Ravioli Lasagna

Ravioli Lasagna combines layers of tender frozen ravioli, rich Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella baked in a flavorful marinara sauce. This easy-to-make casserole offers a comforting Italian meal that requires no boiling noodles and is perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Featuring classic Italian ingredients and simple prep, this baked ravioli dish delivers hearty, cheesy goodness with every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 (28-ounce) jars high-quality marinara sauce
• 2 (25-ounce) packages frozen ravioli
• 1 (15-ounce) package ricotta cheese
• 3 cups (12 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings: freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Dish:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Brown the Sausage:
   Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spatula, until fully browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a clean plate and set aside.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
   Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the sausage grease in the pan, discarding the rest. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Add Sauce and Sausage:
   Stir in the marinara sauce and browned sausage. Mix well, then remove from heat.
5. Layer the Lasagna:
   Spread about 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
   • Add one package of frozen ravioli in an even layer.
   • Dollop all ricotta cheese evenly over the ravioli.
   • Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
   • Spread half of the remaining meat sauce over the mozzarella.
   • Add the second package of ravioli in another even layer.
   • Pour the remaining meat sauce on top, spreading evenly.
   • Finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake:
   Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese. Bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. Turn on the broiler and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
7. Serve:
   Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Serve warm for a cheesy, comforting meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the convenience of frozen ravioli with the classic flavors of lasagna.
• Layers of rich sausage, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella make it hearty and satisfying.
• Simple prep with no boiling noodles required, saving time without sacrificing taste.

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Tips

• Use high-quality marinara for the best flavor.
• If the top cheese browns too quickly under the broiler, keep the foil nearby to cover and prevent burning.
• Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to set for easier slicing.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute Italian sausage with ground beef, turkey, or plant-based sausage.
• Swap frozen ravioli for cheese or spinach ravioli to vary flavor.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach between layers for extra veggies.

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FAQs

Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.

Do I need to thaw the ravioli before layering?
No, frozen ravioli can be layered directly; they will cook through during baking.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a full Italian-inspired meal.
• Serve with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the flavors.