Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a quick, easy, and comforting baked dish combining tender frozen cheese ravioli with savory ground Italian sausage, a creamy blend of cream cheese and marinara, and a golden cheesy topping of mozzarella and parmesan. Perfect for family meals or entertaining, this hearty casserole transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying dinner with customizable variations to suit any taste.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian option available
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (about 20 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Prepare the Sausage Mixture: Brown the ground Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces. Once cooked through, add the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning, then remove from heat.
- Mix the Cream Cheese and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the marinara sauce and blend until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture will serve as the base layer in your casserole.
- Layer the Ingredients: Grease a casserole dish and spread half of the frozen ravioli evenly across the bottom. Top with half of the cooked sausage mixture, followed by spreading half of the creamy sauce over the top. Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, sausage, and sauce.
- Add the Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust that will melt beautifully when baked.
- Bake Until Golden: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and quality Italian sausage to elevate the overall flavor.
- Do not boil the ravioli beforehand; baking cooks them perfectly without overcooking.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set, making it easier to serve.
- Feel free to customize the cheese topping by mixing in provolone or fontina for extra flavor.
- Add vegetables like chopped spinach or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: ravioli casserole, comfort food, baked pasta, cheesy casserole, Italian sausage, easy dinner, family meal