Name: Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup ricotta; 1 egg (beaten); ¼ cup parmesan cheese (grated); ¾ teaspoon oregano; ¾ teaspoon basil; ¾ teaspoon parsley; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ lb. ground beef; ½ lb. ground Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or spicy); 1 small yellow onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 (24 oz.) jars marinara sauce; ½ cup chicken broth; Salt and pepper (to taste); 40 oz. refrigerated ravioli (uncooked); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 72 reviews

If you love the comforting layers of traditional lasagna but crave a quicker, playful twist, this Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. Imagine tender, cheese-filled ravioli nestled between rich, savory meat sauce and creamy ricotta, all melted together under a blanket of mozzarella. It’s a genius way to cut down on prep time without sacrificing any of the cozy, satisfying flavors that make lasagna such an all-time classic. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving comfort food for a weeknight, this dish delivers big on taste and warmth, with a fun little surprise in every bite.

Ingredients You'll Need

A large white pot filled with thick red tomato sauce mixed with small browned meat pieces sits on a white marbled surface. A black spoon is resting inside the pot, partially submerged in the sauce. To the upper left, there is a wooden board with pale yellow uncooked round ravioli stacked unevenly, next to a small pile of shredded white cheese. In the upper right, a speckled white bowl holds a creamy white sauce mixed with green herbs, with a turquoise spatula resting inside it. The scene is bright and clean, showing fresh and ready-to-cook ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the list overwhelm you; each ingredient here is simple, classic, and vital for creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your Ravioli Lasagna Recipe. From aromatic herbs that sing Italian tradition to hearty meats and luscious cheeses, these components work together to build layers of deliciousness.

Ricotta (1 cup): Adds creamy richness and a soft texture that balances the meat and sauce perfectly.

Egg (1 beaten): Helps bind the ricotta mixture for smooth, spreadable dollops.
Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated): Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates every bite.
Oregano, basil, parsley (¾ teaspoon each): Freshens and flavors the ricotta with classic Italian herbs.

Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential to season the ricotta mixture and highlight all flavors.
Ground beef (½ lb.): Provides hearty depth and savory notes in the meat sauce.
Ground Italian sausage (½ lb., sweet, mild, or spicy): Adds seasoning complexity and a bit of boldness to the meat layers.

Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Gives sweetness and texture when cooked down in the sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves): Infuses a warm, fragrant punch essential for Italian dishes.
Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Gives the meat sauce a subtle umami boost.

Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a tangy layer that brightens the tomato base.
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Concentrates the tomato flavor to deepen the sauce.
Italian seasoning (¾ teaspoon): Brings aromatic herbs for a perfectly balanced sauce.

Marinara sauce (2 jars, 24 oz. each): The lush, saucy foundation that ties all ingredients together.
Chicken broth (½ cup): Lightens the sauce and ensures it simmers to a silky finish.
Uncooked refrigerated ravioli (40 oz.): The star ingredient replacing lasagna noodles with cheesy pockets of joy.

Mozzarella cheese (2 cups shredded): Melts into a bubbly, golden crust that’s pure comfort.

How to Make Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

Start by combining ricotta, beaten egg, grated parmesan, oregano, basil, parsley, and salt in a medium bowl. This creamy mixture is crucial because it adds a delicate, smooth texture that contrasts beautifully with the savory meat sauce later on. Once mixed, set it aside to let the flavors meld while you move on.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish, then spread about one heaping cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom. This creates a saucy base that prevents sticking and infuses every ravioli layer with flavor right from the bottom up.

Step 3: Cook the Meat and Vegetables

Season your ground beef generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat, add the beef, Italian sausage, and diced onions. Cook thoroughly while breaking the meat into crumbles for an even texture. Once browned, drain excess grease and reduce the heat to medium, preparing for the next flavorful additions.

Step 4: Build the Meat Sauce

Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to let the garlic and seasonings bloom, enriching the meat. Then pour in the remaining marinara sauce and chicken broth, bringing the whole mixture to a gentle bubble. Let it simmer uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to merge all the flavors smoothly.

Step 5: Assemble the Ravioli Layers

Start stacking by placing half the uncooked ravioli on top of the sauce in the casserole dish. The ravioli will slightly overlap, which is perfect. Spread half of the meat sauce over these ravioli, then dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture on top, carefully spreading it evenly. Repeat with the remaining ravioli and meat sauce layers to complete your lasagna construction.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake

Finish off by sprinkling shredded mozzarella cheese abundantly over the top. Cover with foil sprayed with non-stick spray on the underside to keep the cheese from sticking. Bake for 35 minutes in your preheated oven, letting all the flavors meld and the cheeses melt into bubbling deliciousness.

Step 7: Broil for the Perfect Finish

Remove the cover and switch your oven to a broil set at 450°F or low broil. Watch carefully as you broil for up to 3 minutes – this step gives the top a gorgeous golden brown, slightly crisp texture that’s irresistible. Don’t walk away, as ravioli lasagna can brown quickly!

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, let your Ravioli Lasagna Recipe rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This short wait helps the layers set a bit, so every slice holds together beautifully and the fillings don’t spill out when plated. Then, cut like traditional lasagna, slice through the ravioli, and enjoy.

How to Serve Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

The image shows two photos side by side of a white rectangular baking dish on a white marbled surface. On the left, the dish has a thick, creamy white layer spread evenly on top of a red sauce layer underneath, giving a soft and smooth texture. On the right, the same dish shows many small, rounded, light yellow pasta pieces tightly packed over the layers below, with each piece slightly shiny and having a smooth surface. The background is a white marbled texture in both photos. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley brightens the rustic look and adds a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness. Grated parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil also make excellent finishing touches for that authentic Italian flair.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with balsamic vinaigrette or toss together roasted seasonal vegetables. Either option offers a fresh contrast in texture and temperature that complements the warm, cheesy layers beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual ramekins layered with ravioli lasagna for a charming personal portion. Alternatively, offer a build-your-own lasagna bar where guests add their favorite garnishes or even swap out ravioli fillings for a customizable experience everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply cover any remaining ravioli lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days to keep the textures fresh and flavors vibrant.

Freezing

This dish freezes wonderfully. Wrap the entire casserole or individual portions tightly in foil and then plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

Reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 to 25 minutes, or microwave individual servings on medium power, stirring or turning halfway to ensure even heat. The top mozzarella will remain melty and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ravioli instead of refrigerated?

Yes, frozen ravioli will work just fine! You may need to add a little extra baking time since frozen ravioli takes longer to cook through, but the layering and flavors remain just as fantastic.

What types of ravioli fillings work best?

Cheese ravioli is classic and blends beautifully with this recipe’s ricotta mixture and meat sauce. But feel free to experiment with spinach, mushroom, or meat-filled ravioli if you want to mix it up.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and sausage, and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils to your sauce for that hearty umami boost without meat.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free ravioli and ensure your marinara and broth are gluten-free, too. This way, you can enjoy a delicious allergen-friendly version without sacrificing flavor or texture.

How spicy will the dish be if I use spicy Italian sausage?

The spiciness will carry a gentle warmth, balancing out the richness. If you prefer less heat, choose mild or sweet sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes separately only if desired.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly delightful about the clever simplicity of this Ravioli Lasagna Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to bring hearty, homemade comfort food to your table with less fuss but all the flavor and warmth you crave. I encourage you to try it soon—once you do, it might just become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends with a cozy, inviting meal.

Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need