Cheese Ravioli Lasagna

Looking for a super easy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s a twist on traditional lasagna? This Cheese Ravioli Lasagna is just the ticket. Instead of layering noodles and ricotta from scratch, we’re using pillowy cheese ravioli to create a shortcut version that tastes just as rich and delicious. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Cheese Ravioli Lasagna recipe video

Why This Cheese Ravioli Lasagna Is a Favorite

• Layers of goodness: This casserole is packed with layer upon layer of cheesy ravioli, creamy Alfredo sauce, spinach, crunchy panko breadcrumbs, and melty mozzarella—every bite is a flavor bomb.
• Lighter cream sauce: Instead of heavy cream, I use nonfat yogurt to make a lightened-up Alfredo sauce. It gives the same creamy texture as a traditional béchamel but with fewer calories.
• Family-approved: The flavors are mild yet rich, making it perfect for picky eaters. Even my husband, who usually prefers meat dishes, can’t get enough of this meat-free version, especially with the toasted breadcrumbs on top.
• Customizable: You can switch things up by using any kind of ravioli. Keep it veggie with spinach ravioli, or add some heartiness with beef-filled ones. I’m especially excited to try this with homemade lobster ravioli for a special date night.

Ingredients:

1. 2 packages (20 oz each) frozen or fresh cheese ravioli
2. 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
3. 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
4. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
5. 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
6. 1 egg
7. 2 cups fresh spinach (optional, but adds a nice touch)
8. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
9. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10. Salt and pepper, to taste
11. Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy. This mixture adds a layer of richness to the lasagna and holds everything together.

Step 3: Assemble the First Layer

Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This creates a nice saucy base for the ravioli.

Step 4: Layer the Ravioli

Arrange a single layer of cheese ravioli on top of the sauce. You can overlap them slightly, but make sure they cover the bottom of the dish.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Ricotta

If you’re using spinach, scatter it over the ravioli layer. Next, drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the spinach and ravioli, spreading it gently to cover.

Step 6: More Sauce and Cheese

Pour another layer of marinara sauce over the ricotta mixture and sprinkle a generous handful of mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 7: Repeat the Layers

Repeat the layering process—ravioli, ricotta, sauce, and cheese—until you run out of ravioli. The last layer should be a generous amount of marinara sauce, topped with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 8: Bake

Securely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven for 25 minutes. Once this time has elapsed, take off the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, is bubbling, and has developed a light golden color on the surface.

Step 9: Cool and Garnish

Let the lasagna cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Step 10: Serve

Slice into hearty pieces and enjoy. Pair with garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Tips:

• Frozen Ravioli Tip: If using frozen ravioli, there’s no need to thaw them first—they’ll cook perfectly in the oven. Just be sure to add a little extra time (about 5 minutes) to the baking process.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers between the layers for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Make-Ahead: You can assemble this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s also freezer-friendly—just freeze the unbaked lasagna and bake it straight from the freezer, adding 10-15 extra minutes of cooking time.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Health Benefits

1. High in Calcium: Cheese and ricotta provide a good amount of calcium, which helps maintain strong bones and teeth.
2. Rich in Protein: The ravioli and cheese deliver high-quality protein essential for muscle growth and repair.
3. Boosts Immune Function: Spinach adds vitamins and antioxidants that support a healthy immune system.
4. Source of Fiber: Spinach and marinara sauce provide fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting gut health.
5. Heart Health: Olive oil in the marinara sauce and mozzarella can contribute to heart health by providing healthy fats.
6. Improves Bone Strength: The ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses offer a solid boost of calcium and phosphorus for bone health.
7. Rich in Antioxidants: Spinach and marinara sauce contain antioxidants, including vitamin A and C, which help fight free radicals.
8. Aids Digestion: Fiber from spinach and whole grains (if using whole-grain ravioli) helps support a healthy digestive system.
9. Energy Boosting: The carbohydrates from the pasta provide a quick source of energy, making this a filling meal.
10. Boosts Vision Health: Spinach is high in lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that are important for eye health.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Keep any leftover food in a sealed container in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Cheese Ravioli Lasagna freezes well. You can freeze the unbaked lasagna or freeze leftovers. Keep it in a sealed, freezer-safe container for a maximum of 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before warming it up.

Reheat and Reuse Instructions

• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place leftover lasagna in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Reheating: Place a portion of lasagna on a microwave-safe plate and cover it. Microwave on medium for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway to ensure its evenly heated.
• Reuse Tip: Cut the lasagna into smaller squares, wrap each square individually, and freeze for easy meal-prep portions.

Enjoy this cheesy, comforting Cheese Ravioli Lasagna with all its rich flavors and easy-to-make layers.

Substitutions ideas?

There are plenty of substitution options for Cheese Ravioli Lasagna if you want to switch things up or accommodate dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:

1. Cheese Substitutions:

Ravioli:

• If you want a different flavor, use spinach and cheese ravioli or even meat-filled ravioli.
• For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese ravioli.

Mozzarella Cheese:

• Swap out mozzarella for shredded provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a dairy-free mozzarella if you’re avoiding dairy.

Ricotta Cheese:

• You can replace ricotta with cottage cheese or opt for a vegan ricotta alternative for a plant-based option.

Parmesan Cheese:

• Use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.

2. Sauce Substitutions:

Marinara Sauce:

• If you want something different, try using alfredo sauce for a white, creamy lasagna, or mix pesto into your marinara for added flavor.
• For a spicier kick, try arrabbiata sauce (a spicy marinara) or add red pepper flakes to the marinara.

3. Vegetable Additions or Substitutions:

Spinach:

• Use kale, chard, or a mix of sautéed veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• If you want more veggies, add roasted eggplant or thin slices of zucchini between the layers.
• Frozen Veggies: Thawed frozen spinach, mixed veggies, or broccoli can also be added for extra nutrition.

4. Meat Additions (if you want some protein):

• Ground beef or sausage: Brown ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey sausage and layer it in with the ravioli for a heartier lasagna.
• Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground chicken can easily be layered into the lasagna.
• Bacon or pancetta: Cooked and crumbled bacon or pancetta adds a nice savory, crispy texture.

5. Pasta Alternatives:

• Gluten-Free Ravioli: Use gluten-free ravioli if you need a gluten-free version.
• Other Filled Pasta: Tortellini (cheese-filled or meat-filled) can be used instead of ravioli for a different twist.

6. Dairy-Free or Vegan Options:

• Replace all the dairy (cheese and cream) with vegan alternatives like vegan mozzarella, cashew-based ricotta, or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
• Use dairy-free ravioli and swap the egg in the ricotta mixture with a flaxseed or chia seed “egg” (1 tablespoon of seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water).

7. Herb Substitutions:

• Instead of Italian seasoning, try adding fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to the ricotta mixture for a different flavor profile.

8. Low-Carb Option:

• Instead of using pasta, try layering thin slices of zucchini or eggplant for a lower-carb version of lasagna.
• These substitutions will allow you to tailor the Cheese Ravioli Lasagna to your taste, dietary preferences, or whatever you have on hand.

FAQ’s

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