Lazy Cheese Ravioli Lasagna: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Busy Nights

Lazy Cheese Ravioli Lasagna is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna that brings comfort food to a whole new level. Imagine layers of cheesy ravioli, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese all baked to perfection. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also saves you time in the kitchen, making it a favorite for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Originating from the heart of Italian cuisine, lasagna has long been a beloved staple, but the addition of cheese ravioli elevates it to a new realm of deliciousness. People adore this dish for its incredible taste and texture; the soft ravioli combined with the savory sauce creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, the convenience of using pre-made ravioli means you can whip up this Lazy Cheese Ravioli Lasagna in no time, allowing you to spend more moments enjoying the company of your loved ones rather than slaving away in the kitchen. Join me as we dive into this easy and scrumptious recipe that is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients:

• 1 package (9 oz) of refrigerated cheese ravioli
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Cheese Mixture

First things first, let’s get our cheese mixture ready. This will add a creamy, delicious layer to our lasagna.

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. I like to use a fork for this, as it helps break up the ricotta and makes it nice and smooth.
2. Once mixed, set the cheese mixture aside. This will be layered in between the ravioli and sauce, adding a rich flavor to our dish.

Assembling the Lasagna

Now that we have our cheese mixture ready, it’s time to assemble our lazy lasagna. This is the fun part!

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that our lasagna cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden top.
2. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This will prevent the ravioli from sticking and add flavor right from the start.
3. Next, place a single layer of cheese ravioli over the sauce. You can use about half of the package here. Make sure they are evenly spaced and not overlapping too much.
4. Now, take half of the ricotta cheese mixture and dollop it over the ravioli. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out gently. It doesn’t have to be perfect; just make sure it covers most of the ravioli.
5. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta. I usually go for about half a cup, but feel free to add more if you love cheese!
6. Pour another layer of marinara sauce over the mozzarella. This will keep everything moist and flavorful.
7. Repeat the layering process: another layer of ravioli, the remaining ricotta mixture, more mozzarella, and another layer of marinara sauce. You should have two layers of ravioli and two layers of cheese mixture.
8. For the final layer, place the last of the ravioli on top, cover it with the remaining marinara sauce, and finish with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This will create a beautiful, cheesy crust.

Baking the Lasagna

Now that our lasagna is assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection!

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help the lasagna cook evenly and prevent the cheese from burning.
2. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the ravioli to cook through and the flavors to meld together.
3. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Be cautious of the steam! Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. I like to keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

Letting It Rest

Once the lasagna is out of the oven, it’s important to let it rest before serving. This helps everything set and makes it easier to cut into portions.

1. Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the layers hold together when you slice into it.
2. If you’re feeling fancy, you can garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving the Lazy Cheese Ravioli Lasagna

Now comes the best part—serving and

Conclusion:

In summary, this Lazy Cheese Ravioli Lasagna is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to whip up a delicious, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The layers of cheesy ravioli, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella create a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress family and friends with minimal effort! For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with a fresh garden salad and some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. If you want to mix things up, feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or even some cooked ground meat for an extra protein boost. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility; you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Lazy Cheese Ravioli Lasagna a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation! Let’s spread the love for this easy and delightful dish together. Happy cooking! Print