Ravioli Lasagna is a delightful fusion of two classic Italian dishes—lasagna and ravioli—into one easy-to-make and incredibly delicious casserole. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or for serving at family gatherings, offering all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with a convenient twist. By using frozen cheese ravioli in place of traditional lasagna noodles, you save time and effort without sacrificing taste. Layers of marinara sauce, ricotta cheese mixture, and gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan make this dish a favorite for all ages.
The beauty of Ravioli Lasagna lies in its versatility. You can keep it simple with just cheese ravioli or add extra ingredients like ground beef, Italian sausage, or vegetables to suit your family’s preferences. This recipe is also a fantastic make-ahead meal that can be prepared in advance and baked when you’re ready, making it a great option for meal planning.
Let’s dive into the details of this delicious and easy-to-prepare dish that will quickly become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 package frozen cheese ravioli (about 25–30 pieces)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for greasing
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the desired temperature by the time you’re ready to bake the lasagna.
- Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. This step prevents the lasagna from sticking to the dish and makes for easier cleaning later on.
2. Prepare Ricotta Mixture:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well combined. This mixture adds creaminess and flavor to the lasagna.
3. Assemble Lasagna:
- First Layer: Lay a layer of frozen cheese ravioli at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Ensure the ravioli are arranged in a single layer, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- Marinara Sauce: Spread a layer of marinara sauce over the ravioli. This helps to separate the layers and infuse the dish with rich tomato flavor.
- Ricotta Mixture: Spread half of the prepared ricotta mixture over the marinara sauce. Use a spatula to distribute it evenly across the layer.
- Cheese Layer: Sprinkle a portion of the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the ricotta mixture. This creates a gooey and flavorful cheese layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with another layer of ravioli, marinara sauce, and the remaining ricotta mixture.
- Final Layers: Top with a final layer of ravioli and marinara sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top to finish the lasagna.
4. Bake:
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers to set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Serving Suggestions
Ravioli Lasagna can be served as a hearty main course and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes:
- Garlic Bread: The perfect companion to soak up the extra marinara sauce.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the lasagna.
- Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a healthy touch to the meal.
Tips and Variations
Add Meat:
For a heartier version, add a layer of cooked ground beef or Italian sausage between the ravioli layers. Simply brown the meat in a skillet, drain any excess fat, and layer it in the lasagna.
Vegetarian Option:
Incorporate sautéed spinach or mushrooms for added veggies. Sauté the vegetables with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper before layering them into the lasagna.
Extra Flavor:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a bit of heat. You can also mix in some chopped fresh basil or oregano for a fresh herb flavor.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 430 kcal per serving (this will vary based on specific ingredients used)
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen? A: Yes, fresh ravioli can be used. However, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly since fresh ravioli will cook faster than frozen.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze Ravioli Lasagna? A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Q: What other types of ravioli can I use? A: You can experiment with different types of ravioli such as spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or even meat-filled ravioli for a different flavor profile.
Q: Can I use homemade marinara sauce? A: Homemade marinara sauce can be used for a fresher taste. Simply replace the store-bought sauce with your favorite homemade version.
Q: How can I make the lasagna more cheesy? A: If you love extra cheese, feel free to increase the amount of mozzarella and Parmesan used in the layers and on top of the lasagna.
Enjoy making and savoring your delicious Ravioli Lasagna, a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household!