Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe delivers all the classic flavors of homemade lasagna with much less effort. The cheese-filled ravioli create tender, flavorful layers, while the bubbling mozzarella and rich tomato sauce make every bite comforting and satisfying. I also appreciate that I can customize the filling with my favorite meats or vegetables and even prepare it ahead of time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- refrigerated or frozen cheese ravioli
- marinara sauce
- ground beef or Italian sausage, cooked (optional)
- ricotta cheese
- mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- egg
- garlic, minced
- Italian seasoning
- fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- olive oil
- salt
- black pepper
Directions
- I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- I cook the ground beef or Italian sausage if I am using it, then drain any excess fat.
- I combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- I spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of the baking dish.
- I arrange a layer of ravioli over the sauce.
- I spread part of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli, followed by some of the cooked meat if using, more marinara sauce, and a layer of mozzarella cheese.
- I repeat the layers until all the ingredients have been used, finishing with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese on top.
- I cover the dish with foil and bake until heated through.
- I remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- I let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before garnishing it with fresh basil or parsley and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
I sometimes use spinach and cheese ravioli or meat-filled ravioli for a different flavor. I enjoy adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or roasted peppers between the layers for extra vegetables. When I want a richer dish, I mix Italian sausage and ground beef together. I also like finishing the casserole with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover Ravioli Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze individual portions or the entire baked casserole for up to 3 months. I thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, or warm individual servings in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli without thawing?
Yes. I often use frozen ravioli directly from the freezer. I simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook through.
Can I make Ravioli Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes. I assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, refrigerate it, and bake it when I am ready to serve.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. I use cheese or spinach ravioli and leave out the meat, or I add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Do I have to cook the ravioli first?
No. Most refrigerated or frozen ravioli cook perfectly in the sauce while the casserole bakes, making this recipe even easier.
What should I serve with Ravioli Lasagna?
I enjoy serving it with garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Conclusion
I love making Ravioli Lasagna because it delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with a fraction of the work. The layers of tender ravioli, rich marinara sauce, creamy cheese, and melted mozzarella create a hearty meal that is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. It is an easy recipe that always earns a place on my dinner table.
PrintRavioli Lasagna Recipe
Ravioli Lasagna is an easy baked casserole that combines the classic flavors of traditional lasagna with the convenience of cheese-filled ravioli. Layered with marinara sauce, creamy cheeses, and optional seasoned meat, it is a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Refrigerated or frozen cheese ravioli
- Marinara sauce
- Ground beef or Italian sausage, cooked (optional)
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Egg
- Garlic, minced
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook the ground beef or Italian sausage if using, then drain any excess fat.
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of ravioli over the sauce.
- Spread part of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli, followed by cooked meat if using, more marinara sauce, and a layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake until heated through.
- Remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Frozen ravioli can be used without thawing; simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Use spinach and cheese or meat-filled ravioli for a different flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or roasted peppers between the layers for extra vegetables.
- Combine ground beef and Italian sausage for a richer filling.
- Finish with fresh basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg