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
Scale
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
