Cheesy Ravioli Lasagna Weeknight Wonder

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave something super cheesy and comforting? This cheesy ravioli lasagna recipe is the answer. It’s like a big hug in food form, honestly.

Brief Overview

This dish is an italian comfort food classic. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner idea , ready in under an hour! The recipe yields 6-8 servings, perfect for family or friends.

Main Benefits

This baked ravioli dish is a total time saver. It's packed with protein and calcium, making it a guilt free comfort food recipes .

It's also endlessly customizable and perfect for those cozy nights in.

Unleash Your Inner Chef: Cheesy Ravioli Lasagna

This cheesy ravioli lasagna is my go-to when I need something quick and satisfying. Forget layering noodles; using ravioli makes it a breeze! Imagine tender, cheese filled pasta layered with a rich meat sauce and tons of gooey mozzarella.

It really is the ultimate easy lasagna recipe . Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

No complicated steps, just pure italian comfort food goodness. This ravioli lasagna recipe is a game changer.

Why You'll Love This Ravioli Lasagna Recipe

Honestly, this cheese ravioli bake is a life saver. It’s so much easier than traditional lasagna but tastes just as amazing, I was amazed! I used to spend hours making lasagna from scratch.

Now, this ravioli lasagna with meat sauce is my secret weapon for quick and easy dinners.

Plus, it's a crowd pleaser. My kids adore it, and even my picky mate who "doesn't like pasta much" always goes back for seconds.

It's the perfect weeknight dinner ideas solution. I think this easy lasagna recipe might become one of your favorites, too.

Give it a go and see!

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Cheesy Ravioli Lasagna Arsenal

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make this amazing cheesy ravioli lasagna . Honestly, it's simpler than you think.

We're ditching the fussy bits! This easy lasagna recipe is all about flavour and fun. My nan always said "the best food is made with love, not fuss".

So, ditch the stress and let's get started!.

Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Italian Comfort Food

Here's your shopping list for the ravioli lasagna recipe . Don't worry, it's mostly stuff you probably already have.

• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .
• Ground beef: 1 pound (450g) . If you like a bit of spice, Italian sausage works great!
• Marinara sauce: 1 (24-ounce) jar (680g) . Get a good one! A fancy one makes a world of difference.
• Ricotta cheese: 1 (15-ounce) container (425g) . Whole milk is best for that creamy texture.
• Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
• Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (30g) , grated.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) .
• Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) .
• Cheese ravioli: 1 (25-ounce) package (710g) , frozen (or refrigerated).
• Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups (225g) , shredded. This is what makes the cheese ravioli bake so amazing.
• Fresh basil (optional). A few leaves to make it look fancy, you know?

For ground beef, look for a bright red colour. Avoid anything that looks greyish. It should also smell fresh. You wanna start with good quality, especially for something like this ravioli lasagna with meat sauce .

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Boosters

Let's talk flavour enhancers. We need that Italian comfort food vibe.

• Essential spice combo: Salt and pepper. Don't be shy!
• Aromatics: The marinara sauce will do most of the heavy lifting here. But if you are feeling fancy, add a pinch of dried oregano.
• Quick Sub: No parmesan? Pecorino romano works nicely too.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this baked ravioli dish . We're all about easy weeknight dinner ideas here!

• Large skillet or Dutch oven: For browning the meat.
• 9x13 inch baking dish : Essential for the lasagna.
• Mixing bowl: For the ricotta mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Because we aren't totally winging it.
• Spatula: For spreading all that cheesy goodness.

If you don't have a 9x13 inch baking dish , two smaller dishes will work too! Just adjust the baking time a bit.

Cooking Method: Building a Better Cheesy Ravioli Lasagna

Alright, let's talk cheesy ravioli lasagna . Forget slaving over traditional lasagna, this is all about speed and comfort. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food recipes mashup.

It's the perfect baked ravioli dish for a weeknight dinner idea .

Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Simplified

Forget fancy French terms. We're just getting organized. Grab your ground beef, sauce, ravioli, and cheeses. Honestly, that's about it.

Essential mise en place: Get your ingredients measured and ready. Dice an onion if you feel fancy. Time saving organization tips: Use pre-shredded cheese.

Seriously, no judgement. Safety reminders: Don't lick the raw beef. I know, tempting.

step-by-step: Easy Lasagna with Ravioli Noodles

This is so easy, even I can't mess it up.

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
2. Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a pan until cooked through. Drain the fat!
3. Stir in a 24-ounce jar of your fave marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Mix 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 egg, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan in a bowl.
5. Layer sauce, half the ravioli, ricotta mix, and mozzarella in a baking dish.
6. Repeat layers.
7. Top with 2 cups of remaining mozzarella.
8. Bake for 25 minutes covered , then 10 minutes uncovered .

Visual cues for doneness: The cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Critical temperature points: Make sure the internal temp reaches 165° F ( 74° C) for food safety.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Ravioli Game

Want to make this ravioli lasagna recipe even better?

Expert techniques: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick. Common mistakes: Don't overcook the ravioli.

Nobody likes mushy pasta. make-ahead options: Assemble the lasagna ahead of time and bake later. Just add 10 minutes to the baking time.

This italian comfort food is a real winner. The cheese ravioli bake is the solution for the weeknight blues. And yes, you can definitely add meat sauce!

Recipe Notes for Your Cheesy Ravioli Lasagna Masterpiece

Alright, you're about to embark on the cheesy ravioli lasagna journey! This easy lasagna recipe is about to become your new favourite comfort food recipe .

Here are a few notes to make it even smoother, like spreading butter on a hot crumpet. Honestly, I learned some of these the hard way.

Serving Suggestions: Plating & Pairing Like a Pro

Listen, presentation does matter. I like to sprinkle fresh basil on top of my baked ravioli dish after it's cooled slightly.

It just looks fancy, you know? For sides, keep it simple. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness.

And a nice glass of Italian red? Perfetto!

Storage Secrets: Keeping the Cheesy Goodness Alive

Oh, this ravioli lasagna with meat sauce is even better the next day. Fridge wise, it'll last 3-4 days covered tightly.

If you're thinking long term, freezing works a treat. Let it cool completely, then wrap individual portions in cling film and foil.

It'll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through, about 20- 25 minutes.

Variations: Tweak It to Your Taste!

Fancy a change? No problem. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Seriously good. If you are looking to make italian comfort food , try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of a kick.

It adds a zing! You can also make it a cheese ravioli bake and use a different type of cheese on top.

Nutrition Nuggets: Fueling Your Body with Deliciousness

Let's be real, this cheesy ravioli lasagna isn't exactly a salad. But it's packed with protein from the meat and cheese.

It offers carbs for energy and it contains calcium. Remember, moderation is key. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.

You deserve it, especially after a long weeknight dinner .

So there you have it! All my little tips and tricks for making the cheesy ravioli lasagna a total success.

Now, go forth and create your own masterpiece! Let me know how it goes!