Hey there, fellow home cooks! If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for beginners, let me tell you about my cheesy ravioli lasagna! It’s a delightful twist on traditional lasagna that’s not only super simple to make but also absolutely delicious. I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends couldn’t believe how easy it was! The layers of cheesy goodness and savory marinara sauce come together in a way that’ll make your taste buds dance. Trust me, this cheesy ravioli lasagna will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your cheesy ravioli lasagna! You’ll need:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade—your choice!)
- 9 ounces cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen works perfectly)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (the creamier, the better!)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for that gooey top layer)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds that delightful savory kick)
- 1 egg (to bind everything together)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for a burst of flavor)
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy!)
- Pepper to taste (a little sprinkle goes a long way)
Make sure to measure everything out before you start; it makes the whole process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Cheesy Ravioli Lasagna
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps to make this cheesy ravioli lasagna! Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through it, and before you know it, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to impress.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The first thing you want to do is preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the lasagna cook evenly, giving you that perfect bubbly cheese on top. So, set that temperature and let it warm up while you prepare the other ingredients!
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mixture is the heart of your lasagna! The ricotta brings creaminess, while the egg helps bind everything together. The Italian seasoning adds just the right amount of flavor to make your lasagna sing. Mix it well until it’s nice and smooth—no lumps allowed!
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Alright, it’s layering time! Start by spreading a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. This keeps the ravioli from sticking and adds flavor. Next, place a layer of cheese ravioli over the sauce, followed by half of your ricotta mixture. Don’t forget to sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top! Repeat the layers: more marinara, another layer of ravioli, the remaining ricotta, and mozzarella. For the final touch, top it off with the leftover marinara sauce and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Aim for even layers so every bite is delicious!
Step 4: Bake the Lasagna
Cover your dish with foil and pop it in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it—nobody wants burnt cheese!
Step 5: Cooling and Serving
Once your lasagna is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This is crucial because it helps it set, making slicing much easier. You can serve it up with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Trust me, you’ll be the star of the dinner table!
Tips for Success
To make sure your cheesy ravioli lasagna turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t rush the cooling process; letting it sit for about 10 minutes makes slicing easier and keeps it from falling apart. Also, be careful with the salt; your marinara sauce may already be seasoned, so taste as you go! If you’re using frozen ravioli, there’s no need to thaw them first. Just layer them straight from the freezer! And remember, if your cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning. You’ve got this!
Variations
One of the best things about cheesy ravioli lasagna is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes. For a veggie-packed version, try adding layers of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. If you want to switch up the cheeses, feel free to mix in some ricotta with goat cheese for a tangy twist or use provolone for a different flavor profile. You could even throw in some cooked Italian sausage or ground beef between the layers for a heartier dish. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine in the kitchen!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional info for your cheesy ravioli lasagna! Each slice contains approximately 400 calories, 20g of fat, 20g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your meal!
FAQ Section
Got questions about your cheesy ravioli lasagna? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries:
Can I use different types of ravioli? Absolutely! You can experiment with spinach, mushroom, or even lobster ravioli for a fun twist.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready!
Can I freeze leftover lasagna? Definitely! Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. It will be good for up to two months.
What’s the best way to reheat it? Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This keeps the cheese nice and melty!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for beginners!
- Delicious layers of cheesy goodness and savory marinara.
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Comfort food that brings everyone to the table!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out this link! If you’re interested in making a comforting soup to go with your meal, try this tortellini soup recipe for a delightful pairing!
Print
Cheesy Ravioli Lasagna: 5 Easy Steps for Comfort Food Bliss
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and simple cheesy ravioli lasagna perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 9 ounces cheese ravioli
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place a layer of cheese ravioli over the sauce.
- Add half of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli.
- Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat layers: sauce, ravioli, ricotta mixture, mozzarella.
- Top the final layer with remaining marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen ravioli.
- Let the lasagna sit before cutting for cleaner slices.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: cheesy ravioli lasagna
