Easy Ravioli Lasagna for a Weeknight Comfort Food Classic
When comfort food cravings strike, nothing hits the spot quite like lasagna — especially when it’s made faster and easier with a clever shortcut: frozen ravioli. This Easy Ravioli Lasagna recipe layers cheese-filled ravioli, rich marinara, and gooey melted mozzarella to deliver all the flavor of traditional lasagna with half the work.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or make-ahead meal prep, this dish offers a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients
Serves 6 to 8
- One 24-ounce bag frozen cheese ravioli (no need to thaw)
- One 24-ounce jar marinara or tomato basil pasta sauce
- One pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- Two cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- One cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- One quarter cup grated Parmesan cheese
- One teaspoon Italian seasoning
- One tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat (Optional)
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and brown the ground beef or sausage.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Once cooked through, drain excess fat and set aside.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 3: Layer the Lasagna
- Spread one third of the marinara sauce across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add a layer of frozen ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
- Spoon half of the ricotta or cottage cheese over the ravioli.
- If using, add a layer of the cooked meat.
- Sprinkle one third of the shredded mozzarella on top.
- Repeat the layers: sauce, ravioli, ricotta, meat (if using), mozzarella.
- Finish with a final layer of sauce and remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for added flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette.
- Serve with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for a classic side.
- Enjoy with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Merlot.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 of 8) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 24 grams |
| Total Fat | 22 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 10 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 38 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sugars | 6 grams |
| Sodium | 720 milligrams |
Key Benefits:
- Ravioli provides both protein and carbohydrates for energy and fullness.
- Ricotta and mozzarella deliver calcium and satisfy creamy cravings.
- Marinara sauce adds lycopene-rich tomatoes, especially when using low-sugar varieties.
- Customize the meat or go vegetarian to fit your nutrition preferences.
Tips for Success
- Use meat or spinach ravioli for extra variety.
- For a vegetarian version, omit meat and layer sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Add red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
- Make ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy reheating.
Variations to Try
- Swap marinara for Alfredo or vodka sauce for a creamier twist.
- Use mini ravioli for a denser, more compact texture.
- Add a layer of pesto between the ravioli and cheese for herbaceous flavor.
- Replace beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
Ravioli Lasagna is the perfect recipe when you want the comfort of lasagna without the time-consuming prep. With layers of cheesy ravioli, hearty sauce, and golden melted mozzarella, this dish satisfies cravings in half the time — and with full flavor.
It’s the kind of easy, customizable meal you’ll come back to over and over. Whether you serve it for weeknight dinner, Sunday lunch, or a family potluck, it’s guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.
