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
Scale
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.
