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Cheesy Ravioli Lasagna
There are meals that take time, preparation, and careful layering, and then there are meals that surprise you with how simple they are to create while still delivering the rich, comforting flavors you expect from a homemade dinner. Cheesy ravioli lasagna falls into that second category. It takes everything people love about traditional lasagna and simplifies the process by using ravioli as the base. No need to boil noodles, no need to mix multiple cheeses in a bowl, and no need to prepare overly complicated layers. Ravioli brings its own built-in flavor and filling, making the dish hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy to assemble.
This recipe is perfect for nights when you want something warm and filling but don’t have the time for a traditional lasagna. It is also an excellent option for feeding a crowd or preparing a meal ahead of time. The layers come together in minutes, and once the casserole goes into the oven, the ingredients blend into a bubbling, cheesy dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Whether you use cheese ravioli, beef ravioli, or even spinach ravioli, the result will always be satisfying.
Ingredients
1 bag frozen cheese ravioli
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Optional additions: cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, fresh basil for garnish
Assembling the Layers
The beauty of cheesy ravioli lasagna is that the ravioli itself takes the place of the traditional lasagna noodles and cheese layers. Frozen ravioli works perfectly, and there is no need to thaw it beforehand. As it bakes, the ravioli softens and becomes tender, soaking up the flavors around it.
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium casserole dish so the layers do not stick. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of the baking dish. This prevents the ravioli from sticking and helps build a flavorful base for the whole casserole.
Place a layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce. Arrange them in a slightly overlapping pattern so that the entire surface is covered. This creates a solid foundation for the next layers. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over the ravioli. The sauce provides moisture, flavor, and richness, allowing the casserole to bake into a cohesive dish rather than separate ingredients.
Mixing the Cheeses
In a small bowl, stir the ricotta cheese with the garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. These seasonings help enhance the flavor of the ricotta and give depth to each bite. Even if you typically skip ricotta in other pasta dishes, it brings a creamy texture to this casserole that balances the tanginess of the marinara and the stretchiness of the mozzarella.
Spoon portions of the seasoned ricotta across the sauce-covered ravioli. You can drop it in small dollops rather than spreading it fully, as it will melt and distribute during baking. Sprinkle a handful of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta. Follow this with a handful of Italian blend cheese. These cheeses melt into a bubbling, golden layer that gives the dish its irresistible cheesy finish.
Continue layering ravioli, sauce, ricotta, and cheese until you have reached the top of the dish. Finish with a final layer of sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Italian blend cheese. The more cheese you add to the top, the richer and more satisfying the final dish will be.
Optional Meat and Vegetable Variations
Cheesy ravioli lasagna is delicious as a vegetarian dish, but it is also incredibly easy to adapt. If you want a heartier version, you can brown ground beef or Italian sausage and layer it between the ravioli and sauce. This adds savory depth and makes the dish even more filling.
Vegetables can also be added without complicating the recipe. Fresh spinach can be layered raw between the ravioli. As the casserole bakes, the spinach wilts perfectly into the layers. Mushrooms can be sautéed lightly and added for a deeper flavor. You can also add roasted peppers, finely chopped onions, or a handful of fresh basil to brighten the dish.
Baking the Ravioli Lasagna
Once assembled, cover the casserole dish with foil. This helps the ravioli cook evenly while preventing the cheese from browning too quickly. Bake the covered dish for about 30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. The top should become melted, slightly golden, and bubbly around the edges.
When the casserole comes out of the oven, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This resting time helps the layers set, making the slices cleaner and easier to serve. The aroma of melted cheese, herbs, and baked sauce makes it tempting to dive right in, but the short wait is worth the reward.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna pairs well with simple sides. A crisp green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon helps balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread, warm baguettes, or soft dinner rolls are perfect companions, offering something to scoop up extra sauce and cheese. A side of roasted vegetables also works well, especially broccoli, zucchini, or carrots.
Because the dish is hearty, a small serving is usually satisfying, which makes it ideal for families or gatherings. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for several days and can be reheated easily in the oven or microwave. The flavors often taste even better the next day as the ingredients settle together.
Why This Recipe Works
Ravioli lasagna succeeds for many reasons. It saves time without sacrificing flavor, and it uses simple ingredients that hold up well during baking. The frozen ravioli cooks perfectly right in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors around it. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Italian blend cheese creates the cheesy richness people expect from comfort-food casseroles. The herbs elevate the flavors gently without overwhelming the dish.
It is also a versatile dish, welcoming additions or substitutions without losing its appeal. Whether you prepare it as a vegetarian dinner, load it with meat, or add vegetables for nutrition and color, the structure of the recipe stays the same. The result is always satisfying, and the simplicity makes it a dependable go-to meal.
A Comforting, Crowd-Pleasing Dish
Cheesy ravioli lasagna is the kind of dinner that earns a permanent place in your rotation. It is easy to prepare, easy to customize, and easy to serve. It gives you all the flavor of traditional lasagna with a fraction of the effort. It is perfect for weeknights, gatherings, meal prep, or those days when you want something warm and comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.