Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a comforting Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring layers of frozen cheese ravioli, savory Italian sausage marinara, and a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It’s a hearty, easy-to-make casserole perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 jar (28 ounces) marinara sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1 package (18 ounces) frozen cheese ravioli
- 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook sausage: In a large oven-safe skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Make sauce: Add the marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the cooked sausage in the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through. Remove about half of this sausage sauce mixture and set it aside for layering later.
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, remaining Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Layer the casserole: Spread the reserved half of the sausage marinara sauce evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Arrange the frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Spread the cheese mixture gently and evenly over the ravioli. Pour the remaining sausage marinara sauce on top of the cheese layer, and finish by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- You can substitute fresh ravioli, but cooking instructions may need adjustment.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Freezing the assembled casserole before baking is possible—freeze covered tightly and bake from frozen, increasing baking time by 15-20 minutes.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley or basil for a fresh finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
