Get ready to indulge in one of the most delightful and hearty dishes you’ll ever prepare: Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. This scrumptious recipe is a fantastic way to please a crowd, combining the rich flavors of smoked sausage, jammy eggs, and sweet corn, all beautifully enveloped in a homemade Cajun butter sauce. It boldly showcases ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors, making it a standout choice for family dinners or entertaining guests. If you’re looking for a dish that is not only satisfying but also bursting with flavor, look no further.
What’s more, Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is incredibly versatile and easy to whip up, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels. With its comforting, rustic appeal, this casserole allows you to savor every bite while enjoying the company of loved ones. Whether you’re sharing it at a potluck, a festive gathering, or simply a cozy night in, it’s bound to impress and satisfy everyone at the table. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this culinary adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
- Flavor Explosion: The blend of Cajun spices, savory sausage, and sweet corn creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizing easy-to-find ingredients means you can whip this up without a grocery store hassle.
- Comfort Food Heaven: The combination of tried-and-true favorites like potatoes and eggs makes this casserole feel like a warm hug.
- Perfect for Sharing: It’s designed for family-style serving, bringing everyone together around the table.
- Customization Options: You can easily make it your own with different proteins or vegetables to cater to your preferences.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before starting your culinary journey with Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the right tools. Start by cleaning and organizing your workspace for a smooth cooking experience. Make sure to have a large stockpot ready for boiling and a separate saucepan for preparing the Cajun butter sauce.
Put aside a mixing bowl for assembling your casserole, and keep measuring spoons and cups handy for accurate ingredient quantities. If you have a potato masher or a ricer, these can be useful for ensuring your potatoes have a smooth texture, but they are not mandatory. Having a colander on hand will also make draining the potatoes and corn easier. Overall, cooking becomes a breeze when you prepare your area and tools in advance.
Ingredients
- Large Eggs: 8, boiled for 8–9 minutes and peeled
- Smoked Sausage: 1¼ pounds, andouille or kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch coins
- Baby Red Potatoes: 1 pound, halved
- Sweet Corn on the Cob: 3 ears, cut into thirds
- Lemon: 1 large, half juiced and half cut into wedges
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Bay Leaves: 2
- Fine Sea Salt: 1½ tablespoons for boiling water, plus more to taste
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Equipment
Begin by filling a large stockpot with salted water, adding two bay leaves for an aromatic finish. Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a rapid boil. This step is crucial for cooking the potatoes and ensuring they become perfectly tender. While the water is heating, prepare a saucepan for the butter sauce.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients for the Butter Sauce
In your preheated saucepan, gently melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in your finely minced garlic and grated yellow onion. Follow up by adding the Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, fresh squeezed lemon juice, chicken broth (or vegetable broth), hot sauce, and brown sugar. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes, making sure to keep it warm without boiling, as you don’t want to lose any flavor.
Step 3: Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
Check that the water in your stockpot has reached a rolling boil. Carefully add the halved baby red potatoes to the pot and cook them for approximately 10–12 minutes until they are tender but still hold their shape. At this point, introduce the sliced smoked sausage into the pot, letting it cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through. Finally, toss in the cut sections of sweet corn and boil together for another 4–5 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
While the potato and sausage mixture is cooking, get started on the boiled eggs. In a separate pot, boil the eggs for 8–9 minutes. After they are ready, cool and peel them under running water to make it easier. Once your potatoes, sausage, and corn are cooked, drain them thoroughly. Transfer these ingredients into a mixing bowl and gently add the boiled eggs. Pour in half of the prepared butter sauce, taking care to coat everything well without breaking the eggs.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Now, it’s time to meld all those delicious flavors together! Gently toss the mixture in your mixing bowl to ensure everything is combined. Next, return it to the hot stockpot, but turn off the heat. Allow the mixture to sit for 2–3 minutes, allowing the residual heat to perfectly fuse the flavors without overcooking.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
As a final step, add the remaining butter sauce to the mixture along with freshly chopped parsley, black pepper, and lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick. Stir gently to combine all the flavors.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is now ready to be served! Transfer it to a lovely serving tray or dish and present it family-style. Accompany your casserole with additional sauce for drizzling and a loaf of crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy the delightful flavors and heartiness of this casserole with your loved ones!
Variations
- Protein: Swap out smoked sausage for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a vegetarian-friendly option like black beans for a twist.
- Vegetables: Mix in some bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch and flavor.
- Spices: Adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper, or add in your favorite herbs for a personal touch.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to heavily salt your boiling water; the potatoes should absorb some flavor.
- If you’re making this dish ahead of time, prepare everything, but bake it for the first time before serving to keep it warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this casserole alongside a fresh green salad to balance out the flavors.
- Pair with a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the spices in the dish.
Tips
- For perfect boiled eggs, allow them to sit in the pot for an additional minute after cooking to achieve that jammy yolk.
- Use fresh herbs for garnishing right before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 950mg
FAQs
Can I make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all components ahead of time and store them separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble and heat.
What can I substitute for smoked sausage?
Feel free to use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, it freezes well. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container to maintain the best flavor and texture.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is truly a winner in every sense. With its sumptuous ingredients, ease of preparation, and delightful flavors, this dish delivers comfort and love with each bite. It’s the kind of recipe that will make you a hero at any gathering. We encourage you to try making your own variations and share your experiences in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—they’ll thank you for it!
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Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Get ready to indulge in one of the most delightful and hearty dishes you’ll ever prepare: Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole. This scrumptious recipe is a fantastic way to please a crowd, combining the rich flavors of smoked sausage, jammy eggs, and sweet corn, all beautifully enveloped in a homemade Cajun butter sauce.
Ingredients
- Large Eggs: 8, boiled for 8–9 minutes and peeled
- Smoked Sausage: 1¼ pounds, andouille or kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch coins
- Baby Red Potatoes: 1 pound, halved
- Sweet Corn on the Cob: 3 ears, cut into thirds
- Lemon: 1 large, half juiced and half cut into wedges
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Bay Leaves: 2
- Fine Sea Salt: 1½ tablespoons for boiling water, plus more to taste
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground
Instructions
- Begin by filling a large stockpot with salted water, adding two bay leaves for an aromatic finish. Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a rapid boil.
- In your preheated saucepan, gently melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in your finely minced garlic and grated yellow onion.
- Check that the water in your stockpot has reached a rolling boil. Carefully add the halved baby red potatoes to the pot and cook them for approximately 10–12 minutes until they are tender but still hold their shape.
- While the potato and sausage mixture is cooking, get started on the boiled eggs. In a separate pot, boil the eggs for 8–9 minutes. After they are ready, cool and peel them under running water to make it easier.
- Now, it’s time to meld all those delicious flavors together! Gently toss the mixture in your mixing bowl to ensure everything is combined.
- As a final step, add the remaining butter sauce to the mixture along with freshly chopped parsley, black pepper, and lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick.
- Your Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is now ready to be served! Transfer it to a lovely serving tray or dish and present it family-style.
Notes
Make sure to heavily salt your boiling water; the potatoes should absorb some flavor. If you’re making this dish ahead of time, prepare everything, but bake it for the first time before serving to keep it warm.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Protein: 30 g