook, but I wanted something filling and tasty for dinner. In the pantry, I found frozen ravioli, cream cheese, marinara sauce, and a lot of cheese. I put everything together, and to be honest, it changed the game!
I can still see the smiles on my family’s faces as they ate this warm dish. Every time I make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, my family loves it and it makes them smile and fills their bellies. It’s great for those busy weeknights when you want something quick but impressive, or even as a dish that everyone will love at parties. I want to share this great recipe with you!
What goes into Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
Frozen Ravioli: The best part! I usually choose cheese-filled ravioli, but you can use any kind you want. Just be sure to buy a brand you like that is of good quality!
Marinara Sauce: This gives the casserole a strong, sour taste. Find a sauce that is thick and has a lot of taste. You can even make your own if you want to try something new!
Cream Cheese: This is the part that makes it worth a million dollars. It gives the sauce a very creamy texture that goes well with it. I like to use cream cheese with all the fat in it to make it taste even better!
Shredded Cheese: To get that great cheesy, bubbly goodness, I usually put a lot of mozzarella cheese on top. You can also add some parmesan cheese to give it a flavor boost!
I always add a mix of spices, like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, to bring out the flavors. They make a huge difference!
Is Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Healthy?
To be honest, this dish is more about comfort than health. But it does have some good things about it.
Frozen Ravioli: Even though they come in a package, they can still give you some nutrients, depending on the kind you choose. If you want to add some healthier grains to your diet, look for whole-wheat options.
Cream cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, but it can also be high in fat, so eat it in moderation.
Tomatoes, which are full of vitamins and antioxidants, are usually in marinara sauce.
This casserole isn’t going to win any health awards, but it does bring people together and make them happy. That’s enough for me!
List of Ingredients
– 1 package of frozen cheese ravioli (25 ounces)
– 2 cups of marinara sauce, either store-bought or homemade
– 1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese that has been softened
– 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– Add salt and pepper to taste. – Optional: fresh parsley as a garnish.
*Serves 6 to 8 people*
How to Make a Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
1. Get a 9×13 inch baking dish and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a big bowl, mix the marinara sauce, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well mixed.
3. Put a thin layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom of the dish you are baking in.
4. Put half of the frozen ravioli on top of the sauce, then pour half of the rest of the marinara and cream cheese mixture over the ravioli.
5. Spread half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
6. Do the layers again: ravioli, sauce, and mozzarella. In all, you should have two layers.
7. Bake for 30 minutes with aluminum foil over the dish. After that, take off the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Before serving, let it cool for a few minutes. If you want to be fancy, you can add fresh parsley on top.
Suggestions for serving, variations, and tips
– For a heartier meal, you can add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef.
– Add some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers between the layers for a veggie twist.
– A full meal can be made by serving it with a crisp green salad and garlic bread.
– What do you have left? You can reheat this casserole in the microwave or oven, but you should add a little water before you do to keep it moist.
I can’t say enough good things about this dish! You will be hooked after that first cheesy, tasty bite. Please tell me how it went when you made Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. I’d love to hear about it! Have fun cooking!
