Baked Ravioli Lasagna

Effortless Elegance: An Easy, Cheesy Ravioli Dinner

If your heart beats for delicious dinner shortcuts that don’t compromise on flavor, then this Ravioli Lasagna is about to become your new kitchen hero! It stands out as one of the most incredibly easy and universally adored meals you can whip up for your family. This dish masterfully combines layers of exceptionally cheesy goodness, robust Italian flavors, and a comforting warmth that truly soothes the soul. It’s the perfect answer for those evenings when you crave a homemade Italian feast but are short on time. What makes it so brilliant is the simple yet effective use of store-bought cheese ravioli, eliminating the need to boil or layer individual lasagna noodles. This smart swap drastically cuts down on prep time, allowing you to enjoy more moments with your loved ones around the dinner table.

The magic begins with perfectly cooked, store-bought cheese ravioli, nestled under a generous blanket of rich Italian sausage pasta sauce. This foundational layer sets the stage for a burst of creamy flavor, as dollops of a meticulously seasoned ricotta cheese mixture, blended with vibrant spinach and aromatic Italian seasonings, are spread over the sauce. The grand finale for each layer involves a lavish sprinkle of freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, creating an irresistible, golden crust when baked. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: you simply repeat these delicious layers, allowing the flavors to meld and harmonize in the oven. The result is an easy weeknight meal that not only rivals traditional lasagna in its deliciousness but often surpasses it in convenience and sheer joy. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Maximize Flavor, Minimize Preparation: The Ultimate Weeknight Solution

This Ravioli Lasagna recipe is more than just a pasta dish; it’s the culinary revelation you’ve been searching for. Its unparalleled deliciousness is matched only by its remarkable ease of preparation, making it an absolute game-changer for busy households. The secret to its simplicity and speed lies in the brilliant use of store-bought ravioli, which transforms the entire cooking process into an absolute breeze. Imagine skipping the laborious task of boiling lasagna noodles and still achieving a comforting, layered pasta bake that tastes like it took hours to create!

The sauce, while simple, is extraordinarily flavorful, thanks to the savory depth of Italian sausage. The spices and richness of the sausage infuse the marinara with an irresistible aroma and taste that elevates the entire dish. It’s no wonder this quickly becomes a steadfast house favorite, cherished by adults and children alike. Its hearty nature and satisfying profile make it perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish to share with guests without spending your entire evening in the kitchen.

To complete this delightful meal, I love to serve it with a selection of fresh and flavorful sides. Pair it with our Crispy Oven-Fried Broccoli, which offers an addictive crunch and vibrant green freshness. A loaf of warm, Homemade French Bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce. And to round out the experience, a crisp Chopped Caesar Salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich pasta. Together, these elements create a delicious, filling, and perfectly balanced meal that feels both special and effortless.

Unlock the Secret: Your Essential Ingredients and Supplies for Ravioli Lasagna

Creating this irresistible Ravioli Lasagna requires a thoughtful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients and the right tools to bring it all together. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of everything you’ll need, along with insights into each ingredient’s role and helpful tips for selecting the best options. (For precise measurements and additional details, please refer to the full recipe card further down this post.)

