OMG, I tried this last night and my taste buds are still partying! Never thought something this tasty could be so easy to whip up. Now I’ve got everyone at home asking for seconds and thirds…
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If there’s one dish that proves weeknight dinners can feel just as special as Sunday suppers, it’s this Ravioli Lasagna Bake. Picture all the gooey, cheesy layers of traditional lasagna—without the hassle of boiling noodles or spending hours in the kitchen. The secret shortcut? Store-bought ravioli, which doubles as both pasta and creamy filling. The result is a bubbling, golden bake that tastes slow-simmered but comes together in minutes.
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I first discovered this recipe during a hectic week when lasagna cravings struck but time was short. A bag of frozen cheese ravioli became my inspiration, and layered with marinara, mozzarella, and ricotta, it transformed into the coziest comfort food. My family devoured the entire pan before I could even save leftovers—an instant classic in our home.
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What makes this bake so lovable is its versatility. Swap ravioli fillings to suit your mood—spinach and cheese for something lighter, beef ravioli for extra heartiness. Sneak in veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach, and suddenly it’s family-friendly and secretly wholesome.
And the presentation? When you pull that bubbling dish from the oven, with melty cheese stretching at every scoop, it looks and smells like a restaurant-worthy lasagna. Except no one has to know it came together in under an hour.
📝 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | — |
| Ground beef or Italian sausage | 1 pound | — |
| Onion | 1 small | diced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | minced |
| Marinara sauce | 24 ounces | jar |
| Crushed tomatoes | 14 ounces | can |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | — |
| Salt & black pepper | to taste | — |
| Cheese ravioli | 2 packages (25 oz each) | frozen, do not thaw |
| Mozzarella cheese | 2 cups | shredded |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup | optional, for creaminess |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup | grated |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons | chopped, for garnish |
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and onion; cook until beef is browned and onion softened (6–8 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 2: Add the Sauce
- Pour in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
- Spread 1 cup of sauce mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce.
- Top with half of the remaining sauce, dollops of ricotta (if using), and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Repeat with remaining ravioli, sauce, ricotta, and cheeses.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Serve
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
✨ Comfort food made easy—this Ravioli Lasagna Bake is proof that weeknight dinners can be both effortless and indulgent.
