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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is a rich and comforting baked dish combining tender frozen ravioli, savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, simmered in a luscious marinara sauce. Easy to prepare and ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this casserole blends cheesy, meaty, and saucy layers into a crowd-pleasing classic with warm, indulgent flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 24 oz frozen cheese ravioli (or preferred stuffed variety)
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or 1 tbsp fresh basil and oregano, chopped)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for the casserole.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: Add minced garlic and Italian herbs to the sausage, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir to combine, and let simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  3. Layer the Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the sausage and marinara sauce mixture on the bottom. Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in an even layer over the sauce. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the ravioli, then spread half of the sausage sauce over it. Repeat layering with remaining ravioli, ricotta, and sauce, finishing with a top layer of sauce.
  4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly across the casserole top, followed by grated parmesan cheese to form a golden, bubbly crust when baked.
  5. Bake Until Bubbly: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.

Notes

  • Use frozen ravioli straight from the freezer to avoid sogginess.
  • Layer ingredients evenly to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to set and slice cleanly.
  • Prefer freshly shredded mozzarella and parmesan for better melt and flavor.
  • Fresh herbs elevate the flavor but dried herbs work well if fresh are not available.

Nutrition

Keywords: ravioli casserole, baked ravioli, cheesy casserole, Italian sausage casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, make-ahead meal, gluten-free casserole