This Ravioli Lasagna is a simplified and delicious twist on traditional lasagna. It uses cheese ravioli instead of lasagna noodles, making it quick and easy to assemble. The result is a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick: Using ravioli eliminates the need to cook lasagna noodles, saving time and effort.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of sausage, marinara sauce, and cheeses creates a delicious and comforting dish.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite vegetables or use different types of ravioli.
- Family-Friendly: This lasagna is a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- Mild Pork Sausage: Provides a savory and flavorful base.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds a blend of Mediterranean herbs.
- Ground Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
- Marinara Sauce: Provides a rich tomato base.
- Salt (Optional): Enhances the flavors.
- Cheese Ravioli (Chilled or Frozen): Forms the layers of the lasagna.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella or Provolone Cheese: Adds a melty and mild flavor.
- Fresh Basil (for Garnish): Adds a fresh herb flavor.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Ravioli Lasagna
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage and break it into small pieces. Add vegetable oil if needed to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Add Seasoning and Marinara
Once browned, add Italian seasoning, black pepper, and marinara sauce. Stir and simmer on low for 3-5 minutes. Add salt if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the First Layer
Add 1/3 of the meat sauce to the bottom of the 9×13-inch pan.
Step 5: Add Ravioli and Cheese
Add a layer of ravioli on top of the meat sauce. Add 1/3 of the ricotta cheese and 1/3 of the mozzarella/provolone cheese.
Step 6: Repeat Layers
Repeat the process for the next two layers, ending with shredded cheese on top.
Step 7: Bake Covered
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 8: Bake Uncovered
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the lasagna is bubbling.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow to cool and set up before serving. Garnish with fresh minced basil and a sprinkling of fresh parmesan.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality sausage, marinara sauce, and cheeses enhance the flavor of the lasagna.
- Don’t Overcook the Sausage: Brown the sausage until cooked through, but don’t overcook it, or it will become tough.
- Layer Evenly: Distribute the meat sauce, ravioli, and cheeses evenly for consistent flavor and texture.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the lasagna to cool and set up before serving makes it easier to slice and serve.
- Customize Fillings: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
How to Serve
- Main Course: Serve as a hearty main course.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or crusty bread.
- Potluck Dish: Perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing
Freeze cooled lasagna in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of ravioli?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese ravioli or a meat-filled ravioli.
2. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground beef, ground turkey, or Italian sausage instead of mild pork sausage.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use a combination of cheeses like fontina, mozzarella, provolone, or parmesan.
4. Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?
Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the meat sauce.
PrintRavioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Ravioli Lasagna is a simple and delicious twist on classic lasagna, using cheese ravioli as the pasta layers. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound mild pork sausage
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 jars marinara sauce (24-ounce each)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 24 ounces cheese ravioli (chilled or frozen)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage and break it into small pieces. (You may need to add a splash or two of vegetable oil if it sticks too much.)
- Add Seasonings and Sauce: Once browned, add the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and marinara sauce.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir to mix and simmer on low for 3-5 minutes. Taste and add ¼ teaspoon of salt if needed, otherwise omit.
- Layer Sauce: Add 1/3 of the meat sauce to the bottom of the 9×13 pan.
- Layer Ravioli: Add a layer of ravioli on top of the meat sauce.
- Layer Ricotta: Add 1/3 of the ricotta to the top of the ravioli. (Don’t worry if it looks skimpy, it will all melt together.)
- Layer Mozzarella/Provolone: Add 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella or provolone to this layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat this process for the next two levels, ending with shredded cheese.
- Cover and Bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the lasagna is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool and set up before serving with fresh minced basil and a sprinkling of fresh parmesan.
Notes
- You can use other types of ravioli, such as spinach or mushroom.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the sauce.
- For a spicier lasagna, use a spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If using frozen ravioli, you may need to add a few more minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg