Description
Million dollar ravioli casserole delivers pure comfort straight from your kitchen, blending cheesy pasta goodness with hearty meat sauce in one satisfying family-friendly dish that everyone will devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Proteins and Pasta:
- 1 (25-ounce) package frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Sauces and Liquids:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 large egg
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F, ensuring the rack sits in the center position for even heating.
- Whisk together 1 cup ricotta, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a medium mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Spread ½ cup marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating an even base layer.
- Arrange one layer of frozen ravioli from the 25-ounce package directly onto the sauce, making sure they do not overlap.
- Dollop half of the ricotta mixture across the ravioli, using a spoon to distribute evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer, covering the entire surface.
- Pour another ¾ cup marinara sauce over the cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and marinara sauce.
- Top the final layer with remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes at 375°F.
- Remove foil and continue baking for 15 additional minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to set and cool slightly.
- Garnish with ¼ cup freshly chopped basil before serving.
Notes
- Check ravioli package to ensure they’re cooked properly before layering in the casserole.
- Swap ricotta for cottage cheese if desired, creating a slightly tangier flavor profile.
- Use fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded for a creamier, more authentic texture.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to help it set and make serving easier, preventing runny layers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg