Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute ground turkey, Italian sausage, or omit for vegetarian)
- 1 onion, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 (24-26 oz) jars of your favorite marinara sauce
- 2 (9 oz) packages frozen cheese ravioli (any size, do not thaw)
- 15 oz container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (or 1 tbsp dried)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
- Get things started: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease your baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Brown the meat (if using): In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef (or your chosen meat). If using onion, add it with the meat. Drain any excess fat. Return the meat to the skillet.
- Flavor time: Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the browned meat. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sauce it up: Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Turn off the heat.
- Ricotta mix: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, egg, and herbs.
Time to assemble!
- Spread ¾ cup of sauce across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Arrange a single layer of frozen ravioli over the sauce.
- Top with half of the remaining sauce.
- Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the sauce (it doesn’t need to be perfectly even).
- Add another layer of ravioli.
- Top with the rest of the sauce and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
Bake and Finish:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it rest: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up for easier slicing.
Tips & Customizations:
- Make it meatless: Omit the meat and use your favorite vegetarian marinara sauce.
- Add some veggies: Sauté zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms with the onion for extra goodness.
- Up the ricotta flavor: Add extra garlic powder, parmesan, or even a little lemon zest to the ricotta mixture
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- For extra richness: Layer in some thinly sliced provolone with the mozzarella.
