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
Scale
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.
