If you are craving a comforting, show-stopping dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles, the Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is an absolute must-try. This baked masterpiece layers tender ravioli with luscious ricotta, melty mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce for an indulgent twist on classic lasagna. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want a meal that feels both luxurious and effortless. Every bite bursts with flavor and cheesy goodness, making it an instant family favorite that’s sure to be requested again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredients that harmonize to create a texture-rich and flavorful experience. Each component adds its own character: creamy cheeses for richness, savory spices for depth, and fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- 1–2 lbs cheese ravioli: Whether refrigerated or frozen, these little pillows carry the lasagna’s heart and soul.
- 3 cups marinara sauce: A vibrant, tangy base that keeps every bite moist and delicious.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into irresistibly gooey layers that bind everything together.
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese: Adds a luxurious creaminess that makes the dish so comforting.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a sharp, nutty bite that elevates the overall flavor.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh, herbaceous brightness—plus more for garnish.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth and depth without overpowering.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together seamlessly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient.
- Optional: 1 lb cooked ground beef or Italian sausage: For those wanting to add a hearty, meaty dimension.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ravioli
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for that perfect bake. If you’re working with frozen ravioli, cook them according to the package instructions just until al dente — this ensures they finish baking without turning mushy. Drain them well and set them aside so they’re ready to assemble.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and well-incorporated. This mixture is the creamy heart of your lasagna that adds layers of richness and keeps every bite full of flavor.
Step 3: Start Layering the Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish — this prevents sticking and creates a juicy base. Next, arrange half of the cooked ravioli evenly over the sauce. Top the ravioli with half of the ricotta mixture, spreading it gently so it covers the pasta. Then add a generous layer of marinara sauce and sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella on top.
Step 4: Repeat and Bake to Perfection
Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, ricotta mixture, marinara, and mozzarella. Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture locked in and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese bubbles up and develops beautiful golden spots. Let your lasagna rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set perfectly.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley add a lovely color contrast and a clean herbal note that brightens the richness of the dish. A light drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also add an exciting touch if you like a little kick.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread is a classic favorite that complements the lasagna’s flavors and helps scoop up every last bit of sauce and cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or layered glass jars to showcase the beautiful layers of ravioli, cheese, and sauce. Alternatively, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or fresh basil leaves on top for an unexpected elegant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when covered tightly. Store it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for another time, this dish freezes well. Wrap it securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container, then it can be kept for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, which usually takes around 20 minutes. You can also microwave single servings covered loosely to prevent drying out, stirring halfway for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ravioli for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheese ravioli works beautifully, you can experiment with spinach, mushroom, or meat-filled ravioli to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.
Is it necessary to cook the ravioli before layering?
Yes, cooking the ravioli until al dente before assembling prevents them from becoming too soft or mushy during baking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Just omit the optional ground beef or sausage, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian lasagna that’s hearty and satisfying.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free ravioli and ensure the marinara sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free certified. This way, everyone can enjoy the Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe safely.
What can I add to make it more flavorful?
Consider mixing fresh herbs like basil or oregano into the ricotta mixture, or adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat boost.
Final Thoughts
The Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is a delightful cheat sheet to all the flavors you love in traditional lasagna but with an easy ravioli twist that saves time and effort. It’s creamy, comforting, and downright delicious — a perfect dish to cozy up your dinner table and create lasting memories with family and friends. Give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna is a comforting and delicious baked pasta casserole that layers cheese ravioli with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and flavorful marinara sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a family dinner and can be customized with cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for added heartiness. Baked until bubbly and golden, it combines the best of ravioli and classic lasagna in one simple recipe.
Ingredients
Ravioli and Sauce
- 1–2 lbs cheese ravioli (refrigerated or frozen)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional
- 1 lb cooked ground beef or Italian sausage
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the ravioli lasagna.
- Cook Ravioli: If using frozen ravioli, cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent sogginess in the casserole.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful cheese filling.
- Assemble Base Layer: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add moisture.
- Add First Ravioli Layer: Arrange half of the cooked ravioli over the marinara base layer, making sure they are evenly spaced for uniform baking.
- Spread Cheese Mixture: Dollop and spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the ravioli layer, covering it evenly to enhance flavor and creaminess.
- Add Sauce and Mozzarella: Spoon more marinara sauce over the cheese layer, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top for a melty, cheesy layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, ricotta cheese mixture, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese to build the lasagna.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to cook through evenly.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, indicating the dish is ready.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the lasagna sit for a few minutes to set up before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- Using cooked ground beef or Italian sausage is optional but adds extra protein and flavor to the dish.
- Be sure to cook frozen ravioli until just al dente to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Letting the baked lasagna rest before serving helps the layers firm up for easier slicing.
- Feel free to substitute marinara with homemade or store-bought sauce based on your preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
