Every time I make this Ravioli Lasagna, it reminds me of Sunday dinners with family. The smell alone brings back memories of laughter, warmth, and delicious food shared around the table. My grandmother used to whip up her special lasagna recipe, and I can still picture the look of joy on everyone’s faces as we dug in. There’s something so comforting about a hearty lasagna, especially when it’s made with love. I hope that once you try this recipe, you’ll feel that same warmth and comfort that fills my heart and home.
How to make Ravioli Lasagna
Ingredients:
- Cheese Ravioli: The star of the dish! I love using fresh or frozen cheese ravioli. It saves time and adds a lovely cheesy layer to the lasagna.
- Italian Sausage: This gives the dish its rich flavor. You can use mild or spicy, depending on your preference.
- Spinach: Fresh or frozen, spinach adds color, nutrition, and a lovely texture.
- Onions: Adding onions brings sweetness and depth to the overall taste.
- Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese is essential for the layered effect and gives a delightful creaminess to the lasagna.
- Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is fine, but if you have a family recipe or favorite homemade sauce, feel free to use that! It makes a world of difference.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey top layer that everyone loves! It melts beautifully and pulls apart in that wonderful way lasagna should.
Now that we have our ingredients sorted, let’s dive into making this delicious dish together!
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Preheat the Oven: First, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Trust me, this is key for that crispy, golden cheese on top!
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Cook the Italian Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, crumble the Italian sausage and add the chopped onions. Cook until the sausage is nicely browned and the onions are tender. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly!
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Prepare the Marinara Sauce: In the same skillet, add your marinara sauce to the cooked sausage and onions. Let it simmer while you prepare the other ingredients. This way, the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Cook the Spinach: If you’re using fresh spinach, wash and chop it. Sauté it in a separate pan with a little olive oil until it’s wilted. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess water. This helps prevent a watery lasagna!
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Get Ready to Layer: Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and start layering! Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This helps prevent the ravioli from sticking.
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First Layer of Ravioli: Arrange half of the cheese ravioli over the sauce. You can use frozen ravioli directly from the package, no need to pre-cook them!
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Add the Sausage Mixture: Spoon half of the sausage and marinara mixture over the ravioli. Spread it out evenly to cover.
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Spinach and Ricotta Layer: Now, layer half of the sautéed spinach over the sausage, followed by dollops of ricotta cheese. Don’t worry about it being perfect; it will mix while it cooks.
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Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of marinara sauce followed by the second half of the ravioli, sausage mixture, spinach, and more dollops of ricotta. Finish with another layer of marinara sauce.
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Top It Off with Mozzarella: Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top. Yum! This will turn golden and bubbly during baking.
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Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. This helps everything cook through nicely.
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Finishing Touch: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. (This is the part I always look forward to!)
Why I Love Making This Dish
Ravioli Lasagna has always been a favorite in my family. The first time I made it, I was amazed at how easy it was compared to traditional lasagna, yet it tasted so deliciously hearty! I love that it combines so many of my favorite ingredients into one delightful dish. It feels like a warm hug after a long day.
What You’ll Need
You’ll need a set of basic kitchen tools: a large skillet, a 9×13-inch baking dish, and a spatula for layering. Having a can opener handy for the marinara sauce can also save you a bit of time. If you have a wooden spoon for stirring, that works wonders too!
Tips for Perfect Results
- For an extra crunchy top, you can broil the lasagna for 1-2 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
- If you love a bit of spice, adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce is a delightful touch.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little Parmesan on top for added flavor!
Serving Suggestions and Sides
Ravioli Lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy, serve it with a fresh green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette. Garlic bread is always a hit as well, perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Sometimes I even add a side of roasted veggies for a colorful plate.
Leftovers
Oh, the leftovers! They’re just as tasty, if not better. I usually store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and it lasts for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry. It’s like having a comforting meal ready to go!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of fillings for the ravioli?
Absolutely! I love experimenting with different flavors, like mushroom or butternut squash ravioli. Feel free to use whatever variety you and your family enjoy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Of course! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just note that you may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze Ravioli Lasagna?
Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully. Just wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above.
This dish has become a favorite in my house, and I’m so excited for you to try it. Trust me, it’s creamy, cheesy, and downright delicious! I know you’ll love it as much as I do. Try it out for your next family dinner or gathering, and let me know how it turns out. If your family asks for seconds, just like mine does every time, you’ll already know you’ve struck gold!