If you’re craving a dish that effortlessly combines comfort and indulgence, the Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine layers of pillowy cheese ravioli nestled in rich marinara, crowned with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs—this lasagna takes the classic Italian staple to dazzling new heights. It’s a meal that feels special enough for gatherings but simple enough for weeknight dinners, guaranteeing smiles all around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how a handful of straightforward ingredients can come together to create a dish bursting with flavor. Each component plays a crucial part in bringing out the luscious texture, vibrant taste, and inviting aroma that make this Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe truly unforgettable.
- 1–2 lbs cheese ravioli: The star of the dish, providing tender, cheesy layers that replace traditional pasta sheets for a delightful twist.
- 3 cups marinara sauce: A robust, tangy tomato sauce that infuses the lasagna with moisture and depth.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds that irresistible gooey, melty goodness on every bite.
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese: Creamy and smooth, it balances the tomato’s acidity and enhances richness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Creates a sharp, savory note that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds freshness and a lovely pop of color both in the layers and as a garnish.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Elevates the savory profile without overpowering the delicate cheese flavors.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings classic Italian flair to the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Optional: 1 lb cooked ground beef or Italian sausage: For those who want to add a hearty, meaty dimension to their lasagna.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using frozen ravioli, make sure to cook it according to the package instructions until al dente—that perfect tender texture makes all the difference. Once cooked, drain the ravioli and set it aside while we prepare the luscious ricotta mixture.
Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, freshly chopped parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture is the creamy heart of our Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe, delivering a savory, herb-kissed layer that pairs beautifully with every other element.
Step 3: Layer the Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of rich marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add that first burst of flavor. Then layer half of your cooked ravioli evenly over the sauce. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture on top and spread it gently. Now, add a generous layer of marinara sauce, followed by shredded mozzarella for that irresistible cheesy layer.
Step 4: Repeat and Bake
Repeat those layers with the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, more marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Cover the entire dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and heat evenly. After that, remove the foil and bake another 15 to 20 minutes until the mozzarella is bubbly and beautifully golden brown—the hallmark of a perfectly cooked lasagna.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe rest for a few minutes. This step lets all the flavors settle and makes slicing easier. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright, fresh touch that’s as lovely to look at as it is to eat.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of chopped fresh parsley enhances the vivid colors and adds a lovely herbaceous crunch. You can also grate a little extra Parmesan over the top or drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil for a glossy finish that takes every bite up a notch.
Side Dishes
This lasagna is rich and hearty, so pairing it with crisp, refreshing sides works perfectly. Think bright green salads with a tangy vinaigrette, garlic bread slathered with butter and herbs, or even roasted seasonal vegetables that add both color and nutrition to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to turn dinner into a bit of a celebration, serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets or pretty casserole dishes. Layering some fresh basil leaves in between or alongside can add an elegant touch. For a fun twist, try serving alongside a glass of your favorite Italian red wine to complete the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe leftovers hold up wonderfully. Just cool the dish completely before covering tightly with plastic wrap or foil and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify and the texture stays satisfying, making for an excellent next-day meal.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes beautifully, making it a perfect option for batches. Freeze the entire dish or individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes for large portions or slightly less for single servings. Removing the foil in the last 5 minutes will help revive that bubbly, golden top that makes this recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ravioli directly in the lasagna without pre-cooking?
While you can layer frozen ravioli directly, pre-cooking them until al dente ensures they won’t overcook during baking and keeps the texture just right without any chewiness.
Is it necessary to add meat to this lasagna?
Not at all! The Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is fantastic as a vegetarian dish. Adding cooked ground beef or Italian sausage is optional and offers a richer, heartier profile if you prefer meat.
What type of marinara sauce works best?
A high-quality marinara with fresh tomatoes and Italian herbs will elevate the dish significantly. You can use store-bought or homemade, but avoid anything too watery so the layers stay firm.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just select gluten-free ravioli, which many brands offer these days. Make sure your other ingredients, such as marinara sauce, are also gluten-free to keep the dish safe for sensitive diets.
How can I make the top cheese extra golden and crispy?
For an extra golden crust, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning. This quick step adds a beautiful crispy finish that’s utterly delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the comforting layers of the Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe to bring a little joy to any mealtime. It’s easy to assemble, filled with rich, balanced flavors, and has that wow factor that makes everyone ask for seconds. I absolutely can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own treasured classic!
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Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna is a simple yet decadent baked pasta casserole that layers cheese ravioli with ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, marinara sauce, and Italian seasonings to create a comforting, crowd-pleasing Italian-American dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
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 Protein
- 1 lb cooked ground beef or Italian sausage
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Cook Ravioli: If using frozen ravioli, cook according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Spread Sauce: Lightly coat the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of marinara sauce to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Layer Ravioli: Arrange half of the cooked ravioli evenly over the sauce layer.
- Add Cheese Mixture: Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the ravioli layer.
- Add Sauce and Mozzarella: Spoon additional marinara sauce over the cheese layer, then sprinkle with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining ravioli, followed by the rest of the ricotta mixture, more marinara sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the lasagna to sit for a few minutes to set, then garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a meatier dish, add 1 lb of cooked ground beef or Italian sausage evenly between the layers.
- If using frozen ravioli, ensure it is cooked just until al dente to prevent overcooking during baking.
- You can substitute marinara sauce with your favorite pasta sauce for different flavor profiles.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps it hold together when sliced.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a burst of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
