Cheesy Ravioli Lasagna Bake – The Ultimate Comfort Food
If you’re a fan of classic Italian lasagna but don’t have the time (or patience) to layer noodles, make béchamel sauce, and bake for hours, then this recipe will change your life. This Ravioli Lasagna Bake is a shortcut dish that tastes just like homemade lasagna but comes together in a fraction of the time.
It uses store-bought cheese ravioli (or any flavor you like), rich and flavorful meat sauce, and plenty of gooey, melted cheese. The result? A bubbly, cheesy, crowd-pleasing meal that your family will ask for again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – no need to boil pasta sheets or prepare multiple sauces.
Cheesy & Comforting – loaded with mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
Family-Friendly – kids love it just as much as adults.
Perfect for Leftovers – reheats beautifully and can even be frozen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to make this delicious baked ravioli dish:
1 package (25 oz / 700 g) cheese ravioli – fresh or frozen works
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken if you prefer)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
1 cup ricotta cheese (optional, but adds creaminess)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Meat Sauce
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles.
5. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine.
7. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors blend together.
2. Assemble the Ravioli Lasagna
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Place a layer of ravioli directly over the sauce.
4. Spread more sauce on top of the ravioli.
5. Sprinkle with a generous layer of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
6. Repeat the layers (ravioli → sauce → cheese) until you use all ingredients.
7. Finish with a thick layer of cheese on top.
3. Bake
1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
4. Serve
Let the lasagna rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves.
Serve warm with garlic bread and a fresh salad.
Pro Tips
Choose your ravioli wisely: cheese ravioli gives the classic lasagna flavor, but you can use spinach or meat-filled ravioli for variety.
Ricotta layer: mix 1 cup ricotta with 1 beaten egg and spread between layers for extra richness.
Make it vegetarian: skip the meat and load up on veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Make-ahead option: assemble the dish a day before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve.
Freezer-friendly: you can freeze unbaked or baked ravioli lasagna for up to 3 months.
What to Serve with Ravioli Lasagna Bake
Garlic Bread or Breadsticks – perfect for soaking up that extra sauce.
Simple Green Salad – adds freshness to balance the richness.
Roasted Vegetables – like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini.
A glass of red wine or iced tea – depending on your mood.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Final Thoughts
This Ravioli Lasagna Bake is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to make a comforting, homemade Italian-inspired dinner. It’s quick, cheesy, flavorful, and totally satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings.
Once you try this recipe, you’ll never look at ravioli the same way again.