When it comes to adding a rich and creamy touch to your meals, Ragu’s cheese sauces are a pantry staple for many. With a wide range of flavors to choose from, you’re likely wondering how to incorporate them into your cooking repertoire. That’s why we’ve curated 13 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the versatility of these iconic sauces. From classic comfort foods to innovative twists, each dish is designed to highlight Ragu’s signature cheesy goodness.
With a brand portfolio that includes marinara, meat sauce, mushroom sauce, and more, there’s always something new to try. But it’s their cheese-centric sauces like Roasted Garlic Parmesan, Classic Alfredo, and Creamy Basil Alfredo that really get the creative juices flowing. And then, of course, there’s Double Cheddar – a fan favorite that used to be available in jars but is now packaged in boxes. Despite this change, the demand for the jarred version remains strong.
Whether you’re making Philly Cheese Steak, Cheesy Bacon & Potato Soup, or something entirely new, Ragu’s cheese sauces are sure to satisfy your cravings. Ready to dive into these recipes and discover new ways to use them? Let’s get started!
Chicken & Pasta Casserole
Starting off this list is a recipe that cleverly utilizes leftover chicken. A versatile dish that works well with any type of pasta, this particular recipe relies on elbow macaroni for its foundation. To give it an added layer of crunch, some crispy bacon bits can be sprinkled throughout. Vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and peas can also be mixed in to add some extra nutrients and flavor.
Finally, the dish is elevated to a new level with the addition of fontina slices and shredded cheese, making for a delightfully cheesy casserole.
Macaroni & Cheese Cups
Macaroni and cheese is a quintessential comfort food that deserves its place in any list of cheesy delights. But what makes this recipe truly unique is its innovative single-serve muffin form, offering an appealing alternative to traditional baked dishes.
The versatility of these bite-sized mac and cheese muffins makes them perfect for gatherings where ease of consumption is key.
Whether you’re heading to a picnic, potluck, or party, these individual servings eliminate the need for utensils and make cleanup a breeze.
To take this recipe to the next level, consider topping your muffins with additional cheese or crushed crackers, as suggested in the recipe, for an added textural element.
Ranch Bacon Chipotle Nachos
Craving a snack that’s both satisfying and flavorful for your next movie night? Look no further! A delicious, cheesy treat awaits, perfect for a cozy evening at home with your favorite streaming series or film.
Tex-Mex Pasta Bake
In a unique twist on traditional Mexican cuisine, we combine classic flavors with an unexpected ingredient – pasta. Imagine a fusion of Italian and Mexican culinary traditions, where rotini pasta is smothered in a rich Ragu cheese sauce infused with the bold tastes of tacos.
Toppings can be customized to suit your taste buds, but this recipe features queso fresco, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes as its crowning jewels.
For added crunch, sprinkle on some crispy bacon bits, crunchy fried tortilla chips, or even a satisfying crouton from cornflakes.
Don’t forget to serve extra sauce on the side for those who crave an even cheesier experience.
Philly Cheese Steak Sliders
For a satisfying meal, consider serving up these delectable Philly Cheese Steak sliders. Made with tender rib-eye steak, these bite-sized treats can be enjoyed at lunchtime or as a hearty dinner option. While rib-eye is the recommended cut of beef for this recipe, feel free to substitute it with your preferred variety. The key is to choose a cut that’s rich in flavor and juicy in texture. If you prefer a more traditional Philly Cheese Steak experience, swap out the sliders for regular hoagie buns.
Alternatively, turn them into wraps by using flatbread or tortillas as a base. To add some crunch and freshness to your sliders, consider topping them with shredded lettuce, carrot sticks, and cucumber slices.
Mexican Style Lasagna
When it comes to creative fusion dishes, this Mexican-Italian lasagna really takes the cake. By incorporating Ragu cheese sauce into the mix, you can create a unique and flavorful twist on traditional lasagna. But that’s not all – this dish also features a meat sauce that’s packed with beans, corn, and chilies, giving it a bold and spicy kick. To take it to the next level, layers of salsa, Mexican shredded cheese, and of course, Ragu cheese sauce are added for maximum flavor.
Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken Lasagna Rolls
Innovative uses for lasagna sheets and cheese sauce can lead to creative casserole-style dishes. One such example is utilizing leftover rotisserie chicken in a unique way that not only reduces food waste but also encourages kids to consume their daily dose of vegetables. The best part? This recipe lends itself perfectly to serving at social gatherings, as the individual rolls make for easy and portion-controlled portions.
While the original recipe doesn’t incorporate tomato sauce, feel free to add it if you prefer a burst of flavor.
Sourdough Finger Nacho Cheese Dip
One of the most convenient recipes for Ragu Cheese Sauce is that which requires mere minutes to prepare. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, as it relies heavily on pre-made ingredients, including a sourdough bread bowl, which can be readily sourced from stores. While some may choose to craft their own sourdough bread from scratch, those short on time will find the store-bought alternative a perfectly acceptable substitute.
To add an extra layer of flavor and heat, consider adding spicy salsa to the cheese sauce, or maintain its mild nature by omitting the spicy variant altogether. For a truly fiery experience, sprinkle pepper flakes or cayenne powder on top before serving.
Cheesy Tuna Casserole
If budget constraints are limiting your culinary options, don’t worry! This simple yet satisfying recipe is an excellent solution for a quick and easy dinner. The base ingredient is canned tuna, but feel free to swap it out with chicken or leftover meat from your fridge for added variety.
One of the best things about this dish is its unpretentious simplicity – with fewer than five essential ingredients, it’s hard to go wrong.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, take inspiration from this recipe and modify it to suit your taste buds by adding veggies, spices, or creative toppings.
Cheesy Bacon & Potato Soup
A unique twist on traditional soup, Ragu Cheese Sauce brings a creamy and indulgent touch to the classic comfort food. The combination of rich chicken broth, tender diced vegetables, and a generous helping of double cheddar cheese sauce creates a satisfyingly thick and cheesy bowl that’s sure to hit the spot. The added texture from potatoes provides heft, while the crispy bacon bits add a delightful chewiness to each spoonful.
To take it to the next level, serve hot with a side of toast for dipping or top with croutons for a satisfying crunch.
Cheesy Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie
Indulge in the comforting goodness of cheesy shepherd’s pie, even on the busiest of days. This recipe is perfect for when life gets in the way of cooking dinner, yet you still crave a satisfying and flavorful meal at the end of the day. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker 8 hours before serving time, allowing the rich flavors to meld together while you attend to other matters. When the meat is tender and cooked to perfection, it’s time to assemble this culinary delight.
For an added convenience, consider using instant mashed potatoes to streamline the process even further.
Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie
Forget the notion that chicken pot pie is a time-consuming and complicated meal to prepare. In reality, it’s surprisingly easy to make and can be a wonderful way to impress your family at your next dinner gathering. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just like shepherd’s pie, all you need to do is combine the ingredients for the casserole and let it cook until it’s ready to serve.
And when it comes time to eat, consider serving it with a fresh salad, sautéed greens, or even buttered broccoli florets for a well-rounded meal.
Queso Smothered Skillet Chicken
One-pan meals are the perfect solution for a quick and delicious dinner. This recipe is no exception, as it can be prepared in just 20 minutes! For those who prefer darker meat, chicken thighs offer an excellent alternative to breast meat. The addition of chipotle powder to the cheese sauce adds a depth of flavor and spice, but you can easily substitute this with chopped fresh jalapeño for a similar effect. If you’re looking to turn up the heat, cayenne powder or chile de Arbol are great options.
On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, simply omitting any chiles will still result in a tasty dish.
The bottom line
When it comes to whipping up a quick and easy dinner, having a reliable arsenal of recipes at your fingertips can make all the difference. This collection of Ragu Cheese Sauce recipes offers just that – a convenient resource to help you get a delicious meal on the table with minimal fuss and time commitment.
