If you love rich, comforting Italian dishes that bring everyone around the table with smiles, you are going to adore this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of creamy cheeses, savory Italian sausage, and tender ravioli all baked together in a luscious tomato sauce, creating layers of flavor that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re looking for an impressive dinner for family or a cozy weekend treat, this casserole is guaranteed to be your new favorite go-to recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward making your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe a smashing success. Each item plays its part—whether it’s the hearty Italian sausage for a savory kick, the blend of cheeses for a creamy indulgence, or the frozen ravioli acting as the comforting base of the dish.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Adds a rich and flavorful meaty foundation to your sauce.
- Spaghetti sauce (28-oz jar): Brings bright tomato goodness and balances the creamy elements.
- Cottage cheese (1 cup): Offers subtle creaminess and a slight tang that blends beautifully with other cheeses.
- Cream cheese (8-oz, softened): Gives the casserole an irresistibly smooth texture.
- Sour cream (¼ cup): Enhances the tangy creaminess without overpowering the dish.
- Parsley (2 Tbsp): Freshens and colors the cheese mixture thoughtfully.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Adds a gentle, warming depth of flavor.
- Grated parmesan cheese (⅓ cup): Injects a salty, nutty bite that elevates every layer.
- Frozen cheese ravioli (25-oz): The star of the show, tender and cheesy ravioli create a hearty base.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts to perfect gooeyness, crowning the casserole with cheesy perfection.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350ºF and prepping a 9x13x2-inch baking pan with cooking spray. This not only prevents sticking but also helps the casserole bake evenly for that beautiful golden finish everyone will love.
Step 2: Cook the Italian Sausage
Brown the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s cooked through and nicely browned. Drain out the excess fat, then stir in your spaghetti sauce and remove the skillet from heat. This meat sauce brings that classic, savory flavor that turns ordinary pasta dishes into celebrations.
Step 3: Combine Cheeses and Ravioli
Grab a large bowl and mix the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan, parsley, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy. Toss the frozen ravioli in the cheese mixture so every piece is coated luxuriously—this step makes every bite delightfully rich and cheesy.
Step 4: Assemble Your Casserole
Spread the ravioli and cheese mixture evenly in your prepared pan, making sure each ravioli gets that cheesy love. Pour the savory meat sauce over the top, then sprinkle your mozzarella cheese to finish it off. Layering thoughtfully is key to that stunning casserole experience.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Let the casserole rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving—this pause allows the flavors to meld into a cohesive, irresistible dish that’s perfectly set for slicing.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves can brighten your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe with a fresh pop of color and aroma. For an extra touch, grated parmesan over the top right before serving adds a salty, nutty sparkle that complements the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness or some roasted vegetables that bring complementary textures and colors. Garlic bread is a classic side that also works wonders for mopping up every last delicious bite of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole directly from the pan at family dinners for that cozy, comforting vibe. Or bake individual portions in small ramekins for a special touch when entertaining guests. You can even layer leftovers in a pretty casserole dish to reheat and impress again!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, the flavors have more time to deepen and you can look forward to a quick, tasty reheated meal.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, this casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil or use a freezer-safe container to keep it fresh for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350ºF, covered with foil, until warmed through—about 20 minutes makes the cheese melty again without drying out the ravioli. You can also gently microwave individual servings, but be mindful not to overheat to preserve that creamy cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap Italian sausage for mild or spicy turkey sausage, or even ground beef or chicken depending on your preference. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain that rich flavor balance.
Is it necessary to use frozen ravioli or can I use fresh?
Frozen ravioli works best here for convenience and texture, holding up well during baking. Fresh ravioli can be used but watch your cooking times closely as it may cook faster or become too soft if overbaked.
Can I make the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply leave out the sausage and use a hearty vegetable marinara sauce or add mushrooms and spinach to the cheese mixture for extra flavor and texture. It’s delicious either way!
What can I substitute for cottage cheese if I don’t have any?
You can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese; it offers a similar creamy texture and mild flavor that blends perfectly with the other cheeses in the recipe.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
Look for bubbly sauce around the edges and melted, lightly golden mozzarella cheese on top. The ravioli should be tender but still hold its shape. The internal temperature should be hot and steamy when you insert a knife or fork.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how wonderful and easy the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe is, I encourage you to give it a try soon. It’s one of those dishes that not only tastes incredible but also fills your home with the most comforting aromas. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers, this casserole is destined to become a cherished staple on your dinner rotation.
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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked pasta dish combining tender cheese ravioli with a creamy cheese mixture, savory Italian sausage, and rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners and serves 8 generously.
Ingredients
Sausage and 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
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
Main Ingredients
- 1 (25-oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9x13x2-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set it aside for later use.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat from the pan to keep the dish from being greasy. Stir in the entire jar of spaghetti sauce with the sausage, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix Cheeses and Ravioli: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan cheese, parsley, and garlic powder. Add the frozen cheese ravioli into this cheese mixture, tossing gently to coat each ravioli evenly with the creamy blend.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the ravioli and cheese mixture in an even layer in the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Pour the meat sauce evenly over the ravioli layer, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top to cover.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden. Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the casserole set.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely.
- You can use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded for a creamier melt.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Try topping with fresh basil or additional parmesan cheese before serving for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
