Ravioli Lasagna is the ultimate shortcut recipe for a classic Italian dish. This delicious recipe uses pre-packaged ravioli in place of traditional lasagna noodles and ricotta, making it a quick, cheesy, and satisfying dinner the whole family will love. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a comforting meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 (20-ounce) package frozen cheese or meat ravioli (do not thaw)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
If using ground beef or sausage, cook and crumble the meat in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease and mix the meat with the marinara sauce.
Step 3: Layer the Ravioli Lasagna
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange a layer of frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
- Spoon more sauce over the ravioli, ensuring they are well-covered.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.
Tips for Success
- Use Frozen Ravioli: There’s no need to thaw the ravioli before baking—it cooks perfectly in the oven.
- Customize the Filling: Swap out cheese ravioli for spinach, mushroom, or meat-filled varieties to suit your taste.
- Extra Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini between the layers for added nutrition.
- Herbs and Spices: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top after baking for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
Variations
- Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna: Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara and layer with chicken or spinach ravioli for a creamy twist.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Mexican-Style Ravioli Lasagna: Swap marinara for enchilada sauce, use taco-seasoned ground beef, and layer with shredded cheddar cheese.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, pairs beautifully with this dish.
FAQs
1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before baking, or add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I freeze ravioli lasagna?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an additional 30 minutes to the cooking time.
3. What kind of ravioli works best?
Any ravioli will work, but cheese and meat varieties are classic choices. For a vegetarian option, use spinach or mushroom ravioli.
Ravioli Lasagna is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you’re craving comfort food without the hassle. With layers of cheesy goodness, flavorful sauce, and minimal effort, this dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Try it tonight and discover just how easy and delicious lasagna can be!
