Ravioli Lasagna: A Delicious Twist on Classic Comfort Food

Ravioli lasagna: the ultimate weeknight comfort food that will have everyone begging for seconds! Forget layering finicky lasagna noodles; this ingenious recipe swaps them out for plump, cheesy ravioli, creating a dish that’s both incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious.

While the exact origins of layering pasta with sauce and cheese are debated, the concept of lasagna has deep roots in Italian culinary history. This ravioli lasagna takes that classic idea and gives it a modern, family-friendly twist. It’s a brilliant shortcut that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction.

What’s not to love? The tender ravioli, nestled in a rich tomato sauce and blanketed with melted mozzarella, offer a delightful combination of textures and tastes. It’s the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and comforting. Plus, it’s so quick to assemble, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience lasagna in a whole new, incredibly simple way!

Ingredients:

• 1 (25 ounce) package frozen cheese ravioli
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil, for drizzling

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of this ravioli lasagna – the meat sauce! This is where all the delicious flavors come together, so take your time and enjoy the process.

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, drizzle a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned all over. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy lasagna!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine everything. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will become. I usually let mine simmer for an hour or more! Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a little sugar if the sauce is too acidic. This is your chance to make it perfect!

Preparing the Ricotta Cheese Mixture:

Now, let’s move on to the creamy ricotta cheese mixture. This adds a lovely layer of richness and texture to the lasagna.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
2. Season to Taste: Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the ricotta mixture. Again, taste and adjust as needed. You want it to be flavorful but not overpowering.

Assembling the Ravioli Lasagna:

Alright, the moment we’ve been waiting for – assembling the lasagna! This is where all your hard work comes together to create a masterpiece.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This will prevent the lasagna from sticking to the bottom.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Now, let’s start layering!
   • Bottom Layer: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. This will help keep the ravioli from sticking and add flavor to the bottom layer.
   • Ravioli Layer: Arrange half of the frozen ravioli in a single layer over the meat sauce. You can slightly overlap them if needed.
   • Ricotta Layer: Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the ravioli.
   • Mozzarella Layer: Sprinkle one cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta cheese.
   • Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers: meat sauce, the remaining ravioli, the remaining ricotta cheese mixture, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
   • Final Sauce Layer: Spread the remaining meat sauce evenly over the top layer of mozzarella cheese. Make sure everything is nicely covered.
4. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help keep the moisture in and prevent the top from burning. Bake for 30 minutes.
5. Uncover and Bake: Remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through. The top should be golden brown and slightly crispy.
6. Let it Rest: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the lasagna to set and makes it easier to slice. Trust me, this step is important!

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize your ravioli lasagna? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Add Some Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little kick.
• Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme in the sauce and ricotta mixture for a more vibrant flavor.
• Use Different Ravioli: Try using different flavors of ravioli, such as spinach and cheese, mushroom, or even lobster ravioli.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions:

This ravioli lasagna is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich lasagna.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Wine Pairing: A light-bodied red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir pairs well with this lasagna.

Storage Instructions:

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices of lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions:

Here’s how to reheat your leftover ravioli lasagna:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place a slice of lasagna on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Ravioli Lasagna! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This ravioli lasagna isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to throw together, you absolutely must give this recipe a try. The combination of tender ravioli, rich tomato sauce, creamy cheeses, and that delightful hint of Italian seasoning creates a symphony of tastes that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a chilly evening or a casual gathering with friends and family.

But what truly elevates this dish is its versatility. While the recipe I’ve shared is a classic for a reason, don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own! For a vegetarian twist, try using spinach and ricotta ravioli and adding layers of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. If you’re a meat lover, consider incorporating cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or even shredded chicken into the sauce. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat, while a drizzle of balsamic glaze provides a sweet and tangy finish.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Serve it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the lasagna.
* Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is a must for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
* For a lighter option, use part-skim ricotta cheese and reduced-fat mozzarella.
* Experiment with different types of ravioli – mushroom, lobster, or even butternut squash ravioli would all be fantastic!
* If you’re short on time, use a jar of your favorite pre-made marinara sauce. Just be sure to doctor it up with some extra garlic, herbs, and a pinch of sugar to enhance the flavor.
* For a truly decadent experience, add a layer of béchamel sauce between the ravioli and tomato sauce.

I’m confident that this ravioli lasagna will become a new family favorite. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The best part? It’s almost impossible to mess up! The forgiving nature of the recipe allows for substitutions and adjustments based on your preferences and what you have on hand.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise you won’t regret it! And once you’ve tried it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and learn from your experiences. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy!