4-Ingredient Dinner That You’ll Make Over and Over Again

A Simple Four-Ingredient Ravioli Lasagna Recipe You’ll Make Over and Over Again

After a long, exhausting day at work, many of us crave a meal that provides comfort without demanding too much effort. When you come home, tired and hungry, the last thing you want is to deal with complex cooking procedures or a mile-long list of ingredients. This is where our four-ingredient ravioli lasagna recipe comes into play. It’s a true lifesaver for those who want a hearty, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

This easy, quick-to-make dinner only requires four basic ingredients, making it one of the most practical weeknight recipes you’ll ever come across. And the best part? It’s so good that it will easily become a family favorite.

The Four Simple Ingredients That Make All the Difference

Let’s start by breaking down the magic behind this dish. At first glance, the ingredients might seem basic, but when combined, they create a rich, flavorful lasagna that tastes like it took much more time and effort. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Mild Italian sausage
• Cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)
• Shredded Italian cheese (a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan works perfectly)

These ingredients may already be in your kitchen, which means you can skip the grocery run and dive straight into cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone who only steps into the kitchen out of necessity, this recipe will surprise you with how effortlessly it comes together.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ravioli Lasagna

1. Cooking the Italian Sausage

The first step is to cook your mild Italian sausage. This is where the dish starts building its rich, savory flavor. Brown the sausage in a pan over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Within minutes, the sausage will release its delicious, meaty aroma, signaling that you’re well on your way to culinary comfort. Cook the sausage until it’s a nice, golden-brown color—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, you’ll want to drain any excess fat from the pan to keep your lasagna from becoming too greasy.

2. Simmering the Marinara Sauce

Next, add the marinara sauce to the sausage. If you’re short on time, a good quality store-bought marinara sauce will do the trick. However, if you want to take it up a notch, making your own sauce can add a personal touch. Either way, the goal is to let the sauce simmer for a few minutes with the sausage so that the flavors blend beautifully. The sausage will soak up the tangy sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a well-rounded sauce that’s perfect for the lasagna.

3. Layering the Cheese Ravioli

Now comes the fun part: assembling the lasagna. Start by spreading a layer of the sausage and sauce mixture at the bottom of your baking dish. Then, add a layer of cheese ravioli—either fresh or frozen will work fine. The beauty of this dish is that you don’t need to pre-cook the ravioli. As it bakes, the ravioli will absorb the flavors of the sauce, becoming tender and delicious.

4. Topping with Shredded Italian Cheese

Finally, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Italian cheese on top. A blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan is ideal, as it melts into a golden, bubbly crust that’s impossible to resist. The cheese forms the perfect gooey topping that ties all the flavors together.

The Baking Process: 30 Minutes to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and cover your lasagna with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the ravioli to cook through and the cheese to melt. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to let the cheese develop a golden, crispy layer. The moment you take it out of the oven, you’ll be greeted by the irresistible aroma of an Italian trattoria.