Ravioli Lasagna has become my absolute favorite shortcut to a truly satisfying Italian meal. It all started one hectic Tuesday when I was craving classic lasagna but didn’t have the time for endless layers of pasta sheets. I remembered seeing a recipe that swapped ravioli for traditional noodles, and I was hooked! The aroma of bubbling marinara and melting cheese filling my kitchen instantly transported me. This recipe is hands-down the Best Ravioli Lasagna I’ve ever made, offering all the comfort of the original with half the effort. Get ready for an Incredible Ravioli Lasagna recipe that will change your weeknight dinners forever. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Ravioli Lasagna
This dish is a game-changer for so many reasons:
- Unbeatable Flavor: It’s packed with rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, making it incredibly satisfying.
- Super Quick Prep: You can whip up this Easy Ravioli Lasagna in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Using pre-made ravioli is often more economical than buying lasagna noodles and special cheeses.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters adore this comforting, cheesy bake. It’s a guaranteed hit at any family meal.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite ravioli filling or sauce.
- Flavorful Layers: Every bite offers a delightful combination of tender ravioli and savory sauce.
- Comfort Food Bliss: It’s the ultimate hearty meal that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients for Ravioli Lasagna
Gather these simple ingredients for a truly delicious Ravioli Lasagna that’s perfect for any occasion:
- 12 oz fresh or frozen ravioli – choose your favorite filling, like cheese or meat
- 2 cups marinara sauce – a good quality sauce makes all the difference
- 1 cup ricotta cheese – this forms the base of our creamy filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – for that classic gooey, cheesy pull
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds sharp, nutty flavor to our Creamy Ravioli Lasagna dish
- 1 egg – helps bind the ricotta mixture together
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – for that authentic Italian flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste – to enhance all the flavors
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional) – adds a burst of freshness and color
How to Make Ravioli Lasagna
Follow these straightforward steps for an incredibly easy and delicious meal. This method makes preparing a Ravioli Lasagna a breeze, ensuring a fantastic result every time.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the lasagna bakes evenly and the cheese gets perfectly golden.
- Step 2: While the oven heats, get started on the creamy filling. In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. It should look light and airy.
- Step 3: Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the 2 cups marinara sauce across the bottom. This prevents the first layer of ravioli from sticking and adds moisture from the start.
- Step 4: Arrange a layer of your 12 oz ravioli over the sauce. I like to make sure they’re mostly flat and evenly spread, not overlapping too much.
- Step 5: Next, spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli layer. Gently spread it out with a spatula or the back of a spoon. You want a nice, even coating of that creamy goodness.
- Step 6: Sprinkle about half of the 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the ricotta mixture. Oh, the cheesy aroma starting already!
- Step 7: Repeat the layering process: another layer of ravioli, the rest of the ricotta mixture, and then the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Finish by spreading the rest of the marinara sauce over the very top. This ensures a moist and flavorful bake.
- Step 8: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is key for trapping steam, which helps cook the ravioli perfectly and keeps everything moist.
- Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. You’ll start to smell the deliciousness filling your kitchen.
- Step 10: Carefully remove the aluminum foil. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is beautifully bubbly and golden brown. This is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a Quick Ravioli Lasagna meal.
- Step 11: Once out of the oven, let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes. This is one of the most important parts of these Simple Ravioli Lasagna instructions, as it allows the layers to set, making slicing much easier and preventing a soupy mess. Serve this amazing dish hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Ravioli Lasagna
Want to elevate your Ravioli Lasagna game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference for this comforting casserole.
- Always use fresh or good quality frozen ravioli. Dry pasta won’t cook properly in this method.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish with ravioli; give them a little breathing room so they cook evenly.
- For an extra creamy texture, stir a tablespoon of heavy cream into the ricotta mixture.
- If you like a saucier lasagna, feel free to add an extra half cup of marinara sauce.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking is crucial for it to hold its shape when you slice into it.
What’s the secret to perfect Ravioli Lasagna?
The real magic for a perfect, Cheesy Ravioli Lasagna bake lies in the creamy ricotta filling and ensuring the ravioli are fully submerged in sauce. This combination guarantees a moist and flavorful result every time. For more Italian-inspired dishes, check out our collection of recipes.
Can I make Ravioli Lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire Ravioli Lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Ravioli Lasagna?
A couple of common pitfalls include using dried-out ravioli, which won’t cook through, or not letting the lasagna rest after baking, leading to a messy presentation. Make sure your ravioli is covered in sauce and cheese! If you’re looking for other quick weeknight meals, you might enjoy our Teriyaki Chicken Sheet Pan Supper.
Best Ways to Serve Ravioli Lasagna
This hearty and flavorful dish is pure comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in or a casual get-together. Serving it hot straight from the oven is always a hit. I love pairing this Ravioli Lasagna comfort food with a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Crusty garlic bread is also a must-have for soaking up any extra sauce – it’s just irresistible! For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. It’s a crowd-pleaser that always gets rave reviews. You might also enjoy our Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo for another family-friendly option.