Key Ingredients: Flavor, Texture, and Hearty Goodness

• Olive oil: A kitchen staple, essential for sautéing the Italian sausage, onion, and garlic. It provides a foundational layer of flavor, prevents ingredients from sticking, and helps develop a rich, golden brown sear on the meat, enhancing the overall depth of the sauce. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for a superior taste.
• Ground Italian sausage: The star protein of this dish, offering a robust, savory, and wonderfully spiced flavor. The inherent herbs and sometimes a hint of heat in Italian sausage contribute significantly to the sauce’s character. You can customize the flavor profile by choosing either sweet Italian sausage for a milder taste or hot Italian sausage for an invigorating kick. Consider lean options to manage fat content, or a mix of pork and beef for added complexity.
• Yellow onion (diced): A foundational aromatic, diced yellow onion caramelizes beautifully during sautéing, releasing its natural sweetness. This creates a deeply flavorful base for the meat sauce, balancing the richness of the sausage and the acidity of the tomatoes. Ensure it’s finely diced for even distribution and quicker cooking.
• Fresh garlic (minced): Indispensable for any Italian-inspired dish, fresh minced garlic intensifies the savory notes, adding a pungent warmth that permeates both the meat and the sauce. Always opt for fresh garlic over pre-minced for the best aroma and flavor.
• Jarred marinara sauce: This convenient ingredient forms the luscious, saucy layer of our lasagna. It provides essential moisture, binding the meat and pasta together while delivering a tangy, rich tomato flavor. The quality of your marinara will significantly impact the final taste, so choose a premium brand with simple, wholesome ingredients for the best results. You can also use homemade marinara if you have it!
• Refrigerated cheese ravioli (do not boil): The brilliant shortcut that makes this lasagna so effortless! These plump, cheese-filled parcels replace traditional lasagna noodles, infusing the dish with an extra layer of cheesy goodness and delightful texture. Crucially, there’s no need to pre-boil them; they will cook perfectly right in the casserole dish, absorbing the flavors of the sauce and ricotta. Feel free to experiment with different ravioli fillings such as spinach & ricotta ravioli for an earthy twist, Italian sausage ravioli to amplify the meatiness, mushroom ravioli for an umami depth, or even a seasonal butternut squash ravioli for a unique fall flavor.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: The quintessential lasagna cheese, creating those iconic, irresistible stretchy, melty layers. Its mild flavor perfectly complements the other ingredients, providing a creamy texture and beautiful golden-brown crust when baked. Use whole milk mozzarella for the creamiest melt.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A powerful flavor booster, Parmesan contributes a salty, nutty, and umami depth that elevates the entire dish. When sprinkled on top, it also crisps up beautifully, adding a textural contrast to the soft ravioli and melted mozzarella. Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
• Whole milk ricotta cheese: Provides a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy layer, mirroring the classic ricotta filling in traditional lasagna. It balances the robust flavors of the sausage and marinara with its mild, milky essence. For a slightly different texture or flavor, ricotta can be substituted with cottage cheese (blended until smooth for a similar consistency) or cream cheese, if preferred.
• Frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained well): A fantastic addition for both nutrition and a subtle earthy flavor. When properly thawed and drained, it adds moisture and a pleasant textural contrast to the creamy ricotta mixture. While highly recommended for its health benefits and flavor, the spinach can be omitted if you prefer a simpler cheese filling.
• Italian seasoning: A convenient blend of classic Mediterranean herbs, typically including oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. This seasoning infuses both the sauce and the ricotta layer with a warm, aromatic herby flavor that ties all the components together.
• Kosher salt: An essential flavor enhancer, salt brings out the best in all ingredients, balancing the sweetness of the onion, the acidity of the tomatoes, and the richness of the cheeses and meat.
• Ground black pepper: Adds a mild, subtle heat and sharpness that complements and balances the creamy, savory, and sweet elements of the dish. Freshly ground pepper is always superior for its aromatic quality.
• Fresh basil: Used for garnishing, fresh basil provides a bright, fragrant herbal note and a beautiful pop of color, adding a final flourish that awakens the senses just before serving.

Essential Supplies: Your Kitchen Toolkit

Having the right tools makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the basic supplies you’ll need for this Ravioli Lasagna:

• 9×13-inch baking dish: The perfect size for a family-sized lasagna, ensuring even cooking and beautiful presentation. Glass or ceramic dishes work best for casseroles.
• Large skillet: Essential for browning the Italian sausage and sautéing the aromatics. Choose one with high sides to contain the ingredients and prevent splattering. A cast-iron skillet can also impart wonderful flavor.
• Medium mixing bowl: For preparing the creamy ricotta and spinach mixture. A spacious bowl ensures easy mixing without spills.
• Nonstick cooking spray: To generously coat your baking dish, ensuring your delicious lasagna slides out easily and cleanup is a breeze.

Mastering Your Ravioli Lasagna: Tips, Tricks, and Delicious Substitutions

Even though this Ravioli Lasagna is incredibly straightforward, a few key tips and creative substitutions can elevate your dish from great to absolutely extraordinary. These insights will help you achieve perfect results every time and adapt the recipe to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.

Quick Tips for a Flawless Bake

• No Pre-Boiling Required: Your Time-Saving Secret! This is perhaps the most critical tip for this recipe. Unlike traditional lasagna noodles, there is absolutely no need to pre-boil the refrigerated (or even frozen) cheese ravioli. They will cook perfectly in the oven, absorbing moisture and flavor from the rich sauce and creamy cheese layers. This shortcut not only saves you a significant amount of time and effort but also ensures the ravioli remain perfectly al dente and tender.
• Thoroughly Drain the Spinach: Prevent Watery Layers. If you’re using frozen chopped spinach, it’s essential to thaw it completely and then squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. You can do this by placing the thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel or a fine-mesh sieve and pressing firmly. Lingering water in the spinach can make your ricotta layers watery and dilute the rich flavors of your lasagna, so don’t skip this crucial step!
• Watch for That Golden, Bubbly Cheese: The Perfect Finish. Keep a close eye on your lasagna during the last phase of baking. The goal is a beautiful golden-brown and bubbling cheese topping, which indicates the cheese is perfectly melted and slightly caramelized, and the entire dish is heated through. This usually takes about 35-40 minutes. Once out of the oven, allow the lasagna to cool and rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This brief resting period is vital, as it allows the molten cheese and sauce layers to set, making it much easier to cut neat, appealing portions.
• Even Layering for Even Cooking: The Foundation of Success. When arranging your ravioli and spreading your sauces and cheese mixtures, aim for even layers. This ensures that all components cook uniformly, preventing dry spots or undercooked ravioli.

