Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Few dishes are as universally beloved and soul-satisfying as lasagna. Its layers of tender pasta, savory sauce, rich cheese, and hearty fillings have earned it a permanent spot on dinner tables across cultures. Yet, traditional lasagna—while delicious—is undeniably time-consuming. Between boiling noodles, preparing multiple fillings, and carefully assembling layer upon layer, it can feel like a culinary project reserved for special occasions. Enter Ravioli Lasagna—a brilliant shortcut that doesn’t cut corners on flavor.

Ravioli lasagna is the best of both worlds: it takes the comforting essence of classic lasagna and cleverly streamlines the process by using store-bought or homemade ravioli in place of traditional pasta sheets. Each pillow of ravioli is already stuffed with creamy cheese or savory meat, meaning you’re doubling up on taste with every layer. The result? A dish that feels gourmet but is incredibly approachable—even for busy weeknights or beginner cooks.

What makes ravioli lasagna so special isn’t just its convenience, but its flexibility. From frozen cheese ravioli and jarred marinara sauce to fresh spinach ravioli with homemade béchamel, the recipe adapts easily to whatever ingredients you have on hand or flavors you love most. It’s also a wonderful make-ahead meal, perfect for freezing and reheating without sacrificing texture or flavor.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of crafting the ultimate ravioli lasagna—from selecting the right ravioli and choosing your sauces, to layering techniques, baking tips, and creative variations. Whether you’re making dinner for a crowd, planning a cozy night in, or prepping a freezer-friendly dish, this recipe promises all the decadence of lasagna with half the effort.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Ravioli Lasagna

Ravioli lasagna may be easier than traditional lasagna, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less delicious. The key lies in building layers that are rich, balanced, and flavorful. Whether you’re using frozen ravioli and jarred sauce or making everything from scratch, the following steps will help you create a lasagna that’s both foolproof and crowd-pleasing.

1. Gather Your Tools and Ingredients

Before you begin, it’s essential to gather your ingredients and make sure you have the right tools on hand. This keeps the process smooth and enjoyable.

Equipment Checklist:

• 9×13-inch baking dish (ceramic or glass preferred)

• Mixing bowls

• Large spoon or spatula

• Saucepan (if making your own sauce)

• Cheese grater

• Aluminum foil

• Ladle or measuring cup (for sauce)

• Knife and cutting board (for optional add-ins)

• Colander (if using fresh ravioli)

Ingredient Base (for Classic Cheese Ravioli Lasagna):

This classic version uses store-bought ingredients to make a fast, delicious dish.

Main Components:

• 2 (24-ounce) bags of frozen cheese ravioli (or about 48–60 pieces)

• 4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1½ cups ricotta cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)

• Olive oil or butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Note: You can swap cheese ravioli for spinach, mushroom, or meat-filled ravioli for different flavor profiles. More on variations later.

2. Preheat the Oven

Before assembly begins, get your oven ready.

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Position the oven rack in the middle. If using convection, reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and keep a close eye during the final minutes.

3. Make or Warm the Sauce

You can use jarred marinara sauce, but if you’re feeling ambitious, making your own adds an extra layer of flavor.

Quick Homemade Marinara (optional):

• Sauté 3 cloves garlic in 2 tablespoons olive oil.

• Add 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes.

• Simmer for 15–20 minutes with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of sugar.

• Add fresh basil or oregano to taste.

Warm your sauce in a saucepan so it spreads easily over the layers.

4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

The ricotta layer is creamy, rich, and essential for the classic lasagna texture.

Instructions:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine:

   • 1½ cups ricotta cheese

   • 1 large egg

   • ½ cup grated Parmesan

   • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

2. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

3. Season with a small pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper to balance the flavor.

Pro Tip: If you like a tangier, more complex filling, mix in a couple of tablespoons of mascarpone or sour cream.

5. Assemble the Lasagna

Now comes the fun part—layering! Be generous with your sauce and cheese, but aim for balance. This recipe is designed for 3 full layers.

Step-by-Step Assembly:

Step 1: Grease the Dish

• Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Sauce Base Layer

• Spread about ½ to ¾ cup of marinara evenly across the bottom. This keeps the ravioli from sticking and burning.

Step 3: First Layer of Ravioli

• Place a single layer of frozen ravioli directly on top of the sauce. Do not thaw them beforehand—they will cook perfectly in the oven.

• Arrange them snugly, but avoid overlapping too much.

Step 4: Ricotta Layer

• Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture across the ravioli, then gently spread it out with a spatula. You don’t need full coverage—just enough to create pockets of creaminess.

Step 5: Mozzarella + Sauce

• Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella over the ricotta.

• Spoon another ½ to ¾ cup of marinara over the cheese.

Step 6: Repeat Layers

• Repeat the ravioli → ricotta → mozzarella → sauce sequence for at least two more layers, or until the dish is full (usually three layers in total).

• Finish with a final layer of ravioli topped with sauce and a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Layering Tip: Your final layer should be sauce and cheese only—no ricotta—so it melts into a bubbly, golden crust.

6. Cover and Bake

Baking in two stages—covered and uncovered—ensures thorough cooking and a beautifully browned top.

Instructions:

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps moisture and steam, helping cook the ravioli through.

2. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 minutes.

7. Uncover and Finish Baking

Once the ravioli are cooked through and the layers have melded, it’s time to brown the top.

Instructions:

1. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the top is:

   • Bubbling around the edges

   • Lightly browned and melted across the top

Optional: For a deeply golden crust, turn on the broiler during the last 2–3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

8. Let It Rest

Just like traditional lasagna, ravioli lasagna needs a few minutes to rest. This allows the cheese to set and the layers to firm up, making it easier to serve.

Instructions:

• Remove from the oven and let rest for 10–15 minutes, uncovered.

• Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.

9. Serve and Enjoy

Slice into squares and serve with your favorite sides. This dish is hearty on its own but shines even more with the right accompaniments.

Great Pairings:

• Garlic bread or focaccia

• Caesar salad or arugula salad

• Roasted vegetables (e.g., zucchini, eggplant)

• A glass of red wine (Chianti, Zinfandel, or a mellow Pinot Noir)