Nutrition Facts for Ravioli Lasagna
Here are the approximate nutritional details per serving for this amazing Ravioli Lasagna:
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 calories
- Fat: Varies based on ingredients
- Saturated Fat: Varies based on ingredients
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies based on ingredients
- Trans Fat: Varies based on ingredients
- Carbohydrates: Varies based on ingredients
- Fiber: Varies based on ingredients
- Sugar: Varies based on sauce and ravioli
- Protein: Varies based on ingredients
- Sodium: Varies based on ingredients
- Cholesterol: Varies based on ingredients
Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use in your Ravioli Lasagna recipe. For more information on healthy eating, you can refer to resources like the MyPlate initiative.
How to Store and Reheat Ravioli Lasagna
Properly storing and reheating your delicious Ravioli Lasagna is key to enjoying its amazing flavor days later. For any leftovers from your family meal, make sure to let the dish cool down completely on a wire rack. This usually takes about 30-60 minutes. Once cooled, transfer portions into airtight containers. You can store your prepared Ravioli Lasagna for dinner leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze your Ravioli Lasagna, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Then, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick meal or place them in a baking dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. For more tips on food storage, you can explore resources on food safety.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ravioli Lasagna
What is Ravioli Lasagna?
Ravioli Lasagna is a delightful twist on classic lasagna where tender ravioli are used instead of traditional pasta sheets. It layers these pasta pockets with rich marinara sauce, a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and plenty of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s essentially a deconstructed lasagna but with whole ravioli, making it incredibly satisfying and easy to assemble.
Why Ravioli Lasagna is amazing
This dish is amazing because it delivers all the comforting, cheesy, saucy goodness of traditional lasagna with significantly less prep time. The ravioli absorb the flavors beautifully, and the creamy ricotta filling adds a wonderful richness. It’s a foolproof way to get that hearty Italian dinner feel without the fuss, making it a weeknight hero! For more comforting dishes, consider our Romanian Fried Meatballs (Chiftele).
What kind of ravioli should I use for Ravioli Lasagna?
You can use almost any kind of ravioli you like! Cheese ravioli or a mixed meat ravioli are fantastic choices for a classic flavor. If you’re vegetarian, spinach or vegetable ravioli work beautifully. Just make sure they are fresh or frozen, as dried ravioli won’t cook correctly in this recipe. The key is a good quality ravioli to make your Ravioli Lasagna shine.
Can I add vegetables to my Ravioli Lasagna?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a wonderful way to boost the flavor and nutrients of your Ravioli Lasagna. Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers can be mixed into the ricotta filling or layered with the ravioli. This makes for even more delicious Ravioli Lasagna ideas and a heartier meal. You might also like our Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake.
Variations of Ravioli Lasagna You Can Try
Looking for more Delicious Ravioli Lasagna ideas? This versatile dish is a fantastic base for all sorts of creative twists. Here are a few ways to switch things up:
- Creamy Alfredo Twist: Swap the marinara sauce for a rich Alfredo sauce and use spinach or mushroom ravioli for a decadent, creamy experience.
- Pesto Power: Use pesto instead of marinara and layer with cheese or chicken ravioli. A sprinkle of pine nuts on top adds a lovely crunch.
- Spicy Sausage Bake: Add cooked Italian sausage (mild or hot) to the marinara sauce and use meat or cheese ravioli. This makes for a heartier, more robust meal.
- Vegetarian Delight: Opt for vegetable or spinach ravioli and load up on sautéed veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions within the layers. This ensures a wonderfully Family-friendly Ravioli Lasagna option.
Ravioli Lasagna: Incredible 1-Hour Comfort
Ravioli Lasagna is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, layering tender ravioli with rich marinara sauce and creamy, cheesy fillings. This easy-to-prepare comfort food is perfect for weeknights or gatherings, promising a flavorful and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh or frozen ravioli (cheese, meat, or vegetable)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place a layer of ravioli over the sauce, ensuring they are evenly spread.
- Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli, spreading it gently with a spatula.
- Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the ricotta.
- Repeat the layering process until you run out of ingredients, finishing with sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving this incredible Ravioli Lasagna.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh ravioli and high-quality cheeses.
- Experiment with different sauces like pesto or Alfredo for variations.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or oregano enhances the taste.
- Baking covered initially keeps moisture in and ensures proper ravioli cooking.
- Letting the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking helps the layers set for easier slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 calories
- Sugar: Varies based on sauce and ravioli
- Sodium: Varies based on ingredients
- Fat: Varies based on ingredients
- Saturated Fat: Varies based on ingredients
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies based on ingredients
- Trans Fat: Varies based on ingredients
- Carbohydrates: Varies based on ingredients
- Fiber: Varies based on ingredients
- Protein: Varies based on ingredients
- Cholesterol: Varies based on ingredients