Ravioli Lasagna Bake is a delicious and comforting pasta casserole that combines the best of ravioli and classic lasagna in one easy-to-make dish. With layers of saucy ravioli, rich cheese, and savory tomato sauce, it’s a perfect meal for family dinners and gatherings.
Why You’ll Love Ravioli Lasagna Bake
Ravioli Lasagna Bake is an instant favorite for several reasons:
- It’s simpler and faster than traditional lasagna, using pre-made ravioli.
- Rich, creamy, and cheesy layers make every bite indulgent.
- It’s easily customizable with your favorite meats, cheeses, or veggies.
- A great make-ahead dish that reheats beautifully for leftovers.
- Perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 package (about 24 oz) cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked ground beef or Italian sausage
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the sauce and mix well.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Arrange half the ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
- Spoon half the ricotta over the ravioli in dollops.
- Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining sauce, ravioli, ricotta, and cheeses.
- Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Ravioli Lasagna Bake
Ravioli Lasagna Bake is perfect for a cozy family meal or entertaining guests. Serve it hot with these complementary sides:
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add freshness.
- Offer grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes on the side for added flavor.
- Pair it with a light Italian red wine or sparkling water with lemon.
This hearty dish can be the centerpiece of a casual dinner or a holiday feast. Its layered flavor and creamy texture make it a satisfying comfort food loved by kids and adults alike.
Looking for inspiration? Try this alongside the creamy and comforting Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup, or serve it with a fresh side like the Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks. For another crowd-pleaser casserole, don’t miss our Chicken Cobbler Dinner Casserole.
How to Store Ravioli Lasagna Bake
Proper storage ensures your Ravioli Lasagna Bake stays delicious for leftovers:
- Cool the bake completely before refrigerating.
- Store in an airtight container or cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in portions. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty foil.
- To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave reheating is convenient but can make the pasta a bit softer. Add a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying.
By following these tips, you can enjoy this comforting dish anytime with minimal effort.
Tips to Make Ravioli Lasagna Bake
To achieve the best results with your Ravioli Lasagna Bake, consider these helpful tips:
- Use fresh or frozen ravioli with minimal thawing to prevent sogginess.
- For extra flavor, mix fresh herbs like basil or parsley into the ricotta.
- Don’t overload with sauce; just enough to keep layers moist.
- A blend of mozzarella and provolone can add more depth to the cheese layers.
- Let the bake rest after coming out of the oven to set the layers for easier slicing.
- Customize with mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a veggie twist.
- Use a high-quality marinara or make your own for more authentic taste.
Variations of Ravioli Lasagna Bake
Ravioli Lasagna Bake is versatile and adapts well to different tastes:
- Meat Lovers: Add Italian sausage, ground beef, or turkey for a protein-packed meal.
- Vegetarian: Use cheese or spinach ravioli and load up with sautéed vegetables.
- Creamy Alfredo: Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce and mix in cooked chicken for a white sauce bake.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage to the sauce.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cheese and vegan ravioli available in many stores.
- Mexican Twist: Use salsa instead of marinara, add black beans and corn, and top with cheddar cheese.
Experimenting with these variations keeps this dish exciting and fresh.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen ravioli for this recipe?
Yes, frozen ravioli works perfectly. No need to thaw; just add cooking time if necessary.
2. How long does Ravioli Lasagna Bake keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 3 to 4 days.
3. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bake, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. What cheese is best for the bake?
Mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan are classic choices, but adding provolone or fontina gives extra richness.
Final Thoughts
Ravioli Lasagna Bake is a delicious shortcut to enjoying classic lasagna flavors without the fuss of making pasta from scratch. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or impressing guests with a crowd-pleasing dish. With endless variations and easy storage options, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Print
Ravioli Lasagna Bake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ravioli Lasagna Bake combines cheese ravioli, rich marinara, and melted cheeses for an easy, flavorful layered pasta casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 package cheese ravioli
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked ground beef or sausage
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch dish.
2. Sauté garlic in olive oil; add marinara, herbs, salt, and pepper; simmer.
3. Add cooked meat and mix well.
4. Spread sauce in dish; layer half ravioli, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
5. Repeat layers.
6. Cover with foil; bake 25 minutes.
7. Remove foil; bake 10 more minutes until bubbly.
8. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use fresh or frozen ravioli for convenience.
Customize with different cheeses or veggies.
Let rest after baking for easier slicing.
Perfect for make-ahead meals and leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg