There’s nothing better than a warm, cheesy, and hearty meal that comes together easily—especially on a busy weeknight. That’s where this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole comes in. It’s packed with layers of tender cheese ravioli, a rich and savory meat sauce, and a creamy, flavorful cheese mixture that makes every bite absolutely irresistible.
This dish is the ultimate combination of comfort food and convenience. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole will quickly become a favorite. And the best part? It only requires a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Let’s dive into how to make this crowd-pleasing dish from start to finish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients – Everything you need for this casserole is easy to find at any grocery store.
- Quick and Easy – With minimal prep and no need to pre-boil the ravioli, this recipe saves time while still delivering amazing flavor.
- Creamy and Cheesy – The combination of cottage cheese, cream cheese, and Parmesan creates a luscious, rich texture that pairs perfectly with the hearty meat sauce.
- Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this cheesy, baked pasta dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we jump into the step-by-step process, let’s go over what you’ll need to make this Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole.
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 (28-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Assembly:
- 1 (25-oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven is heating up, lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This will make cleanup much easier later on!
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Use a spatula to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Once it’s done, drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
Next, pour in the spaghetti sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors together. Once it’s done, set the meat sauce aside while you prepare the cheese mixture.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, parsley, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well blended. The combination of these cheeses creates an extra creamy and flavorful base that makes this casserole so special.
Step 4: Coat the Ravioli
Now that the creamy cheese mixture is ready, it’s time to coat the ravioli. Take the frozen cheese ravioli and add it directly to the bowl with the cheese mixture. There’s no need to thaw the ravioli beforehand—the heat from the oven will cook them perfectly.
Gently stir until all the ravioli are evenly coated with the rich, cheesy mixture. This step ensures that every bite is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Now comes the fun part—layering everything together! Grab your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the ravioli mixture evenly across the bottom.
Next, pour the meat sauce over the ravioli, making sure to spread it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. You want every piece of ravioli to be covered in that flavorful sauce.
Finally, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the top. This will create that delicious, golden-brown, cheesy crust when baked.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Now that your casserole is fully assembled, it’s time to bake! Place the dish in the preheated 350°F oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. The sauce should be thick and hot, and the ravioli should be perfectly tender. If you like an extra crispy cheese topping, you can switch on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes—just be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve
Once the casserole is finished baking, resist the urge to dig in right away! Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to scoop and serve without everything falling apart.
Serve it up with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It’s rich, hearty, and satisfying all on its own, but a little something on the side makes it even better.
Helpful Tips for the Best Ravioli Casserole
- Use High-Quality Ingredients – Since this recipe is simple, using a good-quality spaghetti sauce and cheese will make a big difference in flavor.
- Try Different Meats – Italian sausage adds great flavor, but you can also use ground beef, turkey, or even a mix of meats.
- Make It Ahead – You can assemble this casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just bake as directed when ready.
- Freeze for Later – This casserole freezes well! Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
- Add Extra Veggies – Sneak in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition without changing the classic flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
Yes! If you’re using fresh ravioli, reduce the baking time to about 30-35 minutes since they don’t need as much time to cook through. Keep an eye on the cheese topping to ensure it doesn’t brown too quickly.
2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold dish.
4. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
5. What can I serve with Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole?
This dish pairs well with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A side of steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach also balances the richness of the dish.
6. Can I add extra ingredients to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. You can also spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes in the meat sauce.
7. What’s a good substitute for cottage cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese for a slightly smoother texture while keeping the rich, creamy taste.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is everything you could want in a comforting, cheesy, baked pasta dish. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping it ahead for a busy week, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
PrintMillion Dollar Ravioli Casserole
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy dish loaded with layers of ravioli, a flavorful meat sauce, and a luscious cheese mixture. It’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 (28-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Assembly:
- 1 (25-oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2️⃣ Cook the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then stir in the spaghetti sauce. Set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, parsley, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well blended.
4️⃣ Coat the Ravioli:
Add the frozen cheese ravioli to the cheese mixture and toss until evenly coated.
5️⃣ Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the ravioli mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pour the meat sauce over the ravioli, ensuring it is spread evenly. Top with mozzarella cheese.
6️⃣ Bake:
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
7️⃣ Cool & Serve:
Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference.
- For a richer flavor, substitute ricotta for cottage cheese.
- If you prefer a crispy cheese topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Pairs well with garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8
