Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rich, cheesy, and comforting baked pasta dish that delivers layers of flavor in every bite. With tender cheese ravioli, savory ground chicken, zesty marinara, and a creamy ricotta mixture, this casserole is as satisfying as it is simple to make. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family, meal prepping, or bringing to a potluck—no one will guess it started with frozen ravioli!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, creamy, and ultra cheesy—just like the name promises

• Convenient ingredients—uses frozen ravioli and jarred sauce

• Family-friendly comfort food

• Perfect for feeding a crowd

• Make-ahead friendly—prepare, refrigerate, and bake later

• Customizable with your favorite meat or vegetarian options

• One dish meal—no need for extra sides

• Freezer-friendly for busy weeknights

• No need to boil pasta—ravioli cooks in the oven

• Simple steps with gourmet flavor

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ground chicken

• 1 jar (28 ounces) marinara sauce

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 package (18 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli

• 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat oven and prepare pan:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Make the meat sauce:
   In a large oven-safe skillet, brown the ground chicken over medium heat until fully cooked. Stir in the marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Scoop out and reserve half of the sauce.

3. Make the cheese layer:
   In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, chopped parsley, garlic powder, remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese until well combined.

4. Assemble the casserole:

• Spread the cooked meat sauce remaining in the skillet (or transfer to prepared baking dish) across the bottom.

• Add the frozen cheese ravioli in an even layer over the sauce.

• Spoon the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the ravioli and gently spread it across.

• Pour the reserved marinara sauce over the cheese mixture.

• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top.

5. Bake:
   Place the casserole in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 45 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.

6. Rest and serve:
   Allow the casserole to sit for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 45 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Use ground beef or sausage instead of chicken for a heartier flavor.

• Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and layer with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

• Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara.

• Three-cheese version: Mix in some shredded provolone or fontina.

• Add veggies: Include chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.

• Use different ravioli: Try spinach and ricotta or beef-filled ravioli for variety.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Assemble the casserole but don’t bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use refrigerated ravioli instead of frozen?

Yes, just reduce the baking time by 10–15 minutes, as they cook faster than frozen.

Do I need to cook the ravioli before baking?

Nope! The frozen ravioli cook right in the sauce as the casserole bakes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use a different cheese in place of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese or mascarpone can work as substitutes.

What can I serve with this casserole?

A simple green salad and garlic bread make perfect sides.

Will this recipe work in a smaller dish?

You can halve the ingredients and use an 8×8-inch dish for a smaller batch.

How do I know the casserole is done?

The cheese will be melted and bubbling, and the ravioli will be fork-tender.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free ravioli and check that your marinara is gluten-free.

Can I use homemade marinara?

Absolutely! Use your favorite homemade sauce for an even richer flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Microwave in 30-second intervals or reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered, until warmed through.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a delicious, cheesy, crowd-pleasing dinner that tastes like a million bucks with a fraction of the effort. With hearty layers of ravioli, creamy ricotta, savory sauce, and gooey mozzarella, it’s comfort food done right. Whether you’re feeding a family or planning ahead, this simple baked pasta is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

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