The Ultimate Easy Cheesy Ravioli Lasagna: Your New Favorite Comfort Food Casserole
Imagine combining the beloved layers of traditional lasagna with the delightful, individual pockets of flavor from ravioli. That’s precisely what our **Easy Cheesy Ravioli Lasagna** delivers – a masterpiece of comfort food that is both incredibly simple to make and irresistibly delicious. This recipe takes your favorite pasta elements, adds hearty ingredients like Italian sausage and fresh greens, and bakes it all into one bubbly, golden-brown casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s the ultimate shortcut to a satisfying Italian-inspired dinner without compromising on flavor or that comforting, homemade feel. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this fuss-free, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the best of both pasta worlds!
Why This Easy Ravioli Lasagna Recipe Works Wonders
There are countless reasons why this particular ravioli lasagna recipe has become a staple in many kitchens, and why it’s destined to become one of your go-to dinner options. Firstly, its sheer simplicity is a game-changer. By utilizing pre-made ravioli – whether refrigerated or frozen – you bypass the time-consuming process of boiling and meticulously layering traditional lasagna noodles. This significantly cuts down on prep time, allowing you to enjoy a hearty, authentic-tasting Italian dinner even on your busiest weeknights without the usual hassle.
Beyond convenience, the flavor profile is exceptionally well-rounded and deeply satisfying. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of rich, tangy marinara sauce, savory Italian chicken sausage (or your preferred ground meat), nutrient-packed baby spinach or kale, and a generous amount of melted, bubbly mozzarella cheese, all perfectly complementing the tender, cheese-filled ravioli. It’s a complete meal in one dish, requiring minimal fuss and delivering maximum flavor payoff. The interplay of textures—soft, chewy ravioli, slightly wilted greens, crumbled sausage, and gooey, stretchy cheese—creates an incredibly satisfying eating experience that appeals to all ages.
This casserole is also incredibly versatile, allowing for easy customization to suit different tastes or dietary needs. It’s a fantastic way to introduce vegetables into a family meal, and its make-ahead and freezer-friendly qualities make it an ideal choice for meal prepping, potlucks, or feeding a large gathering. Imagine having a delicious, homemade meal ready to simply pop into the oven after a long day! Plus, who can resist a dish that cleverly combines two of Italy’s most beloved pasta creations into one extraordinary, comforting casserole? It’s comfort food written all over it, guaranteed to bring smiles and warmth to the dinner table.
If you’re a fan of classic lasagna, you’ll love exploring other variations too! Be sure to check out my Italian Lasagna with Meat for a traditional take, the convenient Crockpot Lasagna, the unique Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna, and for a sweet treat, my delightful Chocolate Lasagna. Each offers its own special charm and a different twist on the classic comfort food.
Key Ingredients for Your Delicious Ravioli Lasagna
Crafting this incredible ravioli lasagna requires a few simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Each component plays a vital role in the final, comforting taste and texture. Below is a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with helpful tips for selection and potential substitutions to adapt the recipe to your preferences. All precise measurements and full, step-by-step instructions can be found in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- PASTA: The heart of our dish is the ravioli itself. We recommend using **refrigerated cheese ravioli** for its superior texture and quick cooking time. It softens beautifully within the casserole, absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce. However, feel free to get creative and experiment! You can easily use meat-filled ravioli for an even heartier dish, or a spinach and ricotta ravioli to boost the green content and add a different flavor dimension. If you opt for frozen ravioli, remember that you might need to increase the baking time slightly to ensure they cook through evenly and become perfectly tender, as they start from a frozen state.
- SAUCE: A robust, flavorful sauce is the foundation of any great lasagna. A high-quality **jarred marinara sauce** works wonderfully here, offering a rich, robust tomato flavor with minimal effort. Choose a brand whose taste you genuinely enjoy. To enhance the sauce and add another layer of texture, acidity, and moisture, we incorporate a can of **undrained diced tomatoes**. The liquid from the can helps keep the casserole moist throughout the baking process, preventing it from drying out. For those who prefer a homemade touch, don’t hesitate to use your own tried-and-true marinara recipe or even our rich Bolognese Sauce for an extra boost of savory depth and complexity.
- SAUSAGE: For a leaner but still incredibly flavorful option, **Italian chicken sausage** is featured in this ravioli lasagna. Its natural blend of Italian spices infuses the entire dish with a wonderful aroma and savory taste. If