Creative Substitutions to Customize Your Lasagna

• Italian Sausage Varieties: The base flavor of your sauce can be easily altered. Use sweet Italian sausage for a milder, more classic flavor profile that appeals to all palates. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, hot Italian sausage will infuse the dish with a delightful spicy kick. Alternatively, for a leaner option, you can swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey, chicken, or beef, simply seasoning them with a pinch of fennel seed, oregano, and red pepper flakes to mimic Italian sausage flavors.
• Ravioli Beyond Cheese: While cheese ravioli is classic, feel free to get creative with your pasta choice. Spinach & ricotta ravioli will add an extra boost of greens and a deeper cheesy flavor. Italian sausage ravioli will intensify the meaty essence of the dish. For gourmet twists, consider mushroom ravioli for an earthy, umami depth, or even butternut squash ravioli for a sweet and savory seasonal flavor, especially in the fall.
• Ricotta Cheese Alternatives: If ricotta isn’t your preference or isn’t available, you have options. Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute; simply blend it in a food processor until smooth to achieve a similar creamy texture. For a richer, tangier flavor, or if you prefer a thicker consistency, cream cheese can also be used. For a dairy-free version, look for plant-based ricotta alternatives available in most specialty stores.
• Elevate Your Shredded Cheese Blend: While mozzarella and Parmesan are stellar, you can enhance the cheesy complexity. Incorporate a handful of shredded fontina cheese for a silkier melt and a nutty, slightly bolder flavor, or add provolone for a sharper, more distinct taste. A mix of cheeses can create a more dynamic flavor profile and an even more impressive cheese pull.
• Marinara Sauce Variations: Your choice of marinara sauce can dramatically change the dish. For a spicier lasagna, opt for a marinara with added red pepper flakes or a pre-made spicy tomato sauce. For a unique creamy texture and milder flavor, consider using a rosé sauce or even a blend of marinara and Alfredo sauce. For a completely different take, an Alfredo sauce can be used for a decadent “white” lasagna, omitting the tomato base entirely.

More Delicious Dishes for Pasta Enthusiasts

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting embrace of pasta and are eager to explore more mouthwatering recipes, you’re in luck! Here are some other cherished pasta dishes that are sure to delight your taste buds and become new family favorites:

• The Best Bucatini Bolognese: Prepare for a truly unforgettable culinary journey with a Bolognese that lives up to its name. This recipe offers incredible depth of flavor and a rich, satisfying texture that speaks of tradition and passion. While it is a labor of love, every moment spent crafting this masterpiece is profoundly worth it for the unparalleled comfort and enjoyment it brings to your table.
• Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Experience the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan reimagined in an incredibly simple casserole format. Say goodbye to boiling pasta and the fuss of breading chicken! This dish offers an easy and fun spin on a beloved classic, delivering all the cheesy, saucy goodness that the whole family will adore, with minimal effort.
• Meatball Stuffed Pasta Shells: Indulge in jumbo pasta shells generously filled with melty cheese, vibrant marinara sauce, and savory meatballs. These delightful stuffed shells are perfect as an impressive appetizer for gatherings or a hearty, satisfying main meal. They are so irresistible, everyone will eagerly request these Meatball Stuffed Pasta Shells again and again!
• Hummus Pasta Salad: Discover a fresh and unexpectedly delicious twist with this Hummus Pasta Salad. It stands out as one of the easiest, healthiest, and most flavorful pasta salads you will ever create. Its unique blend of ingredients guarantees that everyone will love its refreshing taste and delightful texture.
• Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese: A true family favorite for quick and comforting weeknight dinners. This incredibly easy and cheesy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese can be prepared and on your dinner table in less than 30 minutes, making it the ultimate solution for those busy evenings when you crave a warm, satisfying meal without the fuss.

Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (20 ounce) family-size package refrigerated cheese ravioli (about 30 ravioli), do not boil
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 (8 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained well
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Chopped fresh basil, for garnishing (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the sausage, until it is browned and starting to crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat and return the mixture to the pan.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce until well combined. Remove the skillet from the heat.
4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach (ensure it’s well-drained), Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and thoroughly mixed.
5. Arrange half of the unboiled refrigerated ravioli evenly in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. Cover the ravioli layer with half of the sausage-marinara sauce mixture.
7. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the sauce, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese.
8. Arrange the remaining ravioli evenly over the cheese layer.
9. Top the second ravioli layer with the remaining sausage-marinara sauce, dollops of the remaining ricotta mixture, and then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
10. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly on top and the sauce is simmering.
11. Let the lasagna cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
12. Garnish with chopped fresh basil just before serving, if desired, for a touch of fresh flavor and color.