Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Ravioli Lasagna is one of those magic weeknight dinners that will have everyone around your table grinning from ear to ear. It delivers all the cozy, cheesy layers you crave in classic lasagna—but with the added bonus of pillowy ravioli standing in for noodles, which means it’s ready in a fraction of the time, with minimal fuss. Trust me: this shortcut doesn’t sacrifice flavor, and once you try it, you’ll be hooked for life!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Ravioli Lasagna is that it brings together a handful of familiar, unfussy ingredients—each one playing a starring role in taste, texture, and color. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why each element matters.

• Ground Italian sausage: Adds bold, savory flavor that infuses the whole dish—mild or spicy, it’s your call!
• White onion: Gives an aromatic sweetness while building the base for your sauce.
• Garlic: Four garlicky cloves make every layer pop with deep Italian flavor.
• Marinara sauce: Use good-quality jars for tang, richness, and vibrant color—this is what ties everything together.
• Frozen ravioli: The ultimate shortcut! These bring cheesy pockets of joy and replace lasagna noodles, no boiling needed.
• Ricotta cheese: Creamy, smooth, and essential for that classic lasagna texture.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Luscious melt and golden finish—always the cheesiest part of the casserole!
• Parmesan & fresh basil: For garnish, these add a touch of sharpness and herby freshness to your baked masterpiece.

Variations

The fun of Ravioli Lasagna is that you can make it your own! Whether you’re catering to picky eaters, vegetarians, or going with what you have on hand, it’s so easy to swap, mix, or add ingredients to please everyone at your table.

• Meatless Marvel: Skip the sausage or use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that’s just as hearty and cheesy.
• Spinach Boost: Layer in a few handfuls of fresh spinach with the ricotta for color, vitamins, and a more classic lasagna vibe.
• Different Ravioli Flavors: Try spinach-ricotta, beef-filled, or even mushroom ravioli for a fun twist with every batch.
• Cheese Overload: If you’re cheese-obsessed, toss in provolone or a sprinkle of fontina for even more gooey delight.

How to Make Ravioli Lasagna

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. This gives your Ravioli Lasagna that perfect nonstick base and helps everything come out in beautiful, neat slices.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, cook your Italian sausage until it’s browned and crumbly, breaking it up with a wooden spatula as you go. This sets the savory tone of the entire dish. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate using a slotted spoon, leaving behind just a tablespoon of grease for the next step.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics & Make the Sauce

Add your diced onion and minced garlic to the reserved sausage drippings. Sauté for four to five minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and the kitchen smells absolutely irresistible. Stir the sausage and both jars of marinara back into the pan, turning off the heat once everything is bubbling together.

Step 4: Layer the Ravioli Lasagna

Spread about a cup of that rich, meaty sauce over the bottom of your prepared baking dish, then add a full layer of frozen ravioli—no need to thaw! Next comes all of the creamy ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and half the remaining sauce. Repeat with another layer of ravioli, the rest of the sauce, and your remaining mozzarella. Each layer makes this Ravioli Lasagna extra decadent.

Step 5: Bake and Broil for Bubbly Perfection

Cover the pan loosely with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil, bake for another 10 minutes, and then switch to broil for 2-3 minutes—just until the cheese turns golden and gorgeously bubbly. Watch closely here so you don’t go past “perfect” and into “too crispy.”

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, scatter a shower of freshly-grated Parmesan and plenty of chopped basil on top. Let your Ravioli Lasagna rest a few minutes so it slices beautifully, then dig right in while the cheese is at maximum meltiness!

How to Serve Ravioli Lasagna

Garnishes

A shower of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped basil go a long way for both flavor and presentation. If you’re feeling extra, a little cracked black pepper and even a drizzle of good olive oil will make your Ravioli Lasagna look and taste like it came straight from your favorite trattoria.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette, or some garlicky roasted broccoli to keep things fresh. And don’t forget the garlic bread—perfect for sopping up all that luscious sauce at the edges of your Ravioli Lasagna.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress a crowd, try baking individual portions in mini ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for restaurant vibes at home. Or cut your Ravioli Lasagna into generous squares, stack them artfully on a platter, and top each with a basil leaf for a party-perfect look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ravioli Lasagna stays delicious for up to four days in the fridge. Just cover the pan tightly with foil or move individual slices to airtight containers for easy, cheesy lunches all week long.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this lasagna, either whole or in portions. Let it cool completely, wrap well in foil and freezer-safe wrap, and store for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or microwaving.

Reheating

To reheat, pop slices in the microwave until hot, or re-cover the whole pan and bake at 350°F until bubbly again. A dash of extra mozzarella before reheating never hurts—especially if you’re a cheese lover!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up your pasta night routine, don’t wait another minute to try Ravioli Lasagna! It’s hearty, comforting, and so simple that it practically guarantees happy faces and empty plates. Give it a go—you’ll be amazed at just how much joy a bubbly pan of ravioli goodness can bring!

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