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

1. Brown the ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set aside.

2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. In the same skillet, add marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning to the cooked meat. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.

4. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.

5. Layer half of the frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce.

6. Spread half of the remaining meat sauce over the ravioli, then add a layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

7. Repeat the layers with the remaining ravioli, meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

9. Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve.

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!