Ravioli Lasagna Bake Recipe

If you love the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine but want a quicker, fuss-free version of traditional lasagna, you are in for a treat with this Ravioli Lasagna Bake Recipe. It combines tender ravioli, hearty meat sauce, and melty cheese layers into one glorious casserole, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this dish is an irresistible blend of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because it uses simple yet essential ingredients that each play a vital role. The savory blend of ground chuck and Italian sausage brings deep flavor, while marinara sauce infuses every bite with a rich tomato base. Cheese ravioli forms the perfect pasta layer, and the mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses offers creamy, gooey, and nutty notes that marry everything together beautifully.

• ½ pound ground chuck: Adds hearty beef flavor and a satisfying texture to the meat sauce.
• ½ pound sweet Italian sausage (bulk or casings removed): Infuses the dish with aromatic spices and a touch of sweetness.
• 32 ounces marinara sauce (1 large jar): A rich tomato base that keeps the layers moist and flavorful.
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings classic Italian herb flavors to the sauce for depth and complexity.
• 24 ounces cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen, about 30 ravioli): The star of the dish, perfect for layering and soaking up all the flavors.
• 16 ounces freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): Provides that melty, stretchy cheese goodness throughout.
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided): Adds a sharp, nutty finish on top of the layers.
• Chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish): Offers a fresh, vibrant touch when sprinkled on before serving.

How to Make Ravioli Lasagna Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s hot and ready. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray so your delicious creation won’t stick and comes out beautifully intact.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground chuck and sweet Italian sausage. This step builds the savory foundation, releasing those rich meaty flavors. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked meat onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, keeping the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Combine Meat and Sauce

Return the browned meat to your skillet and pour in the marinara sauce along with the Italian seasoning. Stir everything together well so the seasoning infuses the sauce, then let it simmer briefly while you prepare the layers.

Step 4: Layer the First Sauce and Ravioli

Spread one-third of the meat sauce evenly into your casserole dish, creating a flavorful base. Then, arrange 15 ravioli in a single layer right on top, setting the stage for the layers to come.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese Layer

Spread another third of the meat sauce over the ravioli, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top, followed by a quarter cup of Parmesan. This cheese layer adds gooey, savory richness that holds the dish together.

Step 6: Second Ravioli Layer and Sauce

Place the remaining 15 ravioli over the cheese layer, then spread the last third of the meat sauce evenly over them. This layering ensures every bite is packed with delicious sauce and cheese.

Step 7: Top with Remaining Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese across the dish and finish with the rest of the Parmesan cheese, giving the top a golden, bubbly crust when baked.

Step 8: Bake Covered

Cover the casserole dish and bake it in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the ravioli to cook through perfectly.

Step 9: Uncover and Brown the Cheese

Remove the cover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese becomes bubbly and gloriously golden brown, creating that irresistible cheese crust everyone loves.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped basil to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal aroma. Now, it’s ready to serve and enjoy!

How to Serve Ravioli Lasagna Bake Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped basil is a simple yet elegant garnish that brightens up the dish visually and tastes delicious. For a little extra flair, consider a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, serve the Ravioli Lasagna Bake Recipe with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette, or some garlic bread for extra indulgence. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the richness of the bake beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in smaller ramekins for a personalized touch at dinner parties. You can also layer this dish in a clear glass casserole to showcase the vibrant layers of sauce, ravioli, and cheese — total eye candy on the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more after a day, making it taste even better reheated.

Freezing

This bake freezes beautifully either before or after baking. Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, portion out into microwave-safe dishes and microwave for 2-3 minutes until hot, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ravioli, or should it be fresh?

Both fresh and frozen cheese ravioli work wonderfully in this recipe. If frozen, there is no need to thaw beforehand; just layer them straight into the bake to cook during baking.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground chuck and sausage and substitute with your favorite sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach combined with marinara sauce for a delicious vegetarian version.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, a good quality store-bought marinara sauce is perfect and saves time. Choose one with fresh, simple ingredients for the best flavor.

How do I prevent the bake from becoming watery?

Draining excess fat from the browned meat and not over-saucing the layers helps keep the bake from getting soggy. Using cheese ravioli also helps absorb some moisture.

What can I do if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No worries! You can make your own mix with dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. This combo works just as well to give the sauce that classic Italian herb flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Ravioli Lasagna Bake Recipe is truly one of those dishes that instantly becomes a weeknight favorite or a go-to for casual gatherings. It brings all the best parts of lasagna without the hassle of rolling noodles, making it a joyful, hearty meal perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it a staple in your kitchen!

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