If you love the comforting, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna but want to shake things up a bit, this Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is your new go-to dish. It’s a delightful twist that swaps traditional pasta sheets for plump, stuffed ravioli, creating a layered masterpiece bursting with flavor and ooey-gooey textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe manages to be incredibly simple while delivering all the rich, saucy, irresistible vibes that make Italian cuisine so beloved.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ravioli Lasagna Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients—each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color to make this dish truly special. From the creamy ricotta to the vibrant fresh herbs, everything works in harmony to elevate the final result.
- 12 oz fresh or frozen ravioli: Choose your favorite filling, whether it’s cheese, spinach, or meat for a personalized touch.
- 3 cups marinara sauce: Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra freshness and depth.
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese: Adds a luscious creaminess and helps bind the layers together.
- 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic cheesy pull everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor to cut through the richness.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all the layers.
How to Make Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms, spritz a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with nonstick spray to keep your lasagna from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Layer the Sauce
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish. This base not only adds flavor but also prevents any ravioli from sticking directly to the pan.
Step 3: First Layer of Ravioli and Cheese
Place half of your ravioli in a single layer on top of the sauce, making sure they’re evenly spaced. Then spoon dollops of ricotta mixture—combining the ricotta with a pinch of salt, pepper, and your chopped herbs—over the ravioli. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella on top to create a luscious, melty layer.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Build the next layers by adding more marinara sauce, then the remaining ravioli and ricotta mixture. Make sure every bite is packed with that delicious combination of sauce, cheese, and pasta.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Bake
Top everything with the remaining mozzarella and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, shiny side down, and bake for 25 minutes. Removing the foil halfway through baking allows the top to get bubbly and beautifully golden.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
After baking, give your ravioli lasagna a few minutes to rest so the cheese can set up just right, making it easier to slice and serve without losing that perfect layered structure.
How to Serve Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley sprinkled on top add a beautiful burst of color and a fresh herbal aroma that complements the richness of the cheese. For a little extra zing, a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving never hurts.
Side Dishes
This Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is rich and hearty, so pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables adds a fresh, light counterbalance. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf also makes an excellent accompaniment to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini casserole dishes or ramekins—perfect for dinner parties. Layering it in clear glass bakeware for family dinners allows the colorful layers to shine through, enticing everyone even before the first bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Ravioli Lasagna Recipe to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or reheated dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Prepare it completely (before baking), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake it covered from frozen, adding extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, which helps maintain that lovely baked texture. Microwaving works too for a quick fix but may result in softer pasta layers.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli for this Ravioli Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen ravioli works just as well as fresh. Just be sure to layer it straight from the freezer without thawing to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
What types of ravioli fillings work best?
Cheese, spinach, and meat-filled ravioli are all fantastic options. Choose based on your personal preference or what you have on hand, as the marinara and cheese will complement any filling nicely.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply choose cheese or vegetable-filled ravioli and use a vegetarian marinara sauce. It’s a satisfying meal that everyone can enjoy.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free ravioli at specialty stores or make your own using gluten-free pasta dough. Just double-check your marinara and other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
To lighten up the dish, try using part-skim ricotta or low-fat mozzarella. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini between layers for added nutrition and volume.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about a warm, cheesy baked dish that brings people together around the table, and this Ravioli Lasagna Recipe hits all those notes perfectly. It blends the ease of using ravioli with the timeless appeal of lasagna layers, making it a delicious crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ravioli Lasagna is a delicious twist on traditional lasagna, using fresh or frozen ravioli as the pasta layers. This easy-to-make baked dish combines layers of cheesy ricotta, mozzarella, marinara sauce, and parmesan with flavorful herbs for a comforting Italian-inspired meal perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Ravioli
- 12 oz fresh or frozen ravioli (your choice of filling)
Sauces and Cheeses
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the lasagna evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent the lasagna from sticking during baking.
- Spread Sauce Base: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish to provide moisture and flavor for the ravioli.
- First Layer: Arrange half of the ravioli over the marinara sauce layer. Then spread half of the ricotta cheese mixed with salt, pepper, and herbs on top of the ravioli. Finish this layer by sprinkling half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly.
- Second Layer: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients: spread another layer of marinara sauce, layer the remaining ravioli, spread the remaining ricotta mixture, add more marinara sauce, and top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (shiny side down) to keep moisture in and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the ravioli to cook through and the cheeses to melt.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown and slightly crisp on top.
- Cool and Serve: Let the lasagna cool briefly for easier slicing and serving. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can use any ravioli filling you prefer, such as cheese, spinach, or meat.
- If using frozen ravioli, do not thaw before assembling; they will cook during baking.
- Fresh herbs like basil add a bright flavor but can be substituted with dried herbs if needed (use less).
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the ravioli filling and sauce are meat-free.
