Description
Cheesy layers of homemade ravioli lasagna promise a delightful Italian-inspired comfort meal that blends classic pasta techniques with innovative twists. Perfectly balanced with rich ricotta, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella, you’ll savor each hearty, satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (25 ounces / 708 grams) package cheese ravioli
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Cheese Accents:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Protein:
- 1/2 cup cooked ground beef or Italian sausage
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F, ensuring optimal cooking temperature for the dish.
- Prepare frozen ravioli according to package directions until perfectly tender, then drain thoroughly.
- Create a harmonious ricotta mixture by blending ricotta cheese with Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Coat the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish with a thin marinara sauce layer to prevent sticking and enhance flavor foundation.
- Arrange the first half of cooked ravioli across the sauce, creating an even base layer.
- Spread half of the prepared ricotta mixture uniformly over the ravioli, ensuring complete coverage.
- Drizzle a generous amount of marinara sauce across the ricotta layer, then sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese for added richness.
- Repeat the layering process: add remaining ravioli, distribute the rest of the ricotta mixture, cover with additional marinara sauce.
- Complete the dish by topping with the remaining mozzarella cheese, creating a golden, enticing surface.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, maintaining moisture and even cooking.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and achieves a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Swap frozen ravioli with fresh ones for a more authentic, restaurant-quality texture and flavor profile.
- Choose whole wheat or gluten-free ravioli to accommodate dietary restrictions and add nutritional value.
- Customize the cheese mixture by adding ricotta alternatives like cottage cheese or plant-based options for different dietary needs.
- Enhance the marinara sauce with roasted garlic, red pepper flakes, or fresh basil to elevate the overall taste complexity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg