Description
This hearty and comforting Ravioli Casserole features tender frozen cheese ravioli smothered in a savory Italian sausage and spaghetti sauce mixture, layered with a creamy blend of cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, and garlic powder, then topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner, this baked casserole is easy to prepare and delivers delicious Italian-inspired flavors in a single dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 28-ounce jar spaghetti sauce (any brand)
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Main Ingredients
- 1 25-ounce package frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- Cook sausage and sauce: In a medium pan over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain the excess fat and then stir in the spaghetti sauce. Once combined, turn off the heat and set the meat sauce aside.
- Mix cheeses and ravioli: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Stir this mixture until smooth and creamy. Add the frozen cheese ravioli to the bowl and gently stir to coat all the ravioli pieces evenly with the cheese mixture.
- Assemble casserole: Spread the coated ravioli evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the Italian sausage and spaghetti sauce evenly over the ravioli layer and spread to cover.
- Add cheese topping and bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden in spots.
- Cool and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes to allow it to set. Optionally, sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving for a fresh, colorful touch.
Notes
- Using frozen ravioli directly in the casserole adds convenience and helps the cheese mixture coat each piece well.
- You can substitute mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preferred heat level.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the meat sauce a few minutes longer before pouring over the ravioli.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cheeses with vegan alternatives, though texture will vary.
- Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
