Ravioli Lasagna

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Ravioli lasagna is the comfort food twist pasta lovers didn't know they were missing.

Southern Living Ravioli Lasagna in the pan with a serving on a plate
Photo:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Active Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
8 cups

Ravioli lasagna is about to win a place in your pasta-loving heart. Sure, it's no doubt that making a classic lasagna is an act of love. Between layering the noodles and the long cook time, it's a comfort food often reserved for the slow pace of a Sunday dinner.

But if you're looking for the comfort and delicious flavor of lasagna without the hassle, then you need to try this ravioli lasagna recipe. This twist combines two of our favorite, cozy dinners in a dish that's ready to eat in just 30 minutes. It is just as cheesy and saucy as a traditional lasagna with the help of a few shortcuts like refrigerated ravioli and a jar of marinara sauce.

Learn how to make ravioli lasagna, and you'll soon have your new favorite pasta night dish.

Ingredients for Ravioli Lasagna

If we're not counting water, just six ingredients are needed to create this hearty, satisfying dish. To make ravioli lasagna, you'll need:

  • Olive oil: Used to help brown the sausage.
  • Bulk mild or hot Italian sausage: Adds a flavorful protein to the dish, whether spicy or mild.
  • Marinara sauce: The base of the sauce to bind the lasagna together.
  • Water: To thin the sauce slightly. Note that depending on the marinara sauce used, you may need less water than called for.
  • Refrigerated four-cheese ravioli: Such as Buitoni, for an extra-cheesy lasagna—no layering needed.
  • Whole milk mozzarella: For classic gooey, cheesy layers throughout the lasagna. Opt for pre-shredded mozzarella for an extra shortcut.
  • Fresh basil leaves: Adds an aromatic touch and herbal flavor to the dish.
Southern Living Ravioli Lasagna ingredients

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

How To Make Ravioli Lasagna

Love lasagna but hate all the work that goes into making it? This ravioli lasagna, made in under 30 minutes, is about to change everything you think you know about that classic Italian dish. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

  • Step 1. Prepare oven: Preheat the oven and place the oven rack 8 inches from heat.
  • Step 2. Cook sausage: Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet, and add sausage. Cook until browned.
  • Step 3. Add marinara sauce: Add marinara and water; bring to a boil, stirring to release browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  • Step 4. Add ravioli: Add ravioli, and cook, stirring often, until sauce is thickened and ravioli is just tender.
  • Step 5. Assemble lasagna: Remove from heat. Transfer half to a medium bowl. Sprinkle remaining mixture in skillet with mozzarella. Top with remaining ravioli mixture, then remaining mozzarella.
  • Step 6. Bake lasagna: Bake until melted and lightly browned. Sprinkle with basil before serving.

What To Serve With Ravioli Lasagna

Serve ravioli lasagna with a side of garlic bread, a light salad, roasted vegetables, or sautéed asparagus, broccoli rabe, or spinach for a well-rounded meal. Pair with red wine to take this weeknight meal from everyday to company-approved.

Can I Make Ravioli Lasagna Ahead?

Assemble ravioli lasagna ahead for a weeknight meal that can be ready to eat in minutes:

Prepare and assemble through Step 5 as directed. Wrap and refrigerate for up to two days, or freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Bring to room temperature while the oven preheats to 450°F and bake as directed. Cover to prevent excess browning, and continue to bake until hot throughout.

Southern Living Ravioli Lasagna topped with fresh basil

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Ravioli Lasagna

Cover and store leftover ravioli lasagna in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze, in individual portions for easy reheating, for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave until hot throughout before serving.

More Hearty Pasta Bake Recipes You'll Love

If there's anything more comforting than a pasta bake, we haven't heard of it. Add these satisfying casseroles to your repertoire for guaranteed happy eaters come dinnertime:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil

  • 1 lb. bulk mild or hot Italian sausage

  • 1 (24-oz.) jar marinara sauce

  • 1 cup water

  • 1 (20-oz.) package refrigerated four-cheese ravioli (such as Buitoni)

  • 8 oz. whole milk mozzarella, shredded and divided (about 2 cups)

  • 2 Tbsp. torn fresh basil leaves

Directions

  1. Prepare oven:

    Preheat oven to 450°F with oven rack 8 inches from heat.

  2. Cook sausage:

    Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high. Add sausage, and cook, stirring to crumble, until browned and no longer pink, 6 to 7 minutes.

    Southern Living Ravioli Lasagna browning the meat in the pan

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  3. Add marinara sauce:

    Add marinara sauce and 1 cup water; cook until mixture boils, 2 to 3 minutes, stirring and scraping bottom of skillet to release any browned bits.

    Southern Living Lasagna adding the sauce to the meat

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  4. Add ravioli:

    Add ravioli, and cook, stirring often and gently, until sauce is thickened and ravioli is just tender, 3 to 5 minutes.

    Southern Living Ravioli Lasagna adding the ravioli to the pan

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  5. Assemble lasagna:

    Remove from heat. Transfer half of ravioli mixture to a medium bowl. Sprinkle ravioli mixture in skillet evenly with 1 cup of the mozzarella. Top evenly with remaining half of ravioli mixture; sprinkle evenly with remaining 1 cup mozzarella.

    Southern Living Ravioli Lasagna layering the ravioli with the cheese

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  6. Bake lasagna:

    Bake in preheated oven until mozzarella is melted and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with basil leaves, and serve immediately.

    Southern Living Ravioli Lasagna after baking the pasta

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use frozen ravioli for ravioli lasagna?

    Yes, frozen ravioli can be used in the place of refrigerated ravioli for this lasagna. Cook as directed, adding time as needed until the ravioli are just tender.

  • Can I use other sauces for ravioli lasagna?

    While marinara sauce is traditional, you can experiment by using other types of sauces for this ravioli lasagna, including alfredo, arrabbiata, vodka sauce, and more.

  • Can you freeze ravioli lasagna?

    Freeze the unbaked lasagna for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before baking as directed, adding additional time as needed until hot throughout.

Additional reporting by
Katie Rosenhouse
Katie Rosenhouse
Katie Rosenhouse is a pastry chef and food writer with over 15 years of experience in the culinary arts. She's worked as a pastry chef in some of the finest restaurants in New York City, as a culinary instructor, and as a recipe developer.

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