lazy lasagna with ravioli

Okay, friends, let’s talk comfort food. Specifically, let’s talk about that craving for lasagna that hits you on a Tuesday night when you’re already juggling a million things. We all know that *real* lasagna is a labor of love, taking hours of simmering sauce, cooking noodles, and carefully layering everything. But what if I told you that you could get that same soul-satisfying flavor with a fraction of the effort? Enter my lazy lasagna with ravioli – it’s like the quick weeknight cousin of classic lasagna, and honestly, sometimes I like it even *more*! It’s infinitely easier than making a traditional lasagna from scratch, and it’s just as delicious. Trust me; this one is a game-changer.

What is Lazy Lasagna with Ravioli?

Think of it as lasagna, but…easier. It’s essentially all the flavors you love in a classic lasagna, but instead of layering cooked lasagna noodles, we’re using pre-made ravioli! It cuts the prep time down significantly, and honestly, the ravioli adds a lovely, subtle flavor of its own. It’s layers of cheesy, meaty goodness, all melded together in a rich tomato sauce. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone happy, and it’s so simple that even a beginner cook can nail it. You can use any kind of ravioli you like—cheese, meat, spinach, whatever your heart desires! My grandma used to make something similar with pierogies when she was short on time. It’s a true comfort food shortcut!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? Let’s start with the flavor: It’s that classic lasagna taste you crave, but with a little extra something special from the ravioli. The cheesy filling oozes out with every bite, mingling with the tangy tomato sauce and savory meat. The ricotta layer adds a creamy richness that really ties everything together.

What I love most about this is how incredibly simple it is. We’re talking minimal prep work. There’s no need to precook noodles, no long simmering sauce, just a quick assembly and into the oven it goes. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights.

And speaking of lifesavers, it’s pretty cost-effective too. You can use inexpensive ingredients like jarred pasta sauce, Ground Beef (or even ground turkey!), and pre-made ravioli. This makes it a great option when you’re trying to stick to a budget.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your own tastes and dietary needs. Use different types of ravioli, add vegetables, swap out the meat for mushrooms – the possibilities are endless. I’ve even used it as a way to clean out the fridge before a big grocery shop, throwing in leftover cooked veggies and cheeses. This reminds me a little of my baked ziti recipe, but with a totally different flavor profile. Trust me, this lazy lasagna with ravioli is a winner!

How do I make lazy lasagna with ravioli?

Quick Overview

Ready to dive in? Essentially, you’ll brown some meat (or use vegetarian crumbles!), layer it with your favorite jarred pasta sauce, ricotta cheese, and those amazing ravioli in a baking dish. Top it all off with mozzarella cheese, bake it until bubbly and golden brown, and you’ve got yourself a delicious, comforting lasagna in under an hour. It’s really that easy. Don’t let the layering intimidate you; it’s super forgiving!

Ingredients

For the Main Lasagna:
* 1 pound Ground Beef (or Italian sausage, or even ground turkey) is considered a “must-eat” (see table below).
* 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite pasta sauce (I love Rao’s, but anything works)
* 1 (15-ounce) container of ricotta cheese
* 1 large egg
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping.
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
* 1 (20-25 ounce) package of frozen or fresh ravioli (cheese, meat, or spinach – your choice!)
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-In
* 1/2 cup chopped onion or bell pepper, sautéed with Ground Beef. * 1/4 cup grated cheese.
* 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

How do I follow

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This is important, or you’ll have a cheesy mess stuck to the bottom! I usually use olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown Ground Beef (or your choice of meat), breaking it up. How do you hold a spoon as it cooks? How do you drain off grease from lasagna? If you’re adding onions or bell peppers, sauté them with the meat until softened. What are some of the best ways to add flavor to a dish?

Step 3: Sauce It Up

Stir in the pasta sauce and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Where can I customize my website? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat, or 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for added flavor.

Step 4: Ricotta Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese and parsley. Set aside. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. What is the best way to bind ricotta together?

