Name: Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage; 1 (28-oz) jar spaghetti sauce; 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup sour cream; 2 Tbsp parsley, chopped; ½ tsp garlic powder; ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 (25-oz) package frozen cheese ravioli; 2 cups mozzarella cheese

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If you are searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is exactly what you need. This dish brings together hearty Italian sausage, creamy cheese layers, and tender ravioli, all baked into a melty, flavorful casserole that’s pure comfort on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing guests with minimal effort, this casserole offers layers of cheesy goodness and savory sauce with every forkful.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to making the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole taste fabulous. Each component plays a special role in creating the perfect blend of rich, creamy, and savory flavors that make this dish unforgettable.

Italian sausage: Adds bold, savory flavor and a satisfying protein element when browned to perfection.
Spaghetti sauce: A rich tomato base that envelopes the layers in tangy, comforting warmth.
Cottage cheese: Brings light creaminess and a subtle tang that balances out the richer cheeses.
Cream cheese, softened: Makes the cheese mixture extra luscious and smooth.
Sour cream: Offers a bit of tang and moisture, enhancing overall texture without heaviness.
Parsley: Freshness and a pop of color that brighten each layer.
Garlic powder: Delivers gentle depth and a mild kick that complements the meat and cheese.
Grated parmesan cheese: Adds sharp umami and salty richness to boost the casserole’s flavor profile.
Frozen cheese ravioli: The star pasta component, tender pillows stuffed with cheesy goodness.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, golden perfection on top, pulling everything together.

How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF, which is just right for baking this casserole evenly without drying it out. Spray a 9x13x2-inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure your cheesy, saucy creation doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly for beautiful serving.

Step 2: Cook the Italian Sausage

In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked and nicely caramelized. Draining the fat is important to keep the casserole from becoming greasy while still packing tons of meaty flavor. Once browned, stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce to meld flavors and set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese and Ravioli

In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan cheese, parsley, and garlic powder, creating a creamy, seasoned cheese mixture. Gently fold in the frozen cheese ravioli, carefully tossing everything to evenly coat each ravioli in this luscious blend.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Spread the coated ravioli across the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a rich and cheesy foundation. Then pour your meat sauce from the skillet evenly on top, allowing the hearty tomato and sausage mix to infuse the ravioli during baking.

Step 5: Top with Mozzarella and Bake

Scatter shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the casserole, ensuring that golden, gooey finish. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned, then let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes for flavors to settle and to make serving easier.

How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Garnishes

For an inviting finish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a handful of fresh basil leaves on top just before serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a beautiful contrast that elevates the look and layers the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is wonderfully filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some buttery garlic bread rounds out the meal perfectly. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add a fresh, healthy counterpoint and lovely texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the casserole family-style straight from the pan for a cozy, casual vibe, or plate individual servings topped with a sprinkle of parmesan and herbs for a fancier presentation. For a fun twist, try layering it in individual ramekins to create mini Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole portions that impress at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for easy weekday meals or reheating as a quick lunch the next day.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully. Portion into airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best taste and texture, so you can enjoy that Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole magic whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through and bubbly, usually around 20 to 25 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on medium power, covering loosely to avoid drying out the cheese mixture. Adding a little splash of water or extra sauce before heating can keep it moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and works well in this casserole. It will give a slightly milder flavor but still complements the rich cheese and sauce beautifully.

Do I have to use frozen ravioli, or can I make it with fresh ravioli?

Frozen ravioli is convenient and works perfectly since it cooks right in the casserole. Fresh ravioli can be used too, but adjust baking time slightly as fresh pasta cooks faster.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the Italian sausage and replace the spaghetti sauce with a vegetarian version. Adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach can add heartiness without losing any flavor.

Can I prepare the casserole ahead and bake it later?

Definitely. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold straight from the fridge.

What can I substitute for cottage cheese if I don’t have any?

Sour cream or ricotta cheese makes a great substitute for cottage cheese in this recipe, keeping the creamy texture and tangy flavor that are key to the cheese mixture.

Final Thoughts

The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is one of those treasured dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple to make but endlessly satisfying. It’s perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or anytime you want a meal that’s both comforting and impressive. Go ahead and try it soon: this casserole might just become your new weeknight favorite.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: Isabella
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a comforting, hearty baked pasta dish featuring tender cheese ravioli layered with a savory Italian sausage and spaghetti sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture. Topped with melted mozzarella and baked to perfection, this casserole offers a rich and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9x13x2-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain the excess fat. Stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce, mixing well, then remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare Cheese and Ravioli Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and garlic powder. Add the frozen cheese ravioli to the bowl and gently toss to coat each ravioli evenly with the cheese mixture.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the coated ravioli in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a uniform base for the casserole.
Add Meat Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour the meat sauce with sausage evenly over the ravioli layer. Then, sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top to cover the casserole.
Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the casserole is heated through.
Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes; this allows it to set and makes serving easier and neater.

Notes

For a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
If fresh parsley is unavailable, dried parsley can be used; use about 1 teaspoon.
To save time, do not thaw the frozen ravioli before mixing with the cheese mixture.
This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking to enhance flavor meld.
For a lower-fat version, use turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheeses.
Make sure to let the casserole cool slightly before serving for best texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American