If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meal that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make, the Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining the tender pillows of ravioli you love with layers of rich ricotta, melted mozzarella, and savory marinara, this dish effortlessly blends the ease of ravioli with the classic flavors of lasagna. Whether you are feeding a crowd or planning a cozy family dinner, this Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and vibrant color that elevate this dish from ordinary to unforgettable.
- Cheese ravioli (1–2 lbs): The star component, providing tender pasta pockets filled with creamy cheese for a hearty base.
- Marinara sauce (3 cups): Adds a bright, tangy tomato flavor that balances the richness of the cheeses.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully to create gooey, irresistible layers.
- Ricotta cheese (1 ½ cups): Offers creamy, mild tanginess essential for a smooth texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Brings a sharp, salty depth to the ricotta mixture.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tbsp plus extra for garnish): Provides a fresh herbal note and a pop of green color.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Enhances the savory profile without overpowering the dish.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Adds fragrant herbs for that classic Italian flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the dish perfectly.
- Optional cooked ground beef or Italian sausage (1 lb): For those wanting to add a meaty, protein-packed twist.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ravioli
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using frozen ravioli, cook it according to the package instructions until al dente—this ensures it will finish perfectly in the baking dish without turning mushy. Drain well and set it aside while you assemble the layers.
Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mixture is the creamy glue that brings richness and seasoning to every layer, making each bite irresistibly flavorful.
Step 3: Create the First Layer
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and starts building that delicious saucy base that soaks into the ravioli as it bakes.
Step 4: Build the Layers
Arrange half of your cooked ravioli over the sauce, then top evenly with half of the ricotta mixture. Next, spoon over more marinara sauce followed by a generous layer of shredded mozzarella. These layers work harmoniously to deliver creamy, cheesy goodness balanced by tangy tomato sauce.
Step 5: Repeat Layering and Bake
Repeat the exact layering with the remaining ravioli, ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep the moisture in and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown for maximum deliciousness.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the lasagna sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything settle, making slicing easier and the flavors even more harmonious. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for that perfect final touch.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is an easy and beautiful garnish that brightens the look and adds a hint of herbaceous flavor. For a little extra indulgence, you can also sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some gentle heat.
Side Dishes
This rich and hearty dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, like a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, to cut through the cheesy richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are also perfect companions to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe in individual ramekins or a large casserole for family-style serving. You could even layer it in a deep-dish skillet for a rustic presentation that feels both homey and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This helps preserve the vibrant flavors and moist texture, making for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s perfect for meal prepping or stocking your freezer with comfort food ready for any busy night.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. This method keeps the cheese melty and the ravioli tender without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen or refrigerated?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli will work wonderfully and can even enhance the texture of your Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe. Just be gentle when layering to avoid tearing the pasta.
Is it necessary to precook the ravioli?
For frozen ravioli, it’s best to cook until al dente before layering to ensure the pasta is perfectly tender once baked. With fresh ravioli, you can sometimes layer without precooking, but partial cooking is usually safer to avoid a soggy dish.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the optional cooked ground beef or sausage and enjoy the rich, cheesy, and saucy layers as is. The combination of cheeses and marinara is deliciously satisfying on its own.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
You can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or a mixture of cream cheese and yogurt as a ricotta alternative, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
How spicy is this dish, and can I add heat?
This recipe is mild by default, letting the herbs and cheeses shine. If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes into the ricotta mixture or sprinkle on top before baking for a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
One bite of this Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe and you’ll see why it’s a beloved favorite—it’s comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavor yet wonderfully straightforward to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish promises a hearty hug on a plate that’s worth every minute in the kitchen. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation!
Print
Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna is a decadent, easy-to-make baked pasta dish that layers cheesy ravioli with creamy ricotta mixture, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. This comforting casserole combines the flavors of traditional lasagna with the convenience of premade ravioli, perfect for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Cook Ravioli: If using frozen ravioli, cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful cheese filling.
- Layer Sauce: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and builds flavor.
- Add First Ravioli Layer: Arrange half of the cooked ravioli over the sauce layer in the baking dish, distributing them evenly.
- Spread Cheese Mixture: Spoon half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the layer of ravioli, spreading it out evenly to cover them.
- Add Sauce and Mozzarella: Spread another layer of marinara sauce over the cheese mixture, then sprinkle evenly with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, marinara sauce, and mozzarella to build the final layers of the casserole.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the lasagna sit for a few minutes after baking to set. Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh, bright touch.
Notes
- For added protein, incorporate cooked ground beef or Italian sausage between the layers.
- If using refrigerated ravioli, cooking prior to layering is optional; however, make sure they are warm through before baking.
- Allow the lasagna to rest after baking to help it set and make serving easier and cleaner.
- Feel free to substitute marinara sauce with your favorite pasta sauce for different flavor variations.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
