When life gets chaotic, and you need a meal that feels like a warm hug, this Easy Cheesy Ravioli Lasagna is the answer. It’s like a culinary mash-up, where ravioli meets lasagna in a deliciously cheesy embrace that your family won’t be able to resist. One bite, and you’ll be transported to a world where dinner prep is as comforting as that favorite old sweater you can’t bear to throw away—simple, satisfying, and just a little bit indulgent.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray.
- Pour half of a jar of marinara sauce into the baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the marinara sauce.
- Pour the remaining half of the marinara sauce jar over the ravioli, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Add another layer of marinara sauce, followed by the remaining ravioli, and then cover with the rest of the sauce.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Spray a piece of aluminum foil with cooking spray and cover the dish, sprayed side down.
- Bake the lasagna, covered, for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce bubbles.
- Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes before serving, garnishing with chopped fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.
Ingredients
- 2 jars (25 oz each) of marinara sauce
- 40 oz of frozen cheese ravioli (alternatively, use beef or spinach cheese ravioli)
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves, for optional garnish
FAQ
- Do I need to cook the ravioli before making the lasagna?
- No, you do not need to cook the ravioli beforehand. Simply place the frozen ravioli directly into the baking dish with the other ingredients.
- Can I use a different type of ravioli for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use your preferred type of ravioli, such as spinach cheese, beef, or any other variety you like.
- What type of marinara sauce works best for this lasagna?
- You can use homemade marinara sauce if you have it, or opt for a quality jarred sauce like DeLallo’s. Both options work well in this recipe.
- How long should I bake the ravioli lasagna?
- Bake the lasagna covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
- Can I add extra toppings or garnishes to the lasagna?
- Yes, you can garnish the lasagna with chopped fresh basil after baking for added flavor, if you wish.
Tips
- Use frozen ravioli directly; there’s no need to pre-cook it. Just layer the frozen ravioli with sauce and cheese, saving time and effort.
- If you have homemade marinara sauce available, it can enhance the flavor, but a good-quality store-bought sauce works just as well.
- Consider serving garlic bread alongside the lasagna to soak up any extra sauce and complement the meal.
- For a touch of freshness, garnish the finished lasagna with chopped fresh basil, if desired.
Equipment
- Ingredient Ravioli Lasagna, assuming you don’t already have these at home:
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Cooking Spray
- Aluminum Foil