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
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
- 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
