Million-Dollar Ravioli Casserole
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Are you ready for a tasty meal that’s easy to make? This million-dollar ravioli casserole is perfect for you! It’s packed with tender pasta, sausage, and lots of gooey cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser for any dinner. You’ll love how simple it is to put together.
In just 20 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking time, you can have a yummy dish that serves 8 people. The mix of Italian sausage, spinach, and cheeses creates a rich flavor that’s hard to beat. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious casserole!
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this yummy 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 cream cheese (8 oz), softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
You’ll also need:
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 package frozen cheese ravioli (25 oz)
- 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. This way, you’ll be able to whip up your casserole without any last-minute grocery runs!
Remember to let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you begin. This will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft.
Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Drain any extra grease, then mix in the marinara sauce. Set this mixture aside.
In a big bowl, combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well. Gently fold in the frozen ravioli and 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese.
Spread half the sausage mixture in your baking dish. Add a layer of spinach on top. Spread the ravioli mixture over the spinach. Pour the rest of the sausage mixture on top. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella over everything.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Take off the foil and bake for 15-20 more minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and melted.
Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. You can add some chopped parsley or basil on top if you like. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Possible Substitutes List
You can easily swap out some ingredients in this ravioli casserole to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some options:
- Italian sausage: Try ground beef, turkey, or plant-based crumbles
- Cottage cheese: Ricotta cheese works great too
- Cream cheese: Greek yogurt can add creaminess with less fat
- Frozen cheese ravioli: Use meat-filled or veggie ravioli instead
For a veggie boost, you can add:
- Diced bell peppers
- Sliced mushrooms
- Grated zucchini
If you’re not a fan of spinach, try:
- Kale
- Swiss chard
- Arugula
Want to change up the cheese? Consider:
- Provolone
- Fontina
- Asiago
For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños. You can also use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.
Remember, these swaps may change the flavor and texture a bit, but they’ll still give you a tasty meal. Feel free to mix and match to create your perfect casserole!
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
To make this ravioli casserole more diabetes-friendly, try these easy swaps:
Use whole wheat ravioli instead of regular pasta. This adds more fiber and helps slow down sugar absorption.
Pick lean turkey sausage to cut down on saturated fat. Brown it well to keep the flavor without the extra calories.
Try low-fat cottage cheese and reduced-fat cream cheese. You’ll still get that creamy texture with less fat.
Add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. This bulks up the dish without adding many carbs.
Use a sugar-free marinara sauce. Many store-bought sauces have hidden sugars, so read labels carefully.
Cut the cheese amount in half. You’ll still get that gooey top layer but with fewer calories.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Original | Diabetes-Friendly |
|---|---|
| Regular ravioli | Whole wheat ravioli |
| Italian sausage | Lean turkey sausage |
| Full-fat cheeses | Low-fat alternatives |
| 2 cups spinach | 4 cups mixed veggies |
Remember to watch your portion sizes too. Stick to a small serving and pair it with a big salad for a balanced meal.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For the best results, thaw your frozen ravioli in the fridge overnight. This helps them cook more evenly.
Don’t skip the step of draining excess grease from the sausage. It keeps your casserole from becoming too oily.
Try using different types of ravioli for variety. Spinach or mushroom ravioli can add extra flavor.
To make ahead, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in foil and plastic wrap.
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until hot.
For a veggie boost, add diced bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce mixture.
If you like it spicy, double the red pepper flakes or add some diced jalapeños.
Leftover casserole makes great lunches. Just reheat portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors often get even better the next day!