Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite family dinner: million dollar ravioli casserole 2! It’s like a cozy hug in a dish, packed with creamy cheese and hearty flavors that just make you feel at home. What I love most about it is how easy it is to whip up! Seriously, you can have it ready for the oven in no time—perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious that everyone will love. I remember the first time I made this for my family; the kids couldn’t get enough, and I was hailed as a kitchen hero! Trust me, your family will be begging for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 1 package frozen cheese ravioli (25 oz): This is the star of the show! I love using frozen ravioli because it’s quick and easy—no need to fuss with making pasta from scratch.
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz): A rich, flavorful marinara sauce really ties this dish together. Feel free to choose your favorite brand or even homemade if you’re feeling fancy!
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: This adds a creamy layer that contrasts beautifully with the sauce and ravioli. It’s a must-have for that classic Italian feel.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Oh, the gooey goodness! I like to use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter touch, but full-fat gives you extra richness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a nice salty bite on top. You can’t go wrong with freshly grated, but the pre-grated stuff works just fine too!
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that really elevates the flavor of the dish. If you love it, don’t be shy—sprinkle a little extra!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a bit of olive oil helps to bring everything together. It’s great for greasing the baking dish too!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always taste as you go! A pinch of salt and a crack of pepper can make all the difference in the world.
How to Prepare Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole 2
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that cheese all melty and delicious!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it until it’s all creamy and well blended. This cheesy goodness is going to be a star layer!
- Now, grab a baking dish and spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Just enough to cover it nicely—that’s the foundation of flavor.
- Layer half of the frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce. Make sure they’re evenly spaced; you want every bite to have that ravioli goodness!
- Next, spoon half of that dreamy ricotta mixture over the ravioli. Don’t worry about being perfect; just dollop it on!
- Pour another layer of marinara sauce over the ricotta, followed by a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. This is where the magic happens!
- Repeat those layers with the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, and marinara sauce. Top it all off with the rest of the mozzarella and sprinkle that Parmesan cheese on top for an extra kick of flavor.
- Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes. This helps everything cook evenly and keeps it moist.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and let it bake for another 15 minutes. You want that cheese to get bubbly and golden—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Finally, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help everything set up nicely, and you can enjoy it without burning your mouth!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy dinner solution—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Delicious layers of cheese, ravioli, and marinara create a flavor explosion.
- Family-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Can be prepared ahead of time, making dinner stress-free.
- It’s hearty and filling, making it a complete meal in one dish.
Tips for Success
To really knock it out of the park with your million dollar ravioli casserole 2, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t shy away from mixing up the cheeses—adding some ricotta with herbs or a sprinkle of provolone can take the flavor to the next level. If you’re using frozen ravioli, make sure to layer them straight from the freezer; it keeps them from getting too mushy. Also, be sure to taste your marinara sauce before using it—if it needs a little zing, a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar can really enhance the flavor. Finally, let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps the layers to set up beautifully, making it easier to serve. Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference!
Variations
One of the best things about million dollar ravioli casserole 2 is how adaptable it is! If you want to add a little extra protein, consider mixing in some cooked ground beef or Italian sausage between the layers. You could also toss in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms for a boost of veggies—just make sure they’re cooked first to avoid excess moisture. Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the cheeses! Adding some ricotta with herbs or using a blend of mozzarella and provolone can create a delightful twist. And for those who love a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or layer in some sliced jalapeños. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! This million dollar ravioli casserole 2 is not only delicious but also satisfying. Each serving (which is about 1/8 of the casserole) contains approximately 350 calories, 15g of fat, 16g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, enjoying a hearty meal like this one is totally worth it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of my million dollar ravioli casserole 2 is super easy! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days, which is great for those busy days when you don’t feel like cooking. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it! Just wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It should last up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, thaw them in the fridge overnight if frozen. To reheat, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal—just cover it to keep moisture in and heat in short bursts until warm. Enjoy that comforting flavor all over again!
FAQ Section
Can I prepare million dollar ravioli casserole 2 in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What if I can’t find frozen cheese ravioli?
No worries! You can use fresh cheese ravioli if you can find it. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as fresh pasta cooks faster than frozen. You might also consider using other filled pasta, like tortellini, for a fun twist!
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to sneak in some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even zucchini between the layers. Just remember to cook them first to keep the casserole from getting watery.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. If you want to be extra sure, you can use a food thermometer—reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) means it’s good to go!
Can I use a different type of sauce?
Of course! While marinara is a classic choice, you can experiment with Alfredo sauce, pesto, or even a combination of sauces for a unique flavor profile. Just keep in mind the overall balance of flavors!
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole 2: Comfort in 10 Steps
- Temps Total: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delicious and hearty million dollar ravioli casserole that is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.
Ingrédients
- 1 package frozen cheese ravioli (25 oz)
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce.
- Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli.
- Add a layer of marinara sauce, then sprinkle with a cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, marinara sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add cooked ground beef or sausage for extra protein.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving for added flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 45 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 6g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 8g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 16g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 40mg
Mots-clés: million dollar ravioli casserole
