Lazy Lasagna (Cheesy Baked Ravioli)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love lasagna but don’t want the hassle of layering noodles and sauce, Lazy Lasagna is the answer. This recipe takes the classic flavors of lasagna and simplifies them with cheese ravioli as the base. The Italian sausage adds a rich, savory flavor, while the spinach provides a nice, fresh contrast. The cheese and marinara sauce tie it all together, making for a cheesy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 2 mild Italian sausages, casing removed & crumbled
• 1 650 mL jar of marinara sauce
• 4 cups spinach, roughly chopped
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 500 grams cheese ravioli
• 2/3 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons basil, roughly chopped, to serve

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the sausage and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat.
5. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the sausage and marinara mixture on the bottom. Then, layer the ravioli on top of the sauce.
6. Spoon half of the ricotta cheese over the ravioli, followed by half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
7. Pour the remaining sausage and marinara mixture over the ravioli, then top with the remaining ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the Italian sausage and add extra vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers, for a meatless version.
• Use Frozen Ravioli: If you prefer frozen ravioli, you can easily use them instead of fresh ravioli. Just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions before layering them in the dish.
• Add More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more mozzarella or experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina.
• Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the sausage and marinara sauce mixture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You may want to cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! You can use sweet Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even chicken sausage for a different flavor or lighter option.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Lazy Lasagna in advance, assemble it, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the cheese ravioli with any pasta you prefer, such as penne, ziti, or rigatoni. Just make sure to cook the pasta before layering it in the dish.

4. Can I freeze Lazy Lasagna?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

5. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly for this recipe. Choose your favorite brand or flavor, or use a homemade version if you prefer.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.

7. What can I serve with Lazy Lasagna?

This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

8. Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone for a different flavor profile.

9. Can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! You can add more spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or even roasted bell peppers to boost the vegetable content of this dish.

10. Can I make this gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free ravioli or your preferred gluten-free pasta, and ensure that the marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

Lazy Lasagna (Cheesy Baked Ravioli) is the perfect dish for those who crave the flavors of lasagna but want a simpler, faster alternative. With its cheesy ravioli, savory sausage, spinach, and rich marinara sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Plus, it’s easy to customize and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient and delicious option for any meal.

Print