Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Name: Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 1 pound sausage; 28 ounce jar rao’s marinara; 25 ounce bag frozen ravioli; 1 cup cottage cheese; 8 ounce brick cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 teaspoon garlic granules; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil for garnish

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pound sausage
1 (28 ounce) jar marinara sauce (such as Rao's)
1 (25 ounce) bag frozen ravioli
1 cup cottage cheese
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350F (180C) and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat.
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the sausage, stirring to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and granulated garlic. Stir well until smooth and fully blended.
Add the frozen ravioli to the bowl with the cheese mixture and toss gently, ensuring all ravioli are coated evenly.
Spread the ravioli mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Pour the sausage and marinara sauce mixture over the ravioli, spreading it out evenly with a spoon.
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly over the entire dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with thinly sliced fresh basil before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 605
Total Fat: 40g (52% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 18g (92% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 109mg (36% Daily Value)
Sodium: 1618mg (70% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 32g (12% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 9g
Protein: 28g (57% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 3mg (3% Daily Value)
Calcium: 392mg (30% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (12% Daily Value)
Potassium: 815mg (17% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

The Rich Story Behind Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

The Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a modern American comfort dish that has rapidly gained popularity for its decadent combination of cheese, pasta, and savory meat sauce. Despite its contemporary name, the concept of baked ravioli can be traced back to Italian-American households in the mid-20th century, where busy families sought quick yet satisfying meals that combined classic Italian flavors with convenience. The million dollar label reflects the dishs indulgent nature, signaling richness and abundance rather than an actual price tag.

Regional Characteristics

While ravioli originates from Italy, the casserole version is distinctly American, reflecting the countrys love of layered pasta dishes similar to lasagna. This dish is especially popular in the Midwest and Northeast, where casseroles are a staple of weeknight dinners and potluck gatherings. Variations often feature local cheeses or preferred sausages, adapting the recipe to regional tastes while maintaining the rich, creamy texture that defines the dish.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is often compared to baked ziti or traditional lasagna, but it stands apart due to its use of pre-filled ravioli rather than flat pasta sheets or penne. The combination of multiple cheesesincluding cream cheese, cottage cheese, and mozzarellacreates a creamier, more indulgent interior than standard lasagna. Additionally, tossing the ravioli with a creamy mixture before baking ensures that each piece is coated and flavorful, a step not typically used in similar casseroles.

Common Serving Occasions

This dish is versatile and frequently served in casual family dinners, holiday gatherings, and potlucks. Its one-dish format makes it ideal for feeding larger groups, while the hearty, cheesy filling ensures it is always a crowd-pleaser. Restaurants and diners may also feature this casserole as a special, highlighting it as a comfort-food favorite during colder months.

Interesting Facts

The name Million Dollar is used in multiple American recipes, from spaghetti to lasagna, and always indicates a particularly rich, indulgent version of a classic dish.
Using frozen ravioli makes the dish approachable for busy home cooks without sacrificing flavor, bridging convenience and gourmet appeal.
Though the casserole is modern, it reflects a long-standing Italian-American tradition of layering cheeses, meats, and pasta to create hearty, family-friendly meals.
Many home cooks add personal touches like Italian sausage, fresh herbs, or specialty cheeses, resulting in hundreds of regional variations of the original concept.
This recipe demonstrates the adaptability of Italian cuisine in America, transforming classic techniques into a quick, indulgent, and visually appealing baked dish.

FAQ about Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Store any leftovers of the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, until warmed through.

Yes, you can freeze this casserole. After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or until bubbly and heated through.

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. After assembling the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook it, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it's fully heated.

Yes, you can substitute the sausage with ground beef, turkey, or chicken, depending on your preference. For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based sausage or even a mix of mushrooms and other vegetables for a hearty filling.

Yes, to make it gluten-free, you can substitute the frozen ravioli with gluten-free ravioli. Just make sure that all other ingredients, such as the marinara sauce, are also gluten-free.

To prevent the casserole from drying out, ensure the cheese mixture coats the ravioli evenly. If the dish seems too dry before baking, you can add a bit more marinara sauce or cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil during the first half of baking, then uncover to allow the cheese to brown.

Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses. For example, you could use ricotta or a blend of other Italian cheeses such as provolone, cheddar, or gouda. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on the cheese you use.

This recipe yields 8 servings. However, you can adjust the portions by scaling the recipe up or down depending on your needs.

Yes, you can omit the cottage cheese or substitute it with ricotta or mascarpone cheese. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still result in a creamy and flavorful dish.

To add a little spice to the casserole, you can incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into the meat sauce or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture. You could also opt for spicy sausage or add sliced jalapeños to the casserole.