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
Scale
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
