Cooking is not only a necessity but also a way to express creativity and love. One such dish that brings comfort and delight is the Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.
This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious meal that doesn’t require hours of preparation.
How To Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Let’s dive into the ingredients, the step-by-step process, and some additional tips to make your cooking experience enjoyable and rewarding.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 19 oz Italian Sausage
- 26 ozjar Marinara Sauce
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese
- 8 oz Cream Cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped Parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 25 oz frozen Cheese Ravioli
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the mild Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and drain the excess fat. Set the cooked sausage aside.
Step 2: Mix the Meat Sauce
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the pizza sauce. Mix well until the sausage is evenly coated with the sauce. Let this mixture sit while you move on to the next steps.
Step 3: Create the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, freshly chopped parsley, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Combine Ravioli with Cream Cheese Mixture
Add the frozen cheese ravioli to the cream cheese mixture. Toss and mix until each piece of ravioli is well coated with the creamy mixture. Ensure the ravioli are separated and not clumped together.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread half of the ravioli mixture evenly at the bottom of the baking dish.
Then, layer half of the sausage and pizza sauce mixture on top. Sprinkle with half of the freshly grated mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, sausage sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, uncovered. This allows the casserole to cook through and the cheese on top to melt and turn golden brown.
Step 7: Let it Set
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors to meld together and makes serving easier.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve the casserole warm and enjoy the rich, cheesy, and savory flavors.
Additional Tips
Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to use other types of stuffed ravioli, such as spinach and ricotta, for a variation in flavor. You can also use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a bit of heat.
Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Freezing: The ravioli casserole freezes well. After baking and cooling, cover it tightly with aluminum foil and freeze. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour or until heated through.
Serving Suggestions: Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine, like Chianti, would complement the rich flavors beautifully.
Conclusion
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a crowd-pleaser and a comfort food that never disappoints.
With its layers of cheesy, creamy ravioli and flavorful sausage sauce, it’s a dish that’s worth every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity and the ability to adapt it to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and make it your own.
Cooking is all about creativity and enjoying the process, so have fun with it!
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