(A cheesy, creamy, and indulgent casserole that will have you coming back for seconds!)
Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli (about 24 ravioli)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir together until smooth and creamy. Heat over medium heat, then add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Add a layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce (you don’t need to thaw them).
- Spoon half of the ricotta cheese on top of the ravioli and spread it out gently.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the ricotta.
- Repeat this layering process: add another layer of sauce, ravioli, ricotta, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for an extra touch of flavor.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Use frozen ravioli straight from the package—there’s no need to thaw them first!
- Feel free to mix up the cheeses—use provolone, gouda, or even add a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
DON’T:
- Skip the resting time after baking—this helps the casserole firm up, making it easier to serve.
- Forget the foil during the first phase of baking—it helps the ravioli cook through without drying out.
Pro Tips:
- For a meatier option, add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage in between the layers.
- Want extra cheesy goodness? Add an additional cup of shredded mozzarella on top during the last few minutes of baking.
- If you prefer a crispy top, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking—but keep a close eye on it!
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is the perfect mix of comfort food, cheesy indulgence, and easy-to-make deliciousness. It’s great for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you just want to feel like a million bucks without breaking the bank! 🧀🍝💸
