If you are searching for a comforting yet surprisingly straightforward Italian-inspired dish, this Easy Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines the hearty goodness of classic lasagna with the convenience of ravioli, making assembly a breeze without sacrificing any of that delightful, cheesy, saucy magic. The layers of tender ravioli, rich ricotta, melty mozzarella, and flavorful sausage simmered in marinara all come together to create a meal that’s perfect for family dinners or impressing friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity fool you; each ingredient in this recipe is essential to building rich, balanced flavors and textures. From the robust Italian sausage to the fresh basil garnish, everything plays a crucial role in making this dish vibrant and irresistible.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Adds a savory, spiced meatiness that forms the flavor base of the sauce.
- Marinara sauce (1 jar): Brings a classic tomato richness that complements the cheese perfectly.
- Crushed tomatoes (14 oz can): Adds texture and freshness to deepen the tomato flavor.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): A blend of herbs to give fragrant, authentic Italian notes.
- Ravioli (20-25 ounces, fresh or frozen): The star layer that replaces traditional lasagna noodles, offering convenience and flavor.
- Ricotta cheese (15 ounces): Creamy and mild, it brings a luscious creaminess between layers.
- Shredded mozzarella (2-3 cups): Melts beautifully for that gooey, golden cheese topping.
- Basil (fresh, for garnish, optional): Adds a burst of fresh, herbal brightness at the end.
How to Make Easy Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the Italian sausage until it’s fully browned and crumbled. Make sure to drain off any excess fat once the sausage is cooked; this prevents the lasagna from becoming greasy and keeps the flavors focused.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
To your cooked sausage, add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer gently while you prepare the casserole dish. This blend creates a rich, aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the ravioli layers.
Step 3: Prep the Baking Dish
Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Don’t skip this step—greasing the edges ensures your lasagna won’t stick and will come out smoothly when served.
Step 4: Start Layering
Spread about half a cup of the sauce evenly across the bottom of the greased dish to create a saucy base that keeps everything from sticking during baking.
Step 5: Layer Ravioli
Arrange half of your ravioli in a single layer on top of the sauce. Whether fresh or frozen, they’ll soften beautifully in the oven and create the hearty pasta layers without any extra boiling needed.
Step 6: Add Ricotta
Dollop and spread half of the ricotta cheese evenly over the ravioli. Don’t worry about being too precise; rustic spreads give this dish a homemade charm.
Step 7: Pour Remaining Sauce
Top the ricotta with half of the remaining tomato sauce, making sure each bite will have that luscious tomato flavor.
Step 8: Sprinkle Mozzarella
Sprinkle about one cup of shredded mozzarella over the sauce layer. This will start building that irresistibly melty, golden cheese topping we all crave.
Step 9: Repeat Layers
Now repeat the layering—remaining ravioli, ricotta, sauce, and finish with another generous cup or more of mozzarella on top. The layers create bursts of cheese and tomato all throughout the dish.
Step 10: Bake to Perfection
Bake the lasagna at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes until it’s bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. If you like a crispier cheese crust, pop it under the broiler for the last minute or two, but watch it carefully to avoid burning.
Step 11: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of green color and a little herbal brightness. Then dig into your delicious creation and savor every comforting bite!
How to Serve Easy Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a classic garnish that adds a refreshing touch and brightens up the rich, cheesy layers. For an extra hint of flavor and texture, consider sprinkling some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you love a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, simple sides like a fresh green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also fantastic for soaking up any extra sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small oven-safe dishes or ramekins for a charming personal touch. You can also layer the ravioli lasagna in a clear glass casserole to show off the beautiful cheese and sauce layers—making it as lovely to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making lunchtime the next day just as satisfying as dinner.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prep in advance. After baking, let the lasagna cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For a quick fix, single servings can be microwaved, though the oven method helps keep the cheese melty and the edges delightfully crisp.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought ravioli or should I make it from scratch?
Store-bought ravioli works perfectly for this Easy Ravioli Lasagna Recipe and saves lots of time. Fresh or frozen varieties both do well; just ensure frozen ravioli is slightly thawed before layering.
What type of Italian sausage works best?
Either sweet or spicy Italian sausage works wonderfully depending on your preference. For a milder flavor, go sweet; if you like a little kick, spicy sausage adds beautiful depth.
Do I need to boil the ravioli before baking?
No need to boil ravioli first! When layered with sauce and baked, the ravioli cook through in the oven, absorbing all those savory flavors as they bake.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite veggies, and use marinara sauce without meat. Ricotta and mozzarella will keep the dish rich and cheesy.
How can I make the cheese topping extra crispy?
For a golden, crispy cheese layer, broil the lasagna uncovered for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning, and enjoy that perfect melty crunch!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is a fantastic find for anyone craving comfort food without the fuss. With its simple assembly, crowd-pleasing flavors, and delightful cheesy layers, it’s sure to become a favorite in your regular rotation. So gather your ingredients, dig in, and enjoy the cozy, delicious vibes this dish brings to your table!
