This 3 Ingredient Ravioli Bake, also known as Lazy Lasagna, is a lifesaver on busy nights! Just layer frozen ravioli, sauce, and cheese, and you’re good to go!
Talk about easy cooking! I love how I can throw it in the oven and sit back. Plus, the cheesy goodness is hard to resist—perfect for those “I don’t feel like cooking” nights! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Cheese Ravioli: This is the heart of the dish! Cheese ravioli is easy and convenient. You can swap it for spinach or mushroom ravioli for a twist, or use fresh ones if you have them handy, but be sure to adjust cooking times.
Marinara or Spaghetti Sauce: A good sauce brings everything together. If you don’t have marinara, you can use Alfredo sauce for a creamy version or any tomato-based sauce you enjoy. I often add a splash of red wine or some Italian seasoning for extra flavor!
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully. If you’re looking for something a bit different, try using a blend with provolone, or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy. I enjoy sprinkling a little Parmesan on top for an extra flavor boost!
How Do I Layer Ingredients for the Best Bake?
Layering is key to a successful Ravioli Bake! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Then add a layer of frozen ravioli. The ravioli will cook in the sauce, absorbing delicious flavors.
- Next, add sauce and cheese layers to keep it moist and cheesy.
- Repeat until you reach the top. Finish with a generous amount of cheese for that perfect melt!
Covering with foil in the beginning keeps everything from drying out. Don’t forget to uncover for a nice golden cheese finish!
3 Ingredient Ravioli Bake (A.K.A. Lazy Lasagna)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (25 oz) package frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 40 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be looking at about 50 minutes total before you can dig into this cheesy goodness. It’s a perfect option for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to bake everything nicely when you’re ready.
2. Prepare Your Baking Dish:
Get a baking dish that’s about 9×13 inches in size. Spoon about 1/3 of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the dish. This layer will help keep the ravioli from sticking and adds flavor right from the start!
3. Layer the Ravioli:
Now, it’s time to add the frozen ravioli. Arrange them in a single layer over the sauce. No need to thaw them first; they’ll cook perfectly in the oven!
4. Add More Sauce:
Next, take another 1/3 of your marinara sauce and spoon it evenly over the ravioli layer. This keeps everything moist and flavorful.
5. Sprinkle Cheese:
Time for cheese! Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Look at that melty goodness!
6. Repeat the Layers:
Add another layer of ravioli, followed by the remaining marinara sauce, and then top with the rest of the cheese. Keep layering until everything is used up!
7. Bake It Up:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil; this helps everything cook evenly and keeps it moist. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the ravioli are heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
8. Let It Brown:
In the last 5 minutes of baking, carefully remove the foil. This will allow the cheese to get nice and bubbly and start to brown a little. Trust me, it makes a delicious difference!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the bake sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly. This will help it set a bit so it’s easier to serve. Then, scoop it out and enjoy your Lazy Lasagna!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your easy and delicious Ravioli Bake! 😋
Can I Use Fresh Ravioli Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh ravioli! Just reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes since fresh ravioli cooks faster than frozen. Keep an eye on it to ensure everything stays saucy and doesn’t dry out.
What Other Sauces Can I Use?
Besides marinara, you could use Alfredo sauce for a creamy version, or even a mix of tomato and basil sauce for additional flavor. You can blend different sauces for a unique twist, too!
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish ahead of time, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Add a little extra cheese on top before reheating for a melty finish!
