Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna! This dish has quickly become a family favorite in our house, and I can’t wait to share it with you. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special enough for when you have friends over but is still simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. I stumbled upon it during a busy week, and it turned out to be a lifesaver!
The best part? It’s so creamy and cheesy that every bite feels like a warm hug. The blend of flavors from the ravioli, marinara sauce, and loads of cheese creates a heavenly taste sensation that is hard to resist. It’s filling, comforting, and truly a crowd-pleaser—perfect for both kids and adults alike. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to prep, making it a go-to for those days when time feels tight. If you love cheesy pasta dishes like I do, you might also enjoy my Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells for another cheesy delight! Ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna
- Rich layers of cheese and ravioli make every bite a comforting delight
- Quick and easy assembly, perfect for a weeknight dinner
- Utilizes store-bought ravioli, saving you time without sacrificing flavor
- Customize with optional ground beef or sausage for extra heartiness
- A crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress without breaking the bank
- Great make-ahead option – just bake when you’re ready to eat!
This lasagna is like a cozy hug in a dish, combining the best of Italian cuisine with minimal effort!
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna
This Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna is not only incredibly easy to whip up, but it’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Perfect for family dinners or when you have friends over, this dish packs all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna without the fuss. Trust me, your loved ones will be asking for seconds!
What You’ll Need:
- Cheese ravioli – 1 (25 oz) package, refrigerated or frozen. I prefer using fresh ravioli if I can find it; it makes everything taste even more gourmet!
- Marinara sauce – 2 cups. Use your favorite homemade sauce or a good quality store-bought one. I love Rao’s sauce for its rich flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – 2 cups. Go for whole milk mozzarella for that creamy meltiness.
- Ricotta cheese – 1 cup. I go with Galbani because it’s super creamy and works wonders in lasagna.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup. Freshly grated adds a lovely touch, but the pre-grated stuff works in a pinch!
- Fresh parsley – 1/4 cup, chopped, plus extra for garnish. Nothing beats fresh herbs to brighten up the dish!
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon, to enhance the flavor.
- Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon, for that classic Italian touch.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for added protein. This is a great way to make it even heartier!
The Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake.
- If you’re using frozen ravioli, cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Drain and set them aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until smooth and creamy.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor!
- Layer half of the cooked ravioli over the sauce, then spread half of the ricotta mixture on top.
- Add another generous layer of marinara sauce over the ricotta mix, followed by half of your shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Now, repeat the layering process: add the rest of the ravioli, the remaining ricotta mixture, more marinara sauce, and top everything off with the last of the mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep everything moist while it bakes, and pop it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. How good does that sound?
- Once it’s out of the oven, let the lasagna cool for a few minutes. Garnish with some extra chopped parsley, then dig in and enjoy!
Your loved ones will absolutely adore this lasagna, and you’ll love how easy it is to make. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Homemade Ravioli Instead of Store-Bought?
Absolutely! Homemade ravioli will work beautifully in this recipe. Just ensure they are cooked to al dente before layering, as they will continue to cook while baking. If they’re thicker than store-bought options, you might need to adjust the baking time slightly to ensure everything is heated through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make the Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef or Italian sausage. You can add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge; you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Add a splash of marinara sauce on top before reheating for added moisture!
