Million-Dollar Ravioli Casserole

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Are you looking for a tasty meal that’s easy to make? Try this million-dollar ravioli casserole! It’s packed with yummy ingredients like Italian sausage, cheese ravioli, and lots of melty cheese. This dish only takes about 20 minutes to prep and 45 minutes to cook, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners with friends.

You’ll love how simple it is to put together. Just layer the ingredients in a baking dish and pop it in the oven. The result is a warm, gooey casserole that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With 543 calories per serving, it’s a filling meal that will keep you satisfied.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty Million-Dollar Ravioli Casserole:

  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 package (25-30 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach

You’ll love how these simple ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering meal! The mix of cheeses gives the casserole its rich, creamy texture. The Italian sausage adds a nice kick of flavor, while the spinach sneaks in some greens.

Remember to have a 9×13 inch baking dish ready for your casserole. You might also want to grab some fresh parsley or basil for garnish if you’d like. Happy cooking!

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prepare your cooking space.

Brown the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until see-through. Mix in minced garlic and red pepper flakes for about a minute.

Drain extra grease from the skillet. Stir the marinara sauce into the meat mixture and set aside.

In a big bowl, mix cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Fold in frozen ravioli and 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese.

Spread half the meat sauce in your baking dish. Add a layer of spinach, then the ravioli mixture. Top with remaining sauce and 1 cup mozzarella.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15-20 minutes more until cheese is bubbly.

Let your casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Add fresh parsley or basil on top if you like. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Possible Substitutes List

Want to change things up? Try these swaps for your Million-Dollar Ravioli Casserole:

  • Ground beef or turkey instead of Italian sausage
  • Tortellini in place of ravioli
  • Ricotta cheese as a substitute for cottage cheese
  • Greek yogurt to replace sour cream
  • Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy twist

For a veggie boost, you can add:

  • Diced bell peppers
  • Sliced mushrooms
  • Zucchini chunks

No spinach? Use kale or Swiss chard. Out of mozzarella? Try provolone or fontina cheese.

For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free ravioli or use zucchini slices as a pasta alternative.

Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or throw in some diced jalapeños.

Remember, these swaps may change the cooking time and flavor, so adjust as needed. Have fun making this dish your own!

How to Make It Diabetes-Friendly

You can adjust this tasty ravioli casserole to be more diabetes-friendly with a few simple swaps. Start by using whole wheat ravioli instead of regular pasta. This change adds fiber and helps control blood sugar spikes.

Replace the Italian sausage with lean ground turkey. This cuts down on saturated fat while keeping the protein. Mix in extra veggies like zucchini and bell peppers to boost nutrients and fiber.

Try these dairy swaps:

  • Use low-fat cottage cheese and cream cheese
  • Pick reduced-fat mozzarella
  • Skip the sour cream

Make your own marinara sauce with no added sugar. Use fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for loads of flavor without extra carbs.

Portion control is key. Stick to a smaller serving size and pair it with a big side salad. This helps fill you up without overloading on carbs.

Remember to check with your doctor or dietitian before making big changes to your diet. They can give you personalized advice for managing diabetes while still enjoying your favorite foods.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best ravioli casserole, use fresh Italian sausage. It adds more flavor than pre-cooked options. Don’t skip draining the excess grease – this keeps your dish from getting too oily.

Make sure to thaw frozen ravioli before adding it to the mix. This helps it cook evenly. If you’re short on time, you can use refrigerated ravioli instead.

Try these yummy add-ins:
• Sliced mushrooms
• Diced bell peppers
• Extra spinach

Leftovers taste great! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop a serving in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. You can also warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.

Want to make it ahead? Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

For easy cleanup, line your baking dish with foil before adding the ingredients. This trick makes serving and storing leftovers a breeze!

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