Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, comfort-food masterpiece to brighten up your dinner table, look no further than the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. This dish is a deliciously cheesy, saucy, and satisfying casserole that combines tender cheese ravioli with rich Italian sausage and creamy layers of cottage cheese, cream cheese, and parmesan. It’s so simple to make yet tastes like something you’d find in an upscale Italian kitchen, earning its fittingly glamorous name. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy weeknight meal, the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is guaranteed to become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole comes down to a handful of essential ingredients that each bring their own flair to the dish. From the savory sausage and tangy spaghetti sauce to the creamy cheeses and tender ravioli, every component plays a crucial role in building a rich, hearty meal you’ll adore.
- Italian sausage: Brings bold, savory flavor with a hint of spice that complements the cheeses perfectly.
- Spaghetti sauce (28-oz jar): Adds a rich tomato base that keeps the casserole moist and bursting with Italian flavor.
- Cottage cheese (1 cup): Offers a light creaminess and slight tang that balances the richness of the heavier cheeses.
- Cream cheese (8-oz softened): Provides luscious smoothness, making every bite velvety and indulgent.
- Sour cream (¼ cup): Adds a subtle tang and extra creaminess that enhances texture and flavor.
- Parsley (2 Tbsp): Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Infuses a subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering the flavors.
- Grated parmesan cheese (⅓ cup): Intensifies the cheesy richness with its sharp, nutty flavor.
- Frozen cheese ravioli (25-oz package): The perfect pasta base that’s tender and packed with melty cheese inside.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully to create that iconic golden, bubbly topping you crave.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF to get it nice and ready for baking. While the oven warms up, grab a 9x13x2-inch baking dish and spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup—this small step makes a big difference!
Step 2: Cooking the Sausage
In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until it’s cooked through and beautifully browned. Once done, carefully drain the excess fat to keep the dish flavorful without being greasy. Stir the entire jar of spaghetti sauce into the sausage, then set this mouthwatering meat sauce aside for layering later.
Step 3: Mixing the Creamy Cheese Filling
Now, take a large bowl and combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated parmesan, chopped parsley, and garlic powder. This blend is where the magic of creaminess and savory flavors begin to build. Then add the frozen cheese ravioli right into the mix and gently toss everything together so that each ravioli gets coated in the luscious cheese mixture.
Step 4: Assembling the Casserole
Spread the creamy ravioli mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This layer will be the base for your casserole’s rich flavor and texture. Next, pour the delicious meat sauce over the ravioli layer until it’s fully covered. Finally, sprinkle the top generously with the shredded mozzarella cheese — trust me, this cheesy crown is what pulls it all together beautifully.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven for 45 minutes. The bubbling mozzarella on top will turn golden brown, signaling it’s ready. Once out of the oven, let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld perfectly. This little pause also makes serving much easier and more enjoyable.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Garnishes
To elevate your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole beyond delicious, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or extra parsley on top before serving. For an extra pop, a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds wonderful aroma and a subtle hint of heat. These finishing touches make every bite feel like a special occasion.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty, so pairing it with lighter sides is a great idea. A crisp Caesar salad or a simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette offers fresh contrast. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce and adds a satisfying crunch to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at your next family dinner or party, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or bake it as mini casseroles for personalized portions. You can also layer it in clear glass dishes to show off all the luscious layers, turning dinner into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next servings even more delicious. Just make sure to cover it tightly to keep the ravioli moist and prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
This casserole freezes exceptionally well, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. To freeze, assemble the dish but don’t bake it yet. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or thawed Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole in a preheated 350ºF oven for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. Cover it with foil initially to prevent the cheese from baking too brown, then remove the foil at the end to crisp up the top cheese layer perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage will work just fine and provide a leaner alternative. The flavor will be a bit milder, so you might consider adding a pinch of Italian seasoning or extra garlic powder to keep the taste bold.
Do I have to use frozen ravioli, or can fresh pasta work?
Frozen cheese ravioli is perfect for this casserole because it holds up well in baking. Fresh pasta can be used, but you’ll want to pre-cook it lightly or ensure it doesn’t get too mushy during baking. Frozen ravioli offers the best texture with minimal prep.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
Yes! You can skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables to keep it hearty and flavorful. Using a meatless marinara sauce will keep it fully vegetarian-friendly and just as satisfying.
How spicy is the dish? Can I make it milder or spicier?
The sausage adds a mild heat, but the dish is generally well balanced. For a milder version, choose mild Italian sausage or omit any extra pepper. To turn up the heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage for a fiery kick.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and bake it later?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire dish up to step 4, cover it, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. This makes it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or entertaining without last-minute fuss.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something special about a dish that feels both comforting and impressive, and the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole hits that sweet spot perfectly. It’s a wonderful recipe to keep in your back pocket when you want to wow family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why it’s earned its glamorous name. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a meal that’s just as rich in flavor as it is in joy.
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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a hearty and delicious Italian-inspired baked dish featuring layers of cheesy ravioli, savory Italian sausage, and a rich tomato sauce topped with melted mozzarella. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this casserole combines creamy cheese mixtures with flavorful meat sauce for a satisfying meal.
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
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Other
- 1 (25-oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9x13x2-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet for a leaner sauce. Stir in the spaghetti sauce until well combined, then set aside.
- Mix Cheese and Ravioli: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and garlic powder. Add the frozen cheese ravioli to this mixture and gently toss to coat the ravioli evenly with the cheese mixture.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread the cheese-coated ravioli evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a base layer.
- Add Meat Sauce and Cheese: Pour the prepared sausage and spaghetti sauce mixture over the ravioli layer. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt and brown slightly. After baking, let the casserole cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to set and make it easier to cut.
Notes
- Use a mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your flavor preference.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute turkey sausage and use low-fat cheeses.
- You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Make sure to allow the casserole to rest after baking for best texture and easier serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: ravioli casserole, Italian casserole, baked ravioli, Italian sausage recipe, cheesy casserole, comfort food
