If you love the comforting layers of classic lasagna but are craving a fun twist, this Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is a must-try! It combines cheesy, saucy goodness with the convenience of refrigerated ravioli, creating a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that feels homemade and indulgent without hours of prep. Every bite bursts with meaty richness, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, making it impossible not to fall head over heels for this luscious casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe features straightforward ingredients that play essential roles in crafting layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. Each element, from the savory ground meats to fragrant herbs, builds a perfectly balanced ravioli lasagna masterpiece.
- Ricotta (1 cup): Adds a creamy, mild richness to your cheese layer, balancing hearty meats.
- Egg (1 beaten): Binds the ricotta mixture for smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup grated): Brings a nutty, salty sharpness that enhances the cheese blend.
- Oregano, basil, parsley (¾ teaspoon each): A fragrant trio of herbs that brighten every bite.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning that brings all flavors to life.
- Ground beef (½ lb.): Provides hearty, meaty strength with rich flavor.
- Ground Italian sausage (½ lb., sweet, mild, or spicy): Packs a flavorful punch with herbs and spices.
- Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves): Infuses the sauce with savory warmth.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Boosts umami for a savory boost.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a tangy edge to balance richness.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Intensifies tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Italian seasoning (¾ teaspoon): A blend of herbs that unify the sauce with classic Italian taste.
- Marinara sauce (2 jars, 24 oz. each): The flavorful base that brings vibrant tomato tang and herbiness.
- Chicken broth (½ cup): Keeps the sauce moist and adds subtle savory notes.
- Refrigerated ravioli (40 oz. uncooked): The star of the dish providing tender pasta pockets for cheese or meat fillings.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups shredded): Melts beautifully on top to create a bubbly, golden crust.
How to Make Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture and Preheat Oven
Start by combining ricotta, beaten egg, parmesan, and herbs in a medium bowl for a smooth, creamy cheese layer. Setting this aside lets flavors meld while you get the other ingredients ready. Preheat your oven to 350° F to have it nice and hot when assembly is done.
Step 2: Coat the Casserole Dish with Sauce
Spread a heaping cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of your casserole dish. This serves as a luscious base that prevents the ravioli from sticking and infuses the first pasta layer with saucy goodness.
Step 3: Cook and Crumble the Meats
Season ground beef with salt and pepper, then cook it along with the Italian sausage and diced onion over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked. Stir frequently to crumble the meats evenly; draining excess grease keeps the dish from becoming too oily.
Step 4: Build the Meat Sauce
Reduce heat and add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Stir for a minute or two to release the hearty aromas, then add the remaining marinara sauce and chicken broth. Let it simmer gently to thicken and meld flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Place half of the uncooked ravioli in an overlapping layer over the sauced casserole bottom. Spoon half of the rich meat sauce over the ravioli. Then, dollop and spread the ricotta mixture evenly on top. Add the remaining ravioli and cover them with the last of the meat sauce.
Step 6: Add Mozzarella and Bake
Finish with a generous sprinkling of shredded mozzarella cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden topping. Cover the casserole with foil sprayed with non-stick spray on the side facing the cheese to prevent sticking. Bake for 35 minutes until the dish is hot and the layers meld together wonderfully.
Step 7: Broil for a Perfect Finish
Remove the foil and switch your oven to broil at 450° F or low broil. Broil for up to 3 minutes to achieve a lightly browned, irresistible bubbly cheese crust. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, then let the lasagna sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to set up perfectly.
How to Serve Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley adds a burst of color and bright herbal notes that complement the rich sauce and creamy cheeses beautifully. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese upon serving can elevate the savory depth even more.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the ravioli lasagna. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are fantastic for mopping up every last bit of sauce—definitely not to be missed!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in oven-safe ramekins for personal lasagna servings. Layer small fresh herb sprigs on top for an elegant touch, or accompany each slice with a drizzle of aged balsamic glaze for a subtle tang that contrasts beautifully with the savory layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover ravioli lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a wonderful meal for the next day or two without losing any flavor or texture.
Freezing
This Ravioli Lasagna Recipe freezes well. For best results, cool completely, wrap the entire dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating to keep those classic, comforting layers intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftover lasagna slices in the oven at 350° F covered with foil until heated through. This keeps the ravioli tender and the cheese melty without drying out the sauce or pasta. You can also microwave individual servings covered loosely for a faster option.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli instead of refrigerated?
Yes, you can use frozen ravioli just fine. You might want to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since frozen ravioli takes longer to cook through, but the results will still be delicious.
What type of ravioli works best for this recipe?
Cheese-filled ravioli are classic here, but meat or mushroom ravioli add interesting layers of flavor. Just pick your favorite, and it will complement the meat sauce wonderfully.
Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of this Ravioli Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground meats with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and the dish will still deliver all the cheesy, saucy satisfaction.
Do I need to cook the ravioli before assembling?
Nope! The ravioli goes into the casserole uncooked. It will cook perfectly while baking, absorbing all the flavors from the sauce and cheese layers.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire lasagna a day ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh when ready. This makes for a great no-fuss dinner plan that feels impressive but saves time on the day.
Final Thoughts
This Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is a joyful way to bring family and friends together over a warm, hearty meal that feels both special and effortlessly homey. Once you try it, its rich flavors and comforting layers will quickly make it a beloved staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking and even happier feasting!
Print
Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Ravioli Lasagna is a comforting and hearty twist on traditional lasagna, layering uncooked ravioli with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and melted mozzarella. Baked to perfection with a bubbly, browned cheese topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Ricotta Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ¾ teaspoon oregano
- ¾ teaspoon basil
- ¾ teaspoon parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
Meat Sauce
- ½ lb. ground beef
- ½ lb. ground Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or spicy)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 (24 oz.) jars marinara sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 40 oz. refrigerated ravioli (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated parmesan, oregano, basil, parsley, and salt. Mix well and set aside to use as filling.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a deep 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread 1 heaping cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom.
- Cook Meat and Onions: Season ground beef with salt and pepper. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Cook, stirring and breaking up meat until fully browned and onions softened. Drain excess grease and reduce heat to medium.
- Add Flavorings to Meat: Stir in minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes to combine and toast the spices.
- Simmer Meat Sauce: Pour in remaining marinara sauce and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, uncovered, for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- Layer Ravioli: Arrange half of the uncooked refrigerated ravioli over the initial marinara sauce in the casserole dish, overlapping slightly.
- Add Meat Sauce and Ricotta: Spread half of the meat sauce over the ravioli layer. Then spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture evenly over the sauce and gently spread into an even layer.
- Repeat Layers: Place the remaining ravioli over the ricotta layer, then cover with the remaining meat sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil that has been sprayed on one side with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes.
- Broil for Browning: Remove the foil cover and set the oven to broil at 450°F (or low broil). Broil for up to 3 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Cuts easily like traditional lasagna despite the ravioli layers.
Notes
- Use refrigerated ravioli that are uncooked for best texture and convenience.
- Spray one side of foil with non-stick spray to prevent cheese from sticking while baking covered.
- Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard add depth to the meat sauce but can be omitted for a simpler flavor.
- Letting the dish rest before slicing helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- Choose your favorite marinara sauce or use homemade for best taste.
