As a busy parent, finding quick, tasty meals is a challenge. That’s why this easy ravioli lasagna recipe is a game-changer. It only needs four ingredients and little prep time. Now, my family loves the comforting lasagna I make.
Traditional lasagna takes a lot of time to make, making it rare for many families. But this ravioli version is different. It uses frozen cheese ravioli, so you can have a cheesy lasagna ready in about 10 minutes. Then, just bake it until it’s perfect.
This easy ravioli lasagna is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a big gathering. It has melted mozzarella, savory marinara sauce, and tender ravioli. It’s a tasty way to enjoy lasagna without the fuss.
Why This 4-Ingredient Ravioli Lasagna Will Become Your Go-To Meal
Meet the ultimate quick and family-friendly dinner: the 4-ingredient ravioli lasagna. It’s a budget-friendly dish perfect for busy weeknights. Everyone in the household will love it.
Time-Saving Benefits
Forget the long process of traditional lasagna. This ravioli version is quick, with a total cook time of just 20-30 minutes. It needs only four simple ingredients: mild Italian sausage, marinara sauce, cheese ravioli, and shredded Italian cheese. You can also use ground beef or turkey instead of sausage.
Kid-Friendly Features
Ravioli lasagna is a crowd-pleaser, great for kids. The familiar flavors and textures of ravioli and cheese make it a hit. It’s a fun way to add protein to a meal everyone will enjoy.
Cost-Effective Alternative
This ravioli lasagna is more budget-friendly than traditional lasagna. It uses store-bought ingredients and fewer components. You can also customize it with what you have, making it a versatile choice.
This 4-ingredient ravioli lasagna is a winner for its quickness, kid appeal, and affordability. It’s set to become your family’s new favorite quick lasagna, family-friendly meal, and budget-friendly dinner.
Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools
Making the perfect ravioli lasagna starts with the right ingredients and kitchen essentials. This dish needs a few simple, tasty parts to make a meal everyone will love.
The main ingredients are:
- Frozen or fresh ravioli (about 18-20 ounces)
- A 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce
- 1 pound of ground beef (optional, for extra taste)
- 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Some recipes add Italian sausage for more flavor. You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish, a big skillet, aluminum foil, and a strong spatula.
This ravioli lasagna recipe is easy to customize. Try different ravioli types like cheese, spinach, or meat-filled. You can also change up the marinara sauce to please your family. With these kitchen essentials for lasagna, you’re ready to make a tasty ravioli lasagna that everyone will enjoy.
Ravioli Lasagna: Step-by-Step Assembly Guide
Making this tasty Ravioli Lasagna is easy with our guide. First, heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Preparing Your Baking Dish
Begin by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the dish. This helps the ravioli not stick and cooks evenly.
Layering Technique Tips
Place a single layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce. Make sure they’re spread out evenly. Then, add more marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Keep repeating these layers, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
Proper Baking Instructions
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This will make the cheese bubbly and golden. For a crispy top, broil for a minute. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to set the layers.
FAQ
What is ravioli lasagna?
Ravioli lasagna is a quick and tasty meal. It mixes cheese ravioli, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
How long does it take to make ravioli lasagna?
You can prep this lasagna in under 10 minutes. Then, it bakes in about 45 minutes. It’s a fast and easy dinner.
What are the key ingredients in ravioli lasagna?
You’ll need fresh or frozen ravioli (18-20 oz), marinara sauce (24-oz jar), and ground beef (1 lb). Also, 8 oz of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese are essential. Some like to add Italian sausage for more taste.
What are the benefits of using ravioli instead of traditional lasagna noodles?
Using ravioli saves time and effort. It’s a great choice for busy families who want a quick meal.
Is ravioli lasagna kid-friendly?
Yes, kids love ravioli lasagna. Its familiar flavors and textures make it a hit with young ones and picky eaters.
How can I customize the ravioli lasagna recipe?
You can make it your own by trying different ravioli (cheese, spinach, or meat). Use various sauces and add Italian sausage for extra flavor.
Can I prepare the ravioli lasagna in advance?
Yes, you can prep it up to three days ahead. Just store it in the fridge before baking.
Ravioli Lasagna
Ingredients
- 2 20 oz packages cheese ravioli, fresh or frozen
- 2 24 oz jars marinara sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil for garnish optional
Instructions
Meat Sauce Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with onion until meat is no longer pink (8-10 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant (1 minute).
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Cheese Mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine:
- Ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper
- Mix well until combined
Assembly
- 1 – In a 9×13 inch baking dish:
- Spread 1 cup meat sauce on bottom
- Layer half of the ravioli
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture
- Add half of remaining meat sauce
- Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella
- 2 – Repeat layers:
- Remaining ravioli
- Remaining ricotta mixture
- Remaining meat sauce
- Remaining mozzarella
- Remaining Parmesan
Baking
- Cover with foil (spray foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking to cheese)
- Bake covered for 30 minutes
- Remove foil and bake additional 15 minutes until bubbly and cheese is golden
- Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired
Notes
Make Ahead & Storage
- Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.
- Freeze: Cover well and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.
- Leftovers: Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Variations
- Use different ravioli flavors (spinach, mushroom, etc.)
- Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for beef
- Add sautéed vegetables (mushrooms, spinach, zucchini)
- Use different cheese combinations
- Make it vegetarian by omitting meat and using vegetable-filled ravioli
Tips
- No need to boil ravioli first – they’ll cook in the sauce
- Let rest before serving to make cutting easier
- Use fresh ravioli for best texture
- Don’t skip the egg in ricotta mixture – it helps bind the cheese layer
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 28g
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