Quick Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe Made with Minimal Ingredients

Quick Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole: An Effortless Italian Delight 🍝🧀🌟

1. Introduction

Looking for a hassle-free dinner that tastes like it came straight from a high-end Italian restaurant, yet is incredibly simple to make? This Quick Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole recipe is your answer! Perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence, or when you need a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal effort for a potluck or family gathering, this easy ravioli bake combines simple, readily available ingredients into a comforting and flavorful casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds. With just a few steps, you can enjoy a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether you call it a quick ravioli casserole, a simple ravioli dish, or simply “dinner,” its ease of preparation and delicious taste will have you coming back for more, time and time again.

This million dollar ravioli casserole is not only remarkably quick to prepare, making it ideal for those evenings when you’re short on time but craving something truly satisfying, but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily adapt it to your personal preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to customize it with your favorite sauces, cheeses, or by adding a variety of fresh or frozen vegetables. The beauty of this recipe lies in its inherent simplicity and adaptability, making it a true staple for any home cook, regardless of their skill level. For another quick and easy family meal, why not try this Simple Chicken Crescent Bake Recipe? Get ready to enjoy a delightful Italian-inspired meal without spending hours toiling away in the kitchen!

2. What Makes This Ravioli Casserole “Million Dollar”?

The name “million dollar ravioli casserole” might initially sound a tad extravagant, conjuring up images of elaborate ingredients and complex preparation methods. However, the reality is far simpler and more accessible. The name actually refers to the rich, incredibly satisfying flavor profile that this deceptively simple dish manages to deliver. It’s essentially a budget-friendly recipe that tastes far more decadent and complex than its minimal preparation time would suggest. The harmonious combination of tender, perfectly cooked ravioli, a luscious, creamy cheese filling, and a robust, flavorful marinara sauce creates a truly indulgent and comforting culinary experience. This easy ravioli bake earns its “million dollar” moniker because of its surprisingly delicious and sophisticated taste, especially when you consider the minimal effort and readily available ingredients required to bring it to life. For another “million dollar” tasting dish, check out our Effortless Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe!

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 (20-25 ounce) package of frozen or fresh ravioli – Feel free to use your favorite kind! Cheese, meat, or vegetable-filled ravioli all work well.
• 1 (24 ounce) jar of marinara sauce – Choose a high-quality sauce for the best flavor. You can also use your own homemade marinara sauce if you prefer. Check out Simply Recipes for inspiration.
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese – Full-fat ricotta cheese will give you the creamiest results.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, savory flavor to the casserole.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional) – Fresh basil adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Consider also trying parsley!
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Provides a melty, cheesy topping for the casserole.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Season the ravioli mixture and the casserole to your liking.

4. Equipment Needed

• 9×13 inch baking dish – This is the standard size for most casseroles.
• Large mixing bowl – For combining the ravioli mixture.
• Spoon or spatula – For mixing and spreading the ingredients.

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ravioli Mixture

If using frozen ravioli, cook according to package directions until al dente. It’s crucial not to overcook the ravioli at this stage, as they will continue to cook in the oven and you want to prevent them from becoming mushy. Drain the cooked ravioli well and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil (if using), a pinch of salt, and a dash of freshly ground black pepper. Gently mix all of the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined, ensuring that the ravioli are evenly coated in the cheese mixture. This quick ravioli casserole begins with a simple yet incredibly flavorful mixture that forms the foundation of the entire dish. Alternatively, you could impress your friends with Simple Garlic Butter Chicken Bites.

2. Layer the Casserole

Before you begin assembling the casserole, preheat your oven to a moderate temperature of 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the casserole will cook evenly and the cheese will melt beautifully. Spread a thin, even layer of your chosen marinara sauce at the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking dish. This initial layer of sauce serves a dual purpose: it prevents the ravioli from sticking to the bottom of the dish during baking, and it also adds an essential initial layer of rich, tomato-based flavor to your simple ravioli dish, enhancing the overall taste experience.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Carefully add approximately half of the ravioli mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a uniform layer. Next, pour half of the remaining marinara sauce over the ravioli, ensuring that the sauce is distributed as evenly as possible. Follow this with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, sprinkling it over the sauce to create a generous, cheesy layer. Repeat these layers with the remaining ravioli mixture, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese, ensuring that each layer is evenly distributed. This layering technique is absolutely key in creating a truly delicious and well-balanced million dollar ravioli casserole, as it ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and cheesy goodness. If you’re a fan of casseroles, you might also enjoy this Simple Skillet Bang Bang Chicken Thighs Recipe!

4. Bake to Perfection

To prevent the cheese from browning too quickly and to ensure that the casserole cooks evenly throughout, cover the baking dish tightly with a sheet of aluminum foil. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated completely through. Once the casserole is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and makes it easier to slice and serve. For another simple recipe, check out this Simple Best Potato Soup Recipe.

6. Tips for the Perfect Ravioli Casserole

• Don’t overcook the ravioli: As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to cook the ravioli al dente to prevent them from becoming overly soft or mushy during the baking process.
• Use quality ingredients: Opting for high-quality ingredients, such as a premium marinara sauce and flavorful cheeses, will significantly elevate the overall taste and quality of the finished dish.
• Customize your casserole: Feel free to add a variety of vegetables, such as sautéed spinach, sliced mushrooms, or diced bell peppers, to the ravioli mixture for added nutrients, flavor, and texture.
• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley on top of the casserole after baking can not only enhance the visual appeal of the dish but also add a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheeses, such as provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses, to create a unique and personalized twist on the classic million dollar ravioli casserole.

7. Serving Suggestions

Serve your Quick Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with a simple side salad and some warm, crusty garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s also an excellent choice for potlucks, as it’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser. Additionally, this quick ravioli casserole can be easily portioned and packed for meal prepping, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. For an even more complete experience, try pairing the casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus.

8. Storage Instructions

If you happen to have any leftovers (although that’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave until it’s heated through. In many cases, this simple ravioli dish is just as delicious, if not more so, the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld together.

9. Conclusion

This Quick Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is truly a foolproof recipe that delivers an abundance of flavor and satisfaction with a minimal amount of effort. It’s the perfect solution for those evenings when you’re craving a quick, satisfying, and family-friendly meal that everyone will enjoy. Indulge in the delightful combination of tender ravioli, a rich and flavorful sauce, and gooey, melted cheese in this easy ravioli bake. Whether you consider yourself a seasoned cook or a complete beginner in the kitchen, this million dollar ravioli casserole is guaranteed to become a cherished and frequently requested addition to your recipe collection! If you’re looking for some potato soup, check out this Few Ingredient Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe!

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