This million dollar ravioli lasagna is a fun twist on a classic dish! It layers cheesy ravioli with sauce and lots of gooey cheese, making it super inviting at dinner time.
Honestly, who wouldn’t want a dish that looks fancy but is so easy to make? I love serving it with a side salad. It always gets smiles and asks for seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Cheese Ravioli: This is the star of the dish! I prefer using cheese-filled ravioli for that classic lasagna taste. If you can’t find ravioli, try using frozen tortellini or even homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!
Marinara Sauce: A homemade sauce is great, but any store-bought marinara works just as well. You can use a spicy marinara if you want to kick up the flavor. Don’t worry about specific brands; find one that you enjoy!
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: This adds heartiness! If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can skip the meat or use ground turkey or a plant-based alternative to keep it delicious without the fat.
Cheese Varieties: I love a mix of mozzarella and ricotta for that creaminess and stretch. You can switch mozzarella for provolone or add some goat cheese for a tangier flavor!
Fresh Parsley: This adds freshness, but you can substitute with dried parsley or other fresh herbs like basil or oregano if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Make Sure My Lasagna is Layered Perfectly?
Layering is key to a good million dollar ravioli lasagna. It’s about balance and making sure every bite has flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a thin layer of sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Layer half the ravioli, then dollop half the ricotta mixture on top. This ensures the ricotta blends well.
- Spread a nice layer of sauce and sprinkle mozzarella evenly.
- Keep repeating until ingredients run out, finishing with mozzarella for that lovely, cheesy top.
- Cover with foil during the first bake to keep moisture in, then uncover to let that cheese get nice and golden!
This layering technique ensures every piece is flavorful and nicely cooked! You’ll impress everyone without spending hours in the kitchen!
Easy Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 1 (25 oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional for meat version)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prep, and then you’ll need to bake it for about 35-40 minutes. So, total time from start to finish is around 1 hour. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Sauté:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and heat it up. Once warm, toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
2. Cook the Meat (Optional):
If you’re adding meat, now’s the time! Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned and cooked through, then be sure to drain any excess fat – we want to keep it delicious but not greasy.
3. Add the Sauce:
Now stir in the marinara sauce along with the Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste to enhance those flavors!
4. Prepare the Ravioli:
While the sauce is simmering, cook the ravioli according to the package instructions (usually just boil them for about 4-5 minutes). Once done, drain the ravioli and set them aside.
5. Mix the Ricotta:
In a separate medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with half of the parsley and the grated Parmesan cheese. This will give it a lovely flavor!
6. Start Layering:
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom. Now, lay half of the cooked ravioli down in a single layer over the sauce.
7. Add More Layers:
Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli. Then spoon over half of the remaining sauce. Don’t forget to sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top!
8. Repeat the Process:
Now, repeat the layering process! Arrange the remaining ravioli, add the rest of the ricotta mixture, spoon on the remaining sauce, and top it all with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Yum!
9. Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. The aroma will be heavenly!
10. Serve:
Finally, garnish with the remaining chopped parsley for a touch of freshness. Serve warm and watch everyone dive in for seconds!
This creamy and cheesy layered ravioli bake gives you the comforting taste of lasagna with a lot less fuss, making it a go-to for quick, delicious dinners!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Fresh Ravioli Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh ravioli, you can skip the cooking step—they’ll cook perfectly in the oven. Just be sure to add a little extra sauce to keep everything moist!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add some sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. You can also add more cheese if you like!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, feel free to assemble the lasagna a day in advance! Just cover it well and refrigerate. Bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for a quick option!
