Imagine sitting down to a warm, bubbly casserole filled with cheesy, saucy, pasta goodness. That’s exactly what you get with the Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli Bake. This hearty dish combines tender cheese-filled ravioli, a creamy cheese mixture, and flavorful Italian sausage to create a meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or family gatherings.
Whether you’re a pasta lover or someone looking for a simple yet impressive dish to share, this recipe is bound to be a winner. Let’s explore how you can make this delicious casserole that’s worth every bite.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli Bake
This ravioli bake is more than just a pasta dish—it’s a celebration of flavor and texture. From the melty mozzarella on top to the creamy cheese mixture and the savory meat sauce, every bite is packed with richness and comfort. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Perfect for Any Occasion
- Family Dinners: A kid-approved dish that’s easy to make.
- Meal Prep: Leftovers are just as delicious, making it great for meal planning.
- Potluck Favorite: A crowd-pleaser that’s simple to transport and serve.
Ingredients for Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli Bake
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this indulgent casserole:
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Italian Sausage | 1 lb |
Spaghetti Sauce (jarred) | 1 (28-oz) jar |
Cottage Cheese | 1 cup |
Cream Cheese (softened) | 1 (8-oz) package |
Sour Cream | ¼ cup |
Parsley (chopped) | 2 Tbsp |
Garlic Powder | ½ tsp |
Parmesan Cheese (grated) | ⅓ cup |
Frozen Cheese Ravioli | 1 (25-oz) package |
Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) | 2 cups |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
- Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and crumbly.
- Add the Sauce: Stir in the spaghetti sauce and remove the skillet from heat.
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Mixture
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Coat the Ravioli: Toss the frozen cheese ravioli in the cheese mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the Dish: Spread the cheese-coated ravioli evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add the Meat Sauce: Pour the sausage and sauce mixture over the ravioli, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Cook Until Golden: Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden on top.
- Let It Rest: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Ravioli Bake
- Use High-Quality Ravioli: Frozen cheese ravioli works best, but you can use fresh ravioli for a quicker cooking time.
- Customize the Meat: Swap Italian sausage for ground beef, turkey, or plant-based meat for a different flavor profile.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Letting the casserole cool slightly ensures the layers set and makes serving easier.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (makes about 8 servings):
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 450 kcal |
Protein | 25 g |
Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Fat | 22 g |
Saturated Fat | 12 g |
Sodium | 950 mg |
Fiber | 3 g |
(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients.)
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of creamy cheeses, flavorful sausage, and tender ravioli creates layers of flavor and texture that make this dish irresistible. Baking the casserole allows the flavors to meld together, while the mozzarella topping adds a golden, bubbly finish.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Pair this dish with a side of garlic bread or breadsticks for a complete meal.
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
- For a Crowd: Double the recipe and bake in two dishes for larger gatherings.
FAQs About Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli Bake
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.
2. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli works well, but reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes to prevent overcooking.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
5. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make great additions to the cheese mixture or meat sauce.
6. What’s the best way to reheat the casserole?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the entire dish with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Conclusion: A Dish Worth Every Bite
The Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli Bake is more than just a casserole—it’s a comfort food masterpiece. From the creamy cheese mixture to the savory meat sauce and tender ravioli, every bite is a burst of flavor that feels like a million dollars. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress.
Ready to make your own Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli Bake? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Share it with friends and family, and watch as it becomes an instant favorite. Happy cooking!
PrintCheesy Million Dollar Ravioli Bake: A Comfort Food Favorite
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Million Dollar Ravioli Bake. Loaded with tender cheese-filled ravioli, a creamy cheese mixture, and flavorful Italian sausage, this dish is baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s easy to make and impossible to resist!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 (28 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (25 oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Sausage:
- In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until cooked through.
- Add the spaghetti sauce to the skillet, stir, and remove from heat.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, parsley, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Toss the frozen cheese ravioli in the cheese mixture until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the cheese-coated ravioli evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the sausage and sauce mixture over the ravioli, spreading it evenly.
- Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use High-Quality Ravioli: Frozen cheese ravioli is recommended, but fresh ravioli can be substituted for quicker cooking.
- Customize the Meat: Replace sausage with ground beef, turkey, or plant-based meat for variety.
- Freshly Grate Cheese: For the best melt and flavor, shred mozzarella and Parmesan from a block.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Baking