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This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole truly lives up to its name with layers of cheesy ravioli, rich meat sauce, and a creamy cheese blend that creates the most indulgent comfort food experience. The combination of four different cheeses elevates this simple pasta bake into something extraordinary that will have your family requesting it again and again.
I first made this casserole for a neighborhood potluck and it disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Now it's my go-to dish whenever I need to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Italian sausage: creates the savory base of the meat sauce and adds tremendous flavor
- Jarred spaghetti sauce: saves time while still delivering great taste
- Cottage cheese: adds protein and creamy texture throughout the casserole
- Cream cheese: provides richness and creates that "million dollar" mouthfeel
- Sour cream: adds tanginess that balances the rich flavors
- Parsley: brightens the cheese mixture with subtle herb notes
- Garlic powder: infuses the cheese mixture with aromatic flavor
- Parmesan cheese: adds nutty depth to both the cheese mixture and overall dish
- Frozen cheese ravioli: eliminates the need to cook pasta separately
- Mozzarella cheese: creates that perfect golden brown bubbly topping that everyone loves
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the meat sauce:
- Brown the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until no pink remains, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. This usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the excess fat completely to prevent a greasy casserole. Add the jar of spaghetti sauce to the cooked sausage and stir to combine well. The meat sauce should be rich and thick.
- Make the cheese mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated parmesan, parsley, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth. This creamy blend will coat the ravioli and create pockets of decadent creaminess throughout the casserole.
- Coat the ravioli:
- Add the frozen ravioli directly to the cheese mixture. Gently toss until each piece is coated evenly with the cheese mixture. This step ensures every bite of pasta has that creamy texture that makes this dish special. There's no need to thaw the ravioli first.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Spread the cheese-coated ravioli in an even layer in your prepared baking dish. Pour the meat sauce over the ravioli, making sure to cover all areas. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, creating a generous layer that will melt into a golden crust.
- Bake to perfection:
- Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes. The casserole should be bubbling around the edges with a beautifully browned cheesy top. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, which helps the layers set and makes it easier to portion.
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The first time I served this at a family dinner, my usually picky nephew had three helpings and declared it better than his favorite restaurant pasta. That moment sealed this recipe's status as a family classic that I now prepare whenever we have something to celebrate.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This casserole shines as a make-ahead dish. You can prepare it completely, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, simply remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time. For longer storage, assemble completely, wrap well with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Customization Options
While the recipe is perfect as written, you can easily adapt it to your preferences. Ground beef or turkey works well in place of Italian sausage. Vegetarians can substitute plant-based meat alternatives or simply double up on the cheese and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for substance. For those who enjoy extra spice, adding red pepper flakes to the meat sauce creates a delightful heat that balances the creamy elements.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with lighter sides to create a balanced meal. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers the perfect fresh contrast to the rich pasta. Garlic bread is practically mandatory for sopping up the delicious sauce. For a more substantial spread, roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts complement the flavors nicely while adding nutritional value to the meal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of meat for this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Just ensure you season the meat to maintain the rich flavor.
- → Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. For freezing options, ensure it’s well-wrapped and bake after thawing.
- → What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and garlic bread. It’s also delicious with steamed vegetables or a light vinaigrette-dressed salad.
- → Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh ravioli can be used, but reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes as it cooks faster than frozen ravioli.
- → What type of cheese works best as a topping?
Shredded mozzarella is ideal for the topping, but you can also mix it with provolone or fontina for added flavor.