Description
This Ravioli Lasagna Bake is a comforting and hearty layered casserole that combines cheese ravioli with a savory meat sauce and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Easy to assemble and baked until bubbly and golden, it’s perfect for a family meal or gathering, delivering all the flavors of traditional lasagna with less fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- ½ pound ground chuck
- ½ pound sweet Italian sausage (bulk or casings removed)
- 32 ounces marinara sauce (1 large jar)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Main
- 24 ounces cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen, about 30 ravioli)
- 16 ounces freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground chuck and sweet Italian sausage until fully cooked. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the meat onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain and discard the rendered fat from the skillet.
- Make Meat Sauce: Return the cooked meat back to the skillet and add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Layer Sauce and Ravioli (First Layer): Spread one-third of the meat sauce evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Arrange 15 ravioli in a single layer over the sauce.
- Add Sauce and Cheese (Second Layer): Spoon another third of the meat sauce evenly over the ravioli. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese atop the sauce, then add ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella.
- Layer Remaining Ravioli and Sauce: Place the remaining 15 ravioli over the cheese layer in a single layer. Spread the last third of the meat sauce evenly over the ravioli.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce, followed by the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil cover and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Using fresh ravioli or frozen works equally well; adjust cooking time slightly if using frozen ravioli straight from the freezer.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, substitute sweet Italian sausage with hot Italian sausage.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added nutrition.
- Make sure to cover the dish while baking initially to prevent the cheese from drying out.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time on the day of serving.
