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Million Dollar Ravioli Bake

Million Dollar Ravioli Bake
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Million Dollar Ravioli Bake is a rich and comforting casserole combining tender cheese ravioli, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a savory marinara sauce infused with Italian herbs and garlic. This easy and versatile baked dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions, offering layers of cheesy goodness and a golden, bubbly top that will impress every guest.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 package (about 20 oz) cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)

Cheeses

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all ingredients, thaw ravioli if frozen, and have marinara sauce ready.
  2. Cook the Ravioli: Boil ravioli in salted water for 2-3 minutes if frozen, or until they float to the surface if fresh or thawed. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Mix the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half the shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  4. Layer the Bake: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Add half the cooked ravioli in an even layer, then half the creamy cheese mixture, and more sauce. Repeat the layers, topping with remaining mozzarella and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Let the bake cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh or frozen ravioli; adjust boiling times accordingly.
  • Slightly undercook ravioli before baking to avoid mushiness.
  • Layer ingredients evenly for balanced flavor.
  • Let the bake rest 5-10 minutes after baking for clean slicing.
  • Optionally add provolone or fontina cheese for more creaminess.
  • Vegetarian option: add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
  • Spicy option: add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to marinara sauce.
  • Meat version: add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef.
  • Gluten-free: use gluten-free ravioli and marinara sauce.
  • Dairy-free: substitute plant-based cheeses and use coconut or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: ravioli bake, cheesy casserole, Italian comfort food, baked pasta, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/million-dollar-ravioli-bake/