If you adore Italian comfort food and crave a delightful twist on classic lasagna, this Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines tender cheese-filled ravioli with layers of robust marinara sauce and melty cheeses, creating a luscious dish that feels both familiar and exciting. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, this recipe offers rich flavors and an inviting texture that everyone will love, making it a true crowd-pleaser you’ll want to return to time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, this Ravioli Lasagna Recipe shows how the right components can come together beautifully to deliver big flavor, delightful creaminess, and that classic Italian flair. Each ingredient plays its part, from the delicate cheese ravioli providing the perfect pockets of softness, to the savory rich cheeses that create irresistible gooey layers.
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cheese ravioli: Choose fresh for tenderness or frozen for convenience without sacrificing taste.
- 3 cups marinara sauce: A robust tomato base that adds acidity and depth to every bite.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy texture and subtle richness for those dreamy lasagna layers.
- 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that iconic gooey, stringy cheese pull.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Intensifies the flavor with its salty, nutty punch.
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs: A fragrant blend that boosts the herby aroma and authentic taste.
How to Make Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing your baking dish. This step ensures your lasagna won’t stick and will bake evenly, setting the stage for layers of cheesy, saucy goodness to come.
Step 2: Infuse the Marinara Sauce
Warm the marinara sauce over medium heat in a saucepan. Stir in the dried Italian herbs for an extra layer of flavor. This simple step wakes up the sauce, making it aromatic and perfectly seasoned for the lasagna layers to come alive.
Step 3: Build the First Layer
Spread a generous layer of the herbed marinara sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then, place half of the ravioli evenly over the sauce. Dollop half the ricotta cheese on top, followed by sprinkling half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This combo creates a balanced mix of textures and flavors right from the first layer.
Step 4: Repeat to Build Layers
Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Finish by covering the top with the last layer of marinara sauce and the leftover cheeses to ensure a golden, bubbly finish once baked. These layers build that signature lasagna look and taste, but with a delicious ravioli twist.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, which allows the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld beautifully. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and irresistibly bubbly. This final bake gives you a crisp, cheesy crust that’s perfect to dig into!
How to Serve Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, sprinkle fresh basil or chopped parsley on top just before serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also bring a fresh pop of aroma and color, making every bite even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette or garlic-roasted vegetables for balance and freshness. Warm, crusty bread is also a lovely accompaniment, perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider baking individual portions in small ramekins for a charming single-serve twist, or layer the ingredients in a clear glass casserole dish to showcase the beautiful layers before serving. This adds a bit of fun surprise that guests will love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ravioli Lasagna Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day!
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Wrap the lasagna tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, making it a great option for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Cover it with foil to prevent drying out, then uncover at the end for a bubbly warm top. Microwaving is an option for convenience but may affect texture slightly.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought ravioli for this Ravioli Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought cheese ravioli is a great shortcut that keeps this dish simple and quick while still delivering delicious results.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as long as your marinara sauce and ravioli are free of meat, this recipe is a wonderful vegetarian option packed with cheesy goodness and herbs.
Can I add meat or vegetables?
Definitely! You can layer cooked ground beef, sausage, or sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to customize this ravioli lasagna recipe to your personal taste.
How do I know when the lasagna is fully cooked?
The lasagna is done when the cheese is bubbly and golden on top and the edges are sizzling. The ravioli will be tender but still hold their shape after baking.
Final Thoughts
This Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is a delightful celebration of Italian comfort food made simple and fun. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a perfect way to enjoy all the goodness of lasagna with the comforting charm of ravioli. Give it a try and savor every cheesy, saucy, joyful bite!
Print
Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting and easy twist on classic lasagna using cheese ravioli, layered with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This Ravioli Lasagna combines familiar Italian flavors with a quick assembly, perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cheese ravioli
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Heat Sauce: Warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the dried Italian herbs for added flavor.
- First Layer Assembly: Spread a layer of the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange half of the cheese ravioli over the sauce. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese evenly over the ravioli, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and sauce, ensuring the top is covered with sauce and cheese for a golden finish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top, ensuring a deliciously browned crust.
Notes
- You can use either fresh or frozen ravioli; if using frozen, no need to thaw before assembling.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara for a spicy kick.
- Let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier slicing and serving.
- Feel free to substitute mozzarella with part-skim to reduce fat content.
- Use a baking dish approximately 9×13 inches for proper layering.
