Get ready to indulge in a luxurious twist on a classic Italian dish with this million-dollar ravioli casserole!
Layers of tender cheese ravioli are nestled between a rich, meaty marinara sauce and a decadent blend of creamy cheeses. It seriously tastes like a million bucks!
What I love most about this casserole is it’s so easy to make.
It’s like treating yourself to a gourmet meal without the hefty price tag or hours slaving away in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Million-Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Crowd-Pleaser: This indulgent casserole is guaranteed to impress guests at potlucks, family gatherings, or dinner parties.
Time-Saver: Using frozen ravioli and jarred marinara sauce makes this recipe quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
Taste Sensation: The combination of four cheeses, Italian sausage, and spinach creates a rich, savory dish that’s bursting with delicious flavors.
Leftovers Galore: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying delicious leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients
- Italian Sausage: Savory and flavorful, it brings a robust taste to this hearty casserole.
- Frozen Cheese Ravioli: It’s the star of this dish, nestled in a creamy cheese mixture.
- Cheeses: A blend of cottage cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella creates a rich, creamy, and cheesy layer.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients add depth and complexity to the sausage marinara sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of heat enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato sauce forms the base of the casserole, infusing it with vibrant flavor.
- Sour Cream: Tangy and creamy, it adds a subtle zing to the cheese mixture, balancing the richness.
- Italian Seasoning and Garlic Powder: A blend of herbs and spices elevates the dish with quintessential Italian flavors.
- Fresh Baby Spinach: Tender spinach leaves add a pop of color and a healthy boost of nutrients to this indulgent casserole.
How to Make Million-Dollar Ravioli Casserole
This casserole couldn’t be easier to throw together!
1. Prep the oven. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the sausage mixture. In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Drain excess grease, then stir in the marinara sauce and set aside.
3. Make the cheese mixture. In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the frozen ravioli and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded mozzarella, ensuring the ravioli is evenly coated.
4. Layer the ingredients. Spread half of the sausage marinara mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the baby spinach evenly over the sauce. Spread the ravioli mixture over the spinach, creating an even layer. Top with the remaining sausage marinara sauce. Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
5. Bake the casserole. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the ravioli is heated through.
6. Serve the dish. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Million-Dollar Ravioli Casserole
These tips and tricks will make your casserole shine!
- Quality is key. Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor in the meat sauce.
- Swap out the sauce. Feel free to substitute your favorite marinara or spaghetti sauce in place of the jar sauce.
- Get cheesy. Experiment with different combinations of cheeses in the filling, such as ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Vary the flavor. While cheese ravioli is traditional, you can use any type of frozen ravioli you prefer, like beef or spinach.
- Add some color. Sprinkle the baked casserole with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
- Switch it up. Try adding sautéed mushrooms or zucchini to the marinara sauce for extra veggies. Use ground beef or turkey in place of sausage.
- Make it a meal. Pair this rich casserole with a simple green salad, garlic bread, and roasted or steamed vegetables on the side.
How to Store
Here’s how to keep leftovers fresh to enjoy this tasty meal again.
To Store: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an air-tight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To Freeze: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To Reheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the casserole, covered with foil, for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Or, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Million-Dollar Ravioli Casserole
8
servings20
minutes45
minutes543
kcalThis million-dollar ravioli casserole is too good to miss! Loaded with tender pasta, sausage, and plenty of melty cheese
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage
1 small onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 jar marinara sauce
1 cup cottage cheese
1 package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 package frozen cheese ravioli
2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Drain excess grease, then stir in the marinara sauce and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the frozen ravioli and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded mozzarella, ensuring the ravioli is evenly coated.
- Spread half of the sausage marinara mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the baby spinach evenly over the sauce. Spread the ravioli mixture over the spinach, creating an even layer. Top with the remaining sausage marinara sauce. Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the ravioli is heated through.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Enjoy!
