- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Cook the ravioli. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ravioli according to the package instructions, usually 3-4 minutes for fresh ravioli or 7-9 minutes for frozen. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Mix the cheese filling. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Stage 2: Assembling the Casserole
- Layer the casserole. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, layer half of the cooked ravioli on top of the sauce.
- Add the cheese mixture. Spoon half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli and spread it out evenly.
- Repeat the layers. Add another layer of marinara sauce, followed by the remaining ravioli, and then top with the rest of the cheese mixture.
- Top with mozzarella. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, and then sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
Stage 3: Baking the Casserole
- Cover and bake. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake more. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Stage 4: Serving
- Garnish and serve. Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve and enjoy! Slice the casserole into squares and serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole:
- Use high-quality ravioli. The better the ravioli, the better the casserole will taste. Try using fresh or homemade ravioli if you can!
- Customize the sauce. You can make this dish even more flavorful by using a marinara sauce with added herbs or spices. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add extra toppings. For more flavor, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crispy, cheesy crust.
- Make it ahead. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Final Thoughts:
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a quick, easy, and indulgent dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or a special gathering. With layers of creamy cheese, savory marinara sauce, and tender ravioli, it’s a comforting meal that everyone will love!