Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna: A Simple and Satisfying Comfort Meal

Imagine a casserole dish filled with layers of tender cheese ravioli, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all baked to golden perfection. That’s the delightful experience of Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna. This recipe is a fantastic alternative to traditional lasagna, offering all the comforting flavors without the fuss of layering individual noodles. I remember the first time I made this dish. I was looking for a quick and easy dinner that would still impress my family. I had some ravioli in the freezer and decided to give this recipe a try. The result was amazing! The simplicity of using ravioli made the preparation incredibly easy, and the final dish was a hit with everyone. This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks. It’s straightforward, uses readily available ingredients, and requires minimal cooking skills. The layering process is simple, and the baking time is mostly hands-off, allowing you to focus on other tasks. Plus, the combination of cheese, marinara sauce, and ravioli provides a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Print

Ingredients and Preparation: Building Layers of Flavor

This recipe relies on a combination of familiar ingredients that, when layered and baked, create a flavorful and satisfying lasagna experience. Here’s a detailed breakdown with added tips and tricks to ensure success:

Base Ingredients:

• Cheese Ravioli: 1 (25 oz) package, refrigerated or frozen. Using cheese ravioli simplifies the lasagna-making process. Fresh ravioli tends to have a softer texture, while frozen ravioli is convenient and readily available. If using frozen ravioli, partially cook it according to package directions to ensure it’s al dente. This prevents the ravioli from becoming mushy during baking. If fresh ravioli is used, then no pre-cooking is needed.
• Marinara Sauce: 2 cups. Marinara sauce provides the base flavor for the lasagna. Choose a high-quality store-bought sauce or make your own for a more personalized touch. A good quality sauce will enhance the flavor of the entire lasagna.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups. Mozzarella cheese adds a creamy, melty texture and a mild flavor. Whole milk mozzarella melts beautifully, providing a rich and creamy texture. Part-skim mozzarella works too, but it may not melt as smoothly.
• Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup. Ricotta cheese adds a creamy, tangy flavor and a light texture. Full-fat ricotta provides the richest flavor, but low-fat options are also available. The texture of the ricotta adds a contrast to the other ingredients.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory flavor and a slightly nutty taste. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese has a more intense flavor than pre-grated. Freshly grated Parmesan will melt better and add more flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped, plus extra for garnish. Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous flavor and a pop of color. Fresh herbs will add a more vibrant taste to the lasagna.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. Garlic powder adds a savory, aromatic flavor. Garlic powder is convenient, but fresh minced garlic can also be used.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon. Italian seasoning adds a classic Italian flavor blend. Italian seasoning provides a convenient blend of herbs.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors of the lasagna. Taste the ricotta mixture and the marinara sauce before layering and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Optional Ingredients:

• Cooked Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: ½ cup. Adding cooked ground beef or Italian sausage provides a heartier, protein-rich option. Brown the meat before layering it into the lasagna. This will add depth to the dish.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions:

Base Ingredients:

• Ravioli Alternatives: Use other filled pastas like tortellini or manicotti. You can also use lasagna sheets, but they will require pre-cooking. You can also use stuffed shells.
• Marinara Sauce Alternatives: Use a chunky tomato sauce, vodka sauce, or pesto sauce for different flavor profiles. You can also use a combination of sauces.
• Mozzarella Cheese Alternatives: Use provolone, fontina, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles. You can also use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
• Ricotta Cheese Alternatives: Use cottage cheese or a blend of ricotta and mascarpone for different textures and flavors. You can also use a vegan ricotta alternative.
• Parmesan Cheese Alternatives: Use Pecorino Romano cheese for a sharper, saltier flavor. You can also use a vegan Parmesan alternative.
• Parsley Alternatives: Use fresh basil, oregano, or a mix of herbs for different flavors. You can also use cilantro.
• Garlic Powder Alternatives: Use fresh minced garlic for a more intense garlic flavor. You can also use roasted garlic.
• Italian Seasoning Alternatives: Use a blend of individual spices like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. You can also use a pre-made Italian spice blend.

Optional Ingredient Alternatives:

• Meat Alternatives: Use cooked ground turkey, chicken, or vegetarian crumbles for different protein options. You can also use cooked mushrooms or spinach. You can also use lentils.

Additions:

• Vegetable Additions: Add sautéed vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients. You can also add spinach or zucchini.
• Spice Additions: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. You can also add a sprinkle of dried oregano.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Masterpiece

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the lasagna cooks evenly and the cheese melts properly.
2. Cook the Ravioli (if needed): If using frozen ravioli, cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set them aside. This prevents the ravioli from becoming mushy during baking.
3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until smooth and creamy. This creates a flavorful and creamy layer for the lasagna.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents the lasagna from sticking and adds flavor to the bottom layer.
5. Layer the Ingredients:
   • Layer half of the cooked ravioli over the sauce, ensuring an even distribution.
   • Spread half of the ricotta mixture on top of the ravioli, smoothing it out with a spatula.
   • Add another generous layer of marinara sauce over the ricotta mixture, covering it completely.
   • Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce, creating an even layer.
6. Repeat the Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
7. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to keep the lasagna moist during baking. Pop it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
8. Uncover and Bake: Carefully remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This allows the cheese to melt and brown, creating a delicious crust.
9. Rest and Serve: Once it’s out of the oven, let the lasagna cool for a few minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with some extra chopped parsley, then dig in and enjoy!

Beginner Tips and Notes: Mastering the Art of Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna

• Cook Ravioli Al Dente: If using frozen ravioli, don’t overcook them.
• Use a Good Quality Sauce: A high-quality marinara sauce makes a big difference.
• Layer Evenly: Layer the ingredients evenly for consistent flavor in each serving.
• Don’t Overfill the Dish: Don’t overfill the baking dish to prevent overflow.
• Cover Tightly with Foil: Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep the lasagna moist.
• Let it Rest: Let the lasagna rest before serving to allow the layers to set.

Serving Suggestions: Completing Your Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Experience

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for a classic Italian side. The crispy, garlicky bread complements the soft, cheesy lasagna.
• Side Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad for a light and refreshing accompaniment. The crisp greens balance the richness of the lasagna.
• Caesar Salad: Serve with a Caesar salad for a creamy and flavorful side. The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons add a contrasting texture.

Storage Tips for Leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover ravioli lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Individual Portions: Store leftovers in individual portions for easy reheating and serving.
• Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to prevent the lasagna from drying out and absorbing odors from the refrigerator.
• Cool Completely: Allow the lasagna to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain texture.

Conclusion: Share Your Culinary Creations!

This Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying Italian meal with minimal effort. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your experiences in the comments below! I’d love to hear about your variations, tips, and tricks. Did you experiment with different cheeses, sauces, or fillings? Your feedback is valuable and inspires other home cooks. Let us know how your lasagna turned out and what serving suggestions you enjoyed most. Share your photos and tag me on social media so I can see your lasagna masterpieces! Use #RavioliLasagna and #EasyItalianRecipes so I can find your creations. I also enjoy seeing your cooking adventures on Instagram stories, so feel free to tag me and show off your creations. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to see what you create!