Step 5: Layer It On

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. How do you prevent ravioli from sticking? How do you arrange half of ravioli in a single layer over the sauce? Spread half the ricotta mixture over the ravioli, then sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella. Repeat layers: sauce, ravioli, ricotta, mozzarella. Finish with the remaining sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake Time

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and crispy. Lightly golden brown. The foil keeps the lasagna moist and prevents the cheese from burning.

Step 7: Cool Slightly

Let the lasagna cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. How do you cut cheese? What are the best ways to prevent mouth burns?

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy

Serve with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. What are some good side dishes to serve with lasagna?

What should I serve it with?

This lazy lasagna with ravioli is a star on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate it. How do I take my meal to the next level? What are some of the best ideas?For a Classic Italian Dinner:Serve with a simple green salad tossed with some crusty garlic bread for dipping. What is the best way to soak up all that delicious sauce?What is a good weeknight meal?What are some healthy side dishes to serve with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus?For a Special Occasion: A Caesar salad with homemade croutons and a glass of red wine makes this lasagna feel extra fancy.

For the Kids:Serve with cut-up fruit or carrot sticks for a balanced and kid-friendly meal. We always have some garlic knots with ours and a big salad with balsamic vinaigrette; we always get some roasted peppers in our salad. What is the perfect balance between the richness of lasagna and wine?

How do I make Lazy Lasagna with Ravioli?

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that can take this lazy lasagna with ravioli from good to good. What are the top tips for a successful career?Don’t overcook meat: a good Brown the meat until it’s just cooked through, but not dry. Overcooked meat will be tough and flavorless.

Use High-Quality Pasta Sauce: The sauce is the base of the lasagna, so it’s worth investing in a good quality jarred sauce. I like Rao’s, but any brand you love will work.

Don’t Skip the Ricotta Mixture: The ricotta mixture adds a creamy richness that really elevates the lasagna. Make sure to mix it well with the egg and Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.

Layer Carefully: When layering the lasagna, make sure to spread the sauce and ricotta mixture evenly over the ravioli. This will ensure that every bite is packed with flavor.

Don’t Overbake: Overbaked lasagna will be dry and the cheese will be burnt. Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

Let It Rest: Let the lasagna cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the cheese to set up a bit, making it easier to cut and serve. I always make this mistake and end up burning my mouth!

Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Sauté some chopped onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini with the meat.

Get Creative with the Ravioli: Experiment with different types of ravioli, such as cheese, meat, spinach, or even butternut squash.

Make It Vegetarian: Skip the meat altogether and use vegetarian crumbles or extra vegetables instead.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This lazy lasagna with ravioli is even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prepping or leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Room Temperature: Do not leave the lasagna at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s properly covered to prevent it from drying out.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the lasagna. Cut it into individual portions and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Do not keep lasagna that has been in the freezer longer than 3 months.

Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to allow the cheese to melt and bubble.

Reheating in the Microwave: Place a portion of lasagna on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat it, or the cheese will become rubbery.

Remember to let the lasagna cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. This will help prevent it from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free ravioli and gluten-free pasta sauce. You may also want to add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the meat sauce to help thicken it, as gluten-free sauces can sometimes be a bit thinner. I’ve found that a blend of brown rice flour and tapioca starch works best for any sauce thickening.

Do I need to cook the ravioli before assembling the lasagna?

Nope! That’s the beauty of this lazy lasagna. The ravioli will cook perfectly in the oven as the lasagna bakes. Just make sure to use either frozen or fresh ravioli – not dried.

Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?

Absolutely! Sauté some chopped onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini with the meat for added flavor and nutrition. You can also add a layer of spinach or kale between the ravioli and sauce.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Of course! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Gorgonzola would be delicious. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well.

How can I prevent the lasagna from being too watery?

Make sure to drain off any excess grease from the meat. You can also pat the ricotta cheese with paper towels to remove excess moisture. And be sure to let the lasagna cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving, as this will allow the cheese to set up a bit.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this lazy lasagna with ravioli a try! It’s a total crowd-pleaser and the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of lasagna without all the fuss. Plus, it’s so easy to customize and adapt to your own tastes and preferences. What’s not to love? If you’re a fan of easy, comforting pasta dishes, you might also like my baked spaghetti or my creamy tomato pasta bake. Let me know in the comments below if you try this recipe and what you think! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Happy cooking!

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