Description
This Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna is a cheesy, layered baked pasta dish combining tender cheese ravioli with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce, baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it can be customized with ground beef or Italian sausage for added richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1–2 lbs cheese ravioli (refrigerated or frozen)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional
- 1 lb cooked ground beef or Italian sausage
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Cook the Ravioli: If using frozen ravioli, cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Layer the Sauce: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and create a flavorful base.
- Add the First Ravioli Layer: Place half of the cooked ravioli evenly over the marinara sauce in the dish.
- Spread Ricotta Mixture: Dollop and spread half of the prepared ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the ravioli layer.
- Add Sauce and Mozzarella: Spoon more marinara sauce over the ricotta layer, then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese to build a second layer.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to warm through and meld flavors.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the lasagna to sit for a few minutes after baking to set. Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh, herbaceous touch.
Notes
- For added protein and flavor, incorporate 1 lb of cooked ground beef or Italian sausage into the sauce layers before assembling.
- If using refrigerated ravioli, no pre-cooking is needed; simply layer them directly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on the saltiness of your marinara and cheeses.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This recipe can be made vegetarian by omitting the optional meat.
