Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a delightful dish that brings comfort to any table. This casserole combines savory meat sauce, frozen ravioli, and four types of cheese for an unforgettable flavor experience. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, this recipe is easy to prepare in advance and even easier to enjoy. The best part? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that leaves no leftovers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious casserole in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping the meat for a vegetarian option.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for later enjoyment.
• Cheesy Goodness: Loaded with four types of cheese, this dish is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying.
• Feeding a Crowd: Perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings; this recipe serves eight people easily.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole smoothly, having the right tools at hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• 9x13x2-inch baking pan
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for browning the Italian sausage evenly, ensuring rich flavor throughout the dish.
• Mixing bowl: Provides enough space for combining all your cheesy ingredients without making a mess.
• Baking pan: The perfect size for layering the ravioli and sauce to achieve that delightful baked texture.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 (28-oz) jar spaghetti sauce

For the 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

For the Ravioli Layer

• 1 (25-oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese

How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350ºF. While it’s heating, spray a 9x13x2-inch pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and set aside to combine flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan cheese, parsley, and garlic powder. Mix well until smooth. Gently fold in the frozen ravioli until they are evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the ravioli mixture evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Pour the meat sauce over the top and ensure it’s evenly distributed. Finally, sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously on top.

Step 5: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole will surely become one of your go-to recipes! Enjoy each cheesy bite!

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Serving Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a delightful experience, especially when paired with complementary dishes. This casserole is rich and satisfying on its own, but with the right sides and garnishes, you can elevate your meal even further.

With a Simple Salad

• A fresh garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers provides a crisp contrast to the creamy casserole.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each serving with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and a pop of color.

Paired with Garlic Bread

• Warm, buttery garlic bread complements the flavors of the casserole perfectly and is great for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Served in Individual Portions

• For a fun presentation at dinner parties, serve this casserole in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese.

Accompanied by Steamed Vegetables

• Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add nutrition and balance to this hearty dish.

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How to Perfect Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

To achieve the best results with your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, consider these simple tips that will enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality Italian sausage and a good brand of spaghetti sauce for the best taste.
• Don’t Skip the Cheese: The mixture of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and mozzarella contributes to the creamy texture that makes this dish special.
• Layer Carefully: Ensure even layering of ravioli and meat sauce to distribute flavors throughout the casserole.
• Adjust Baking Time: If you prefer a crustier top, increase baking time by a few minutes but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving helps it set up nicely for easier slicing.

Best Side Dishes for Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Pairing side dishes with your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole can enhance your dining experience. Here are some tasty options:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice that pairs well with any pasta dish; simply spread butter and minced garlic on fresh bread before baking.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing topped with croutons offers a crunchy contrast.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli provides color and health benefits while balancing the richness of the casserole.
4. Roasted Asparagus: Drizzle asparagus spears with olive oil, season, and roast until tender for an elegant touch.
5. Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing option.
6. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles serve as a low-carb alternative that complements the dish’s flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes can make your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole even better. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Skipping the Preheating: Not preheating your oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always ensure your oven is at 350ºF before baking.

• Overcooking the Sausage: Cooking the Italian sausage too long can dry it out. Brown it just until it’s no longer pink for the best flavor and texture.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold cheese or ravioli can affect cooking time. Allow your cream cheese to soften and use room-temperature ingredients for a perfect mix.

• Ignoring Layering: Poor layering can result in a dry casserole. Spread the ravioli evenly and ensure meat sauce covers it well before adding cheese on top.

• Not Letting It Rest: Cutting into the casserole immediately after baking can cause it to fall apart. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes to set properly.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350ºF, cover with foil, and heat for 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for about 5-8 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat on low, stirring occasionally until warmed through; add a splash of sauce if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries answered.

Can I make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it when ready to serve.

What type of ravioli should I use?

Frozen cheese ravioli works best, but feel free to explore different fillings based on your preference!

How do I customize my Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?

You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or swap out Italian sausage for ground turkey or beef for variety.

Can I use homemade spaghetti sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade spaghetti sauce adds a personal touch and enhances the flavors of the casserole.

Final Thoughts

The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is not just delicious; it’s also versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at dinner parties or enjoying a cozy night at home, this casserole offers comfort and satisfaction. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients to make it uniquely yours!