Baked Ravioli Lasagna

Our four-ingredient ravioli lasagna is the ultimate quick fix for when you’re craving lasagna but short on time. It’s an easy, delicious meal for any night of the week.

Lasagna is one of my favorites, but the process of boiling noodles, browning meat, and layering everything together can be more time-consuming than I’d like. Thankfully, there’s a brilliant shortcut: ravioli lasagna, where ravioli takes the place of traditional lasagna noodles.

This ravioli lasagna recipe offers the same indulgence as classic lasagna but comes together in a fraction of the time. Here’s how to make this simple four-ingredient ravioli lasagna, perfect for any night.

Recipe video:

Ingredients:

1. 1 package (about 25 oz) of frozen or fresh cheese ravioli
2. 1 jar (24 oz) of marinara sauce
3. 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
4. 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
5. 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for a creamier texture)
6. 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
7. 2 cups spinach leaves (optional)
8. 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using ground meat)
9. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Ingredients

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• If using ground beef or sausage, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meat, cook until browned, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Assemble the First Layer

• Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 3: Add Ravioli

• Arrange a single layer of ravioli over the sauce.

Step 4: Add Cheese

• Spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the ravioli, if using.
• Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and some Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 5: Repeat Layers

• Add another layer of marinara sauce, followed by another layer of ravioli.
• Add more mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Optional: If you’re using spinach, you can add a layer of spinach leaves before adding the cheese.

Step 6: Final Layer

• After the last layer of ravioli, spread a generous amount of sauce and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Bake

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
• After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 8: Serve

• Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing.
• Serve hot and enjoy.

Tips:

• You can add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor.
• For a meatless version, simply skip the ground meat.

Ravioli Lasagna Variations

This ravioli lasagna recipe is super versatile:

1. Try different ravioli: Cheese or sausage ravioli will give you that classic lasagna taste, but spinach and ricotta or four-cheese ravioli are just as tasty.
2. Switch up the meat: Instead of ground beef, try spicy Italian sausage or ground chicken for a new twist.
3. Make it vegetarian: Skip the beef altogether or swap it with 3 cups of fresh baby spinach, then assemble and bake as usual.
4. Add extra cheese: Replace the ground beef with 2 cups of small-curd cottage cheese. When assembling, use 2 cups of mozzarella in each layer instead of 1/2 cup. Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan on top and bake as directed, uncovering for the last 10 minutes. Make sure to use cheese ravioli for an extra cheesy dish.

Ravioli Lasagna Nutrition Information

Health Benefits

1. Quick Energy Source: Carbohydrates from the ravioli provide a quick energy boost.
2. High in Calcium: Cheese contributes to daily calcium intake, supporting bone health.
3. Good Protein Content: Cheese and optional meat provide protein for muscle repair and growth.
4. Heart Health: Spinach (if used) contains heart-healthy nutrients like folate and potassium.
5. Rich in Iron: Ground beef and spinach add iron, which is crucial for red blood cell production.
6. Antioxidant-Rich: Marinara sauce is made from tomatoes, which are high in antioxidants like lycopene.
7. Vitamin-Rich: Spinach and marinara sauce contribute vitamins A, C, and K, supporting overall health.
8. Fiber Content: Spinach and marinara sauce add fiber, aiding in digestion and maintaining gut health.
9. Low in Added Sugar: The dish is low in added sugars, making it a healthier option.
10. Customizable: The recipe is adaptable to various dietary preferences, whether you want to add more vegetables or make it vegetarian.

Storage Instructions

1. Refrigeration: Store leftover ravioli lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: Wrap individual portions tightly in aluminum foil or place them in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat and Reuse Instructions

1. Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
2. Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Cover and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through. Heat until thoroughly warmed.
3. Stovetop: For a quicker method, heat in a covered skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or marinara sauce to keep it from drying out. Stir occasionally until hot.

Enjoy your quick and delicious Ravioli Lasagna.

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