Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Imagine pulling a bubbling, cheesy, golden masterpiece out of your oven—quick, hearty, and destined to become your new weeknight hero. Ravioli Lasagna takes two Italian favorites and fuses them into a single, comforting bake that delivers big flavor without hours of work. With layers of pillowy ravioli, robust sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese, this dish is what cozy family dinners and potluck triumphs are made of. One bite and you’ll see why the entire kitchen can’t help but gather when Ravioli Lasagna hits the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of essential ingredients to pull off Ravioli Lasagna, and each one comes together like an all-star team of taste and texture. Simple pantry and fridge staples mingle to create that classic Italian-American comfort, so don’t skip the details—these touches make all the difference!
- Frozen cheese ravioli: Pillowy, cheesy packets that form the perfect “pasta” layers, straight from the freezer—no boiling necessary.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Opt for Italian sausage for a punch of herby flavor, or ground beef for that classic, hearty richness.
- Marinara sauce: A good-quality jarred sauce brings everything together and saves time while packing the dish with deep tomato flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty and stretchy, mozzarella creates those irresistible cheese pulls with every serving.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish on top that browns to perfection.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs, giving each bite an unmistakable hint of Italy.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the layers with gentle, savory depth—no chopping required!
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor with a subtle, sweet base note.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhances, sharpens, and balances every layer—taste as you go!
- Fresh chopped basil or parsley: Delivers a burst of freshness and color right before serving; your final flourish.
How to Make Ravioli Lasagna
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), making sure it’s piping hot and ready for baking. Choose a deep, 9×13-inch baking dish to accommodate all those incredible layers.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
Grab your largest skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply browned and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s excess fat in the pan, drain it off to keep the lasagna from tasting greasy.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce right into the skillet with your cooked meat, then add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about five minutes so all those spices can meld together and the sauce thickens just a bit. This fragrant blend becomes the heart of your Ravioli Lasagna.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Spoon a thin layer of your meat sauce all over the bottom of the baking dish—this keeps the ravioli from sticking and starts those beautiful layers. Arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli in an even layer over the sauce. Cover them with half of the remaining meat sauce, then sprinkle over a generous cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining ravioli, sauce, and more mozzarella. Finish with the Parmesan on top for that signature crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish snugly with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes to let everything melt and mingle. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden, bubbly, and irresistible.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once your Ravioli Lasagna is gloriously bubbly, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes out of the oven—this helps the layers set, making it easier (and tidier) to slice. Shower with fresh chopped basil or parsley, then invite everyone to dig in while it’s still piping hot.
How to Serve Ravioli Lasagna
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley right before serving adds a welcome pop of color and a hit of freshness. If you’re feeling extra, a little more Parmesan and a drizzle of good olive oil make the Ravioli Lasagna shine even brighter.
Side Dishes
This dish is a meal on its own, but pairing Ravioli Lasagna with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies balances the richness perfectly. Don’t forget plenty of warm, crusty bread to mop up the extra sauce—your guests will be grateful!
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, serve the lasagna in individual ramekins for a touch of elegance. Or set up a family-style buffet with bowls of extra sauce, fresh herbs, and even a spicy chili oil for everyone to customize their slice of Ravioli Lasagna just how they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Ravioli Lasagna, store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers just as irresistible for lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
Ravioli Lasagna is a true make-ahead marvel. Wrap cooled leftovers tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, cover and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, or microwave individual slices for a quick fix. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating if you want that melty finish to return.
FAQs
Do I need to thaw the ravioli first?
Nope! You can use frozen ravioli straight from the bag—no need to boil or thaw. The oven works its magic, cooking the pasta perfectly as everything bakes together.
Can I make Ravioli Lasagna vegetarian?
Absolutely—just skip the meat and use a hearty, meatless marinara sauce. For more oomph, try spinach or mushroom ravioli, or add sautéed veggies to the sauce layer for extra texture.
What kind of ravioli works best?
Traditional cheese ravioli is a classic for Ravioli Lasagna, but you can swap in any favorite variety, like spinach, mushroom, or even a mix. Just stick to the same cooking method for best results.
Can I assemble Ravioli Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from fridge to oven.
How do I prevent watery lasagna?
For the best texture, don’t skip simmering your sauce—it helps reduce excess moisture. If using a particularly thin sauce, let it cook a bit longer or blot some moisture with a paper towel before assembling.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Ravioli Lasagna, it quickly finds its way into your dinner rotation. This dish is pure comfort, done in a fraction of the time of traditional lasagna, yet full of all the cheesy, saucy magic you crave. Gather your loved ones and share a slice—you’ll want to make this classic again and again!
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Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Ravioli Lasagna is a delicious twist on traditional lasagna, using frozen cheese ravioli for a quick and easy preparation. Layers of ravioli, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese make this a comforting and satisfying meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Frozen Cheese Ravioli:
1 bag (25 ounces)
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage:
1 pound
Marinara Sauce:
1 jar (24 ounces)
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:
2 cups
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup
Italian Seasoning:
1 teaspoon
Garlic Powder:
1/2 teaspoon
Onion Powder:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt and Black Pepper:
to taste
Fresh Basil or Parsley:
for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Meat: Brown and cook the ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Layer: Spread a layer of meat sauce in a baking dish. Arrange half of the ravioli, top with sauce, mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before garnishing with fresh herbs and serving.
Notes
- Try spinach or mushroom ravioli for a variation.
- Freezes well for make-ahead convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
