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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rich, comforting dish that combines cheese-filled ravioli with layers of marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, enhanced with Italian herbs and sautéed aromatics. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this casserole delivers bold flavors and cheesy indulgence with minimal preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb cheese-filled ravioli (store-bought or homemade)
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce and aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then let it simmer gently while you prepare the other components to build a savory, flavorful base.
  2. Cook the ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ravioli and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain carefully and reserve about ½ cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce later if needed.
  3. Layer the casserole: Grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter. Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ravioli in an even layer. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese over the ravioli, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly. Add another layer of sauce over the cheeses. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and finish with a top layer of mozzarella and parmesan for a golden crust.
  4. Bake to perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly browned. Remove from oven and let rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and for flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Use fresh or high-quality ravioli for the best texture and flavor.
  • Don’t skip sautéing the onions and garlic to add depth to the sauce.
  • Reserve some pasta water to keep the sauce moist, if needed.
  • Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking to make serving easier.
  • Mix different cheeses like fontina or provolone for unique flavor profiles.

Nutrition

Keywords: ravioli casserole, cheesy pasta bake, million dollar ravioli, easy Italian casserole, baked ravioli, comfort food

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