Description

If you're looking for a quick and easy lasagna-style dish that doesn't require the hassle of layering traditional lasagna noodles, this Cheesy Ravioli Lasagna Bake is perfect for you. With frozen cheese ravioli acting as the pasta and filling, paired with flavorful marinara sauce, ground beef or Italian sausage, and lots of melty cheese, this dish is an instant hit for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether you’re serving this for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this casserole-style meal will impress everyone. Plus, it’s a great way to make a lasagna-inspired dish without all the effort!

Ingredients

• 1 bag (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparation Method

Cook the Meat:

Before you begin assembling the bake, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break up the meat as it cooks, and once it's browned and fully cooked, drain off any excess fat. Set the meat aside.
Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:

In the same skillet you used to cook the meat, add the marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning to the browned meat. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Layer the Ingredients:

In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. This will prevent the ravioli from sticking to the dish.
Arrange half of the frozen cheese ravioli in a single layer on top of the sauce.
Spread half of the remaining meat sauce over the ravioli, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
Repeat the layers: add the remaining ravioli, followed by the rest of the meat sauce, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Bake the Lasagna:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Garnish and Serve:

Once the ravioli lasagna bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added touch of flavor and color if desired.

Tips and Conclusion

Customize your filling: You can easily swap the ground beef or Italian sausage for ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Add veggies: For extra nutrition and flavor, you can add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the layers along with the ravioli.
Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or using spicy Italian sausage instead of mild.
Freeze for later: This dish freezes well. You can assemble it in advance, freeze it before baking, and then thaw and bake when you're ready for a quick, homemade meal.
Use different ravioli: You can experiment with different types of ravioli such as spinach and ricotta or mushroom-filled ravioli for a variation in flavors.

This Cheesy Ravioli Lasagna Bake is a delicious, comforting meal that delivers all the flavors of traditional lasagna but with a lot less effort. With gooey layers of cheese, savory meat, and tender ravioli, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this easy-to-make dish is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds!