Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with Golden Cheese Crust Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve the absolute best cheese pull, use freshly shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese rather than pre-shredded packaged cheese.

Pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents like potato starch, which prevents it from melting as smoothly and can result in a less gooey texture. Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully into a seamless, stretchy blanket over your casserole.

Let the baked casserole rest for at least ten to fifteen minutes after removing it from the oven before you attempt to slice it.

This cooling period allows the sauces to settle and firm up slightly, ensuring that the slices hold their shape when lifted out of the dish. Slicing too quickly will result in a messy, runny plate, though it will still taste absolutely delicious.

Variations

• Spinach and Mushroom: Add a layer of sautéed spinach and sliced mushrooms between the pasta and meat sauce layers for an extra boost of earthy flavor and color.
• Spicy Italian: Substitute the meat sauce with a spicy meat sauce and add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the top for a fiery kick.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Always cool the casserole for no more than 2 hours before refrigerating.

Freezer

Freeze the unbaked or baked casserole tightly wrapped in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking or reheating.

Reheat

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2 minutes, or cover the baking dish with foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 minutes until hot.

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. Ensure the casserole has cooled completely to room temperature before covering and refrigerating, but do not leave it out for more than two hours to maintain food safety.

You can assemble this casserole up to twenty-four hours in advance. Wrap the assembled, unbaked dish tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and bake as directed, adding about ten extra minutes to the initial covered baking time.

Serving ideas

Serve this comforting pasta bake warm, directly from the baking dish, using a large spatula to lift out clean, square slices.

Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese and cream sauces. A side of warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce left on the plate.

For a beautiful presentation, garnish the top of the casserole with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

You can also offer extra grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes at the table, allowing everyone to customize their individual portions to their personal taste preferences.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole with Golden Cheese Crust

Prep 15 minCook 55 minRest 10 minTotal 1 h 20 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 20 oz frozen cheese ravioli
• 15 oz creamy sauce
• 24 oz meat sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent the pasta from sticking during baking, and set it aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen cheese ravioli and the creamy sauce. Gently toss the mixture until every single ravioli is thoroughly and evenly coated in the rich sauce.
3. Spread half of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the coated ravioli in a single layer over the sauce, then spoon the remaining meat sauce evenly over the top.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

520

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

48 g

Fat

26 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

6 g

Sodium

1100 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.