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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish that layers tender ravioli with a luscious blend of cheeses, savory marinara sauce, and aromatic seasonings. This comforting and easy-to-prepare casserole is perfect for family dinners and special occasions, boasting rich flavors with minimal effort. It is versatile, reheats beautifully, and can be customized for various dietary needs, making it a crowd-pleasing staple you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 package frozen cheese ravioli (about 20 oz)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Optional Ingredients

  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
  • Cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken (for protein boost)
  • Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers (for vegetarian twist)
  • Diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes (for spicy version)
  • Vegan cream cheese and dairy-free cheese blends (for dairy-free option)
  • Provolone, gouda, or fontina cheese (for different cheese combinations)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside while you assemble the casserole ingredients.
  2. Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, marinara sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming the perfect base for your ravioli.
  3. Combine Ravioli and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the frozen ravioli into the creamy sauce mixture, ensuring each ravioli is well coated without breaking the pasta pockets.
  4. Layer and Top: Transfer the saucy ravioli into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top to create a golden, bubbly crust.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned on top. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Notes

  • Use frozen ravioli directly; no need to thaw before mixing as it cooks perfectly in the oven.
  • Gently fold ravioli with sauce to avoid breaking the pasta pockets.
  • For an extra cheesy crust, reserve some mozzarella and Parmesan to add halfway through baking.
  • Taste the sauce before baking and adjust Italian seasoning or garlic to suit your preference.
  • Use a glass baking dish for even cooking and a beautifully crisp cheese topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: ravioli casserole, baked pasta, cheesy casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family favorite, Italian casserole, creamy pasta bake, vegetarian casserole option

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/million-dollar-ravioli-casserole/