Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
Ingredients:
1 pound Italian sausage (bulk or removed from casing)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (25-ounce) package frozen cheese ravioli (or about 24-28 ravioli)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Sausage:
In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove excess fat if necessary.
Add Vegetables and Sauce:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
Stir in the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and basil.
Prepare Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cook Ravioli:
Cook the frozen ravioli according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Assemble Casserole:
Spread a thin layer of the sausage and sauce mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Arrange a layer of cooked ravioli over the sauce.
Spread half of the cheese mixture over the ravioli.
Repeat the layers with the remaining sausage and sauce mixture, ravioli, and cheese mixture.
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole.
Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Garnish and Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 40-45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: Approximately 400 kcal per serving | Yield: About 8 servings
