Ravioli Lasagna

Ravioli Lasagna is a fun, time-saving twist on traditional lasagna that uses pre-made ravioli in place of pasta sheets. This dish combines the rich flavors of a classic lasagna with the convenience and heartiness of ravioli, making it a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal. Here’s how to make it:

Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Ravioli Lasagna:

1 (25 oz) package of refrigerated or frozen cheese ravioli (use your favorite kind—cheese, spinach, or even meat-filled)
2 cups marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg (optional, to mix with the ricotta)
1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning (or 1 teaspoon each of basil, oregano, and thyme)
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

For the Meat Sauce (Optional):

1 lb ground beef or turkey (or a meatless alternative)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (about 24 oz) marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ravioli:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ravioli according to package instructions (usually 3-4 minutes for refrigerated, a bit longer for frozen). Drain and set aside. Be careful not to overcook the ravioli, as it will cook further in the oven.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce (Optional):

If you’re using meat, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef or turkey with the chopped onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
If you prefer a meatless version, just skip this step and use marinara sauce on its own.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg (if using), and dried Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and well-combined.

4. Assemble the Ravioli Lasagna:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce (or meat sauce) on the bottom of the dish.
Place a layer of ravioli on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.
Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the ravioli, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers: sauce, ravioli, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella.
For the top layer, finish with sauce, a generous sprinkle of mozzarella, and a bit of Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake:

Cover the lasagna with foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with a little cooking spray).
Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

6. Serve:

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added freshness and color.
Serve with a side salad and some garlic bread for a full meal.

Tips:

Different Fillings: You can use ravioli with different fillings such as meat, spinach, or a combination of both to add variety and flavor.
Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian option, skip the meat sauce and use just marinara, adding plenty of vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the ravioli lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Extra Flavor: Try adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach in between the ravioli layers for extra flavor and texture.

This Ravioli Lasagna is a fun and easy twist on the traditional lasagna, and it’s so versatile! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a smaller portion for your family, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy, and let me know if you try it out or need any more variations!