If you are craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings the whole family to the table with smiles, the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe is your next go-to meal. This casserole layers creamy cheeses, savory Italian sausage, and tender ravioli in a rich, flavorful sauce that bakes into bubbly, golden perfection. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of melted mozzarella and tangy parmesan with hints of garlic and parsley, making this dish a delightful crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is the secret to the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe’s success. Each component plays a vital role, from the spicy Italian sausage to the creamy blend of cheeses, creating layers of taste and texture that sing together in every forkful.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Adds robust, spiced flavor and meaty texture, essential for a hearty base.
- 1 (28-oz) jar spaghetti sauce: Provides rich tomato flavor that ties the casserole together perfectly.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Brings creaminess and light tang to balance richer cheeses.
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese softened: Creates a smooth, luscious layer that melts beautifully.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Enhances the cream cheese blend with a subtle, velvety sharpness.
- 2 Tbsp parsley: Freshens flavors with a mild herbal note and pretty flecks of green.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Boosts savory depth with warm, aromatic undertones.
- â…“ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and sharpness to the cheese mixture.
- 1 (25-oz) package frozen cheese ravioli: The star ingredient, tender pasta pockets stuffed with creamy cheese.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, topping the casserole with irresistible stretchiness.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and spraying a 9x13x2-inch baking pan with cooking spray. This simple prep ensures your casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly, setting the stage for a perfect melt and golden crust.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage until it’s cooked through and nicely caramelized. This adds a savory punch and texture. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the sauce rich but not greasy. Then stir in the spaghetti sauce and set this meaty, tomatoey mixture aside.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan cheese, parsley, and garlic powder. This blend is going to be the luscious, flavorful layer that coats the ravioli beautifully. Once mixed, add in the frozen cheese ravioli and toss everything gently so each piece is well coated.
Step 4: Layer Ravioli in Baking Dish
Spread the coated ravioli evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan. This ensures that every bite will have a good balance of pasta and creamy sauce, setting a sturdy base for the meat sauce and cheese topping.
Step 5: Add Meat Sauce and Top with Mozzarella
Pour the Italian sausage and spaghetti sauce mixture evenly over the ravioli layer. Then sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously on top. This layering helps all the flavors meld while creating a bubbling, golden cheese crust in the oven.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 minutes. The cheese will melt and turn golden brown, the sauce will bubble, and the ravioli will cook through. After baking, allow the casserole to cool for 10 to 15 minutes to let everything set, making it easier to serve and enhancing those beautiful melded flavors.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh and colorful finish, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or extra parsley on top right before serving. A light dusting of extra parmesan can also elevate the dish with that last touch of sharpness. These little additions not only look stunning but complement the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices also make ideal partners for soaking up every bit of the delicious sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus bring balance and extra nutrition to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, consider serving individual portions in mini ramekins for a stylish presentation. You can also add a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Pairing the casserole with a glass of medium-bodied red wine will truly elevate dinner into a special occasion experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making the dish just as delightful (if not more) when reheated. Aim to consume within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping. To freeze, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe in the oven at 350ºF, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes). Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes to refresh the golden cheese topping. Microwaving works too for quicker meals, but the oven method maintains the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage gives a classic flavor, you can substitute with turkey sausage or even a spicy chorizo for a twist. Just adjust the seasoning if your sausage is already highly flavored.
Do I need to thaw the ravioli before assembling?
No need to thaw! The frozen cheese ravioli cooks beautifully in the casserole while baking, so you can save time by adding it directly from the freezer.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe?
Yes, simply omit the Italian sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables to maintain heartiness and flavor without the meat.
Can I prepare this casserole completely ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, add the mozzarella topping and bake as directed.
What type of ravioli works best for this casserole?
Cheese-stuffed ravioli is the classic choice and works perfectly here, as it melts into the creamy layers. however, feel free to experiment with meat or spinach ravioli for variety.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that brings bold flavor and creamy comfort to your table, the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe is a must-try. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to serve guests, with a perfect harmony of cheesy goodness and savory sausage. Give it a go and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rich and comforting baked pasta dish featuring layers of cheese-filled ravioli, savory Italian sausage, and a creamy cheese mixture. Topped with mozzarella and baked to bubbly perfection, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 (28-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 Tbsp parsley
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- â…“ cup grated parmesan cheese
Main
- 1 (25-oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9x13x2-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from being greasy. Stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce with the cooked sausage, mixing well. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated parmesan cheese, parsley, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and evenly blended. Add the frozen cheese ravioli to this mixture and gently toss to coat each ravioli with the cheesy sauce.
- Layer the Ravioli: Spread the ravioli and cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Add Meat Sauce and Cheese: Pour the meat sauce with sausage over the layer of ravioli. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 10 to 15 minutes after baking, which helps it set for easier serving. Then, serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure ravioli is frozen, do not thaw before mixing to prevent over-softening.
- For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese if preferred for a creamier texture.
- Make sure to drain the sausage fat thoroughly to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
