Discover a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish with this Ravioli Lasagna recipe. Combining the savory flavors of marinara sauce, cheese, and ground beef with the convenience of frozen cheese ravioli, this dish is perfect for both busy weeknights and special family gatherings. Learn how to create this mouthwatering meal step-by-step below.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 25 ounces frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Minced parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 13×9 baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Beef In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Sauce Stir in the marinara sauce and minced garlic. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to create a creamy ricotta filling.
- Layering Spread 1/3 of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat with another layer of ravioli and ricotta, finishing with the remaining meat sauce on top.
- Cheese Topping Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top layer. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to seal in the flavors.
- Bake Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve Once baked, garnish the Ravioli Lasagna with minced parsley for a fresh, flavorful touch. Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before cutting into portions and serving.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Presentation:
Serve the Ravioli Lasagna directly from the baking dish for a rustic presentation, or transfer individual portions to plates for a more formal meal setting. - Garnish:
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the lasagna just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness. - Accompaniments:
Serve with a side of garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or steamed vegetables to complement the rich flavors of the dish.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration:
Store any leftover Ravioli Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it is tightly covered to retain moisture and prevent it from absorbing other odors. - Freezing:
To freeze, wrap the lasagna tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. - Reheating:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for quick meals, or reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out. Heat until warmed through, approximately 20-30 minutes. - Make-Ahead:
Prepare the Ravioli Lasagna up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed due to refrigeration. - Transporting:
If you need to transport the lasagna, ensure it is securely covered to prevent spills. Use a well-insulated carrier or wrap the baking dish in towels to retain warmth during travel.
Enjoy the convenience and comforting flavors of Ravioli Lasagna with these serving and storage tips, making it a versatile dish for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Ravioli Lasagna:
Replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Layer with cheese or spinach ravioli for a flavorful meatless option. - Three Cheese Ravioli Lasagna:
Use a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese for the filling layers. This variation enhances the cheesy goodness of the dish. - Pesto Ravioli Lasagna:
Substitute marinara sauce with pesto sauce for a vibrant, herby twist. Layer with cheese or spinach ravioli and top with pine nuts or extra Parmesan cheese. - Chicken Ravioli Lasagna:
Use shredded cooked chicken instead of ground beef. Mix it with marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce for a creamy chicken lasagna variation. - Seafood Ravioli Lasagna:
Incorporate seafood such as shrimp or crab meat into the layers. Use a creamy Alfredo sauce and top with shredded mozzarella for a luxurious seafood lasagna. - Spinach and Artichoke Ravioli Lasagna:
Add chopped spinach and marinated artichoke hearts to the ricotta mixture. Layer with cheese or spinach ravioli and top with a drizzle of olive oil and extra Parmesan cheese. - Mexican Ravioli Lasagna:
Substitute marinara sauce with enchilada sauce and mix cooked ground beef with taco seasoning. Layer with cheese or beef ravioli, top with shredded Mexican cheese blend, and garnish with chopped cilantro and sour cream. - Mushroom and Spinach Ravioli Lasagna:
Sauté sliced mushrooms and fresh spinach until tender. Layer with cheese or spinach ravioli and a mixture of ricotta and Parmesan cheese. Top with shredded mozzarella and bake until bubbly. - Eggplant Parmesan Ravioli Lasagna:
Bread and fry thinly sliced eggplant until golden brown. Layer fried eggplant slices with cheese or spinach ravioli and marinara sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella and bake until melted and golden. - Buffalo Chicken Ravioli Lasagna:
Toss shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce. Layer buffalo chicken with cheese or chicken ravioli, blue cheese crumbles, and mozzarella cheese. Bake until bubbly and top with chopped green onions.
Explore these flavorful variations of Ravioli Lasagna to suit different tastes and preferences, making each dish a unique culinary experience for any occasion.
FAQs:
- Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen in this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh ravioli instead of frozen. Adjust the cooking time slightly as fresh ravioli cooks faster than frozen. - How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cheese ravioli and ensure all other ingredients such as marinara sauce and seasonings are gluten-free certified. - Can I make Ravioli Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bake it when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if refrigerated. - What other cheeses can I use instead of mozzarella?
You can use provolone, cheddar, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile. - How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?
Ensure the marinara sauce is thick and not too watery. If using fresh vegetables, sauté them beforehand to remove excess moisture. - Can I omit the meat to make it vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ground beef or substitute it with sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian version. - What can I serve with Ravioli Lasagna?
It pairs well with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. - How do I know when the lasagna is done baking?
The lasagna is done when the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown, typically after the initial 40 minutes of covered baking followed by an additional 10 minutes uncovered. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Ravioli Lasagna. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. - What size baking dish should I use for this recipe?
Use a 13×9 inch baking dish for this recipe. It provides enough space to layer the ravioli and ensures even cooking. Adjust ingredient quantities if using a different size dish.
These FAQs provide helpful tips and answers to common questions about making and serving Ravioli Lasagna, ensuring a successful and enjoyable cooking experience.
Enjoy the delicious flavors and convenience of this Ravioli Lasagna recipe, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with loved ones, this dish will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it today and savor the hearty blend of flavors that make Italian cuisine so beloved worldwide.