Description: This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the ease of frozen ravioli with a rich, flavorful meat sauce and a creamy, cheesy filling. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s sure to impress family and friends. Forget layering lasagna sheets; this casserole is a streamlined way to enjoy those comforting Italian flavors!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Effortless Comfort: It’s a simplified lasagna without all the fuss. Frozen ravioli makes it incredibly easy to put together.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of Italian sausage, a robust spaghetti sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture creates a depth of flavor that’s truly irresistible.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This casserole is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. It’s the perfect dish for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy night in.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your taste preferences. Use different types of sausage, cheese, or sauce to create your own unique version.
Introduction
The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole isn’t just a name; it’s a promise of deliciousness and satisfaction. This recipe emerged from a desire to create a comfort food classic without spending hours in the kitchen. Lasagna, while beloved, can be quite labor-intensive. This casserole offers the same comforting flavors and textures, but with a fraction of the effort.
The genius of this dish lies in its clever use of frozen cheese ravioli. They are tossed with a creamy, flavorful cheese mixture that elevates them from simple pasta pockets to carriers of pure delight. The ravioli are nestled in a bed of meaty, rich tomato sauce. A blanket of melted mozzarella cheese tops it all off, creating a golden-brown crust that seals in all the goodness.
This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and share a meal that’s both satisfying and memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll find this casserole easy to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Provides a savory and robust flavor base for the sauce. You can use mild, sweet, or hot Italian sausage depending on your preference. Remove the sausage from its casings before browning.
- 1 (28-oz) jar spaghetti sauce: Use your favorite brand of spaghetti sauce. Look for one with a good balance of sweetness and acidity. You can also add a can of diced tomatoes or tomato paste for a richer flavor.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Adds a creamy texture and a slight tang to the cheese filling. Use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese depending on your dietary needs.
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened: Provides a smooth and creamy base for the cheese filling. Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to ensure it blends easily with the other ingredients.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a touch of tang to the cheese filling. You can substitute Greek yogurt for a slightly healthier option.
- 2 Tbsp parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the cheese filling. Use fresh parsley, finely chopped. If using dried parsley, use 2 teaspoons.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavor of the cheese filling. You can substitute fresh minced garlic for a more intense flavor.
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the cheese filling and helps to bind the ingredients together. Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- 1 (25-oz) package frozen cheese ravioli: The star of the show! Use your favorite brand of frozen cheese ravioli. There are many different brands and flavors available, feel free to experiment and pick one you love.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese: Provides a melty, gooey topping for the casserole. Use shredded mozzarella cheese for easy coverage. Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella will melt best.
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Prepare a 9x13x2-inch baking pan by lightly spraying it with cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier. Set the pan aside. Ensure the oven has reached the preheated temperature before proceeding to ensure even baking.
Step 2: Prepare Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Break the sausage apart with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it cooks evenly. Continue cooking until the sausage is fully cooked and no longer pink. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Once the sausage is cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. Excess fat will make the casserole greasy. Stir in the spaghetti sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low, keeping it warm until ready to assemble the casserole. Simmering the sauce helps the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Mix Cheeses and Ravioli
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan cheese, parsley, and garlic powder. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to blend the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. It is crucial that the cream cheese is softened, or it will clump together and make it hard to mix in. Thoroughly blend the ingredients to ensure there are no lumps. Add the frozen cheese ravioli to the mixture. Gently toss the ravioli to coat them evenly with the cheese mixture. Avoid overmixing, as this can cause the ravioli to break apart. The goal is to coat each ravioli with a generous layer of the creamy cheese mixture.
Step 4: Assemble Casserole
Spread the ravioli mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Make sure the ravioli are distributed evenly across the pan to ensure uniform cooking. Pour the meat sauce over the ravioli, spreading it evenly to cover all the ravioli. Top with the mozzarella cheese, ensuring that it is evenly distributed across the surface. This will create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is heated through. Check the casserole after 30 minutes to ensure the cheese is not browning too quickly. If it is, tent the casserole with foil to prevent it from burning. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set slightly. This cooling period is important; it prevents the casserole from being too runny.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Very Easy)
- Flavor Complexity: 4/5 (Delicious and Satisfying)
- Kid-Friendly: 5/5 (A Guaranteed Hit!)
- Impressiveness: 4/5 (Looks and Tastes Great)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Accompany with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for dipping in the sauce.
- Top with a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano for added flavor and freshness.
- Serve with a glass of your favorite red wine.
Tips:
- To prevent the ravioli from sticking, lightly toss them with a little olive oil before adding them to the cheese mixture.
- If you don’t have Italian sausage, you can use ground beef or turkey instead.
- For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use hot Italian sausage.
- You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
45 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: Approximately 550-650 per serving
- Protein: 30-40 grams per serving
- Sodium: 800-1000 mg per serving
Conclusion
The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and comfort, making it a winner for any occasion. From busy weeknights to festive gatherings, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a dish that’s worth a million bucks! It’s an easy meal with maximum taste to enjoy with your family and friends.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of ravioli?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for cheese ravioli, you can easily substitute it with your favorite type of ravioli. Meat ravioli, spinach ravioli, or even mushroom ravioli would all work well. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to complement the filling. You could use a pesto sauce with mushroom ravioli or a cream sauce for spinach ravioli. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and create your own signature version of this casserole.
Q2: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the Italian sausage. To add flavor and texture, you can sauté vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and zucchini in olive oil with Italian seasoning. Add these sautéed vegetables to the spaghetti sauce. You can also use a vegetarian meat substitute. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the spaghetti sauce can also enhance the vegetarian flavor profile. You could even add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the cheese mixture for a bit of added crunch and protein.
Q3: How can I prevent the casserole from being too watery?
A: A few things can contribute to a watery casserole. First, make sure you drain the excess fat from the Italian sausage after browning. Second, use low-moisture mozzarella cheese, which melts better and doesn’t release as much water. If your cottage cheese seems particularly watery, drain it slightly before adding it to the cheese mixture. Allowing the casserole to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving also helps the sauce thicken and set.
Q4: Can I freeze this casserole for later?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble the casserole according to the instructions, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Bake as directed, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time to ensure it is heated through. You can also bake it from frozen, but it will take significantly longer (about 1.5-2 hours).
Q5: What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch pan?
A: If you don’t have a 9×13 inch pan, you can use two smaller baking dishes, such as 8×8 inch square pans. Divide the ingredients evenly between the two pans and bake as directed. Alternatively, you can use a slightly larger or smaller pan, but adjust the baking time accordingly. A larger pan will require a shorter baking time, while a smaller pan will require a longer baking time. Just keep an eye on the casserole and make sure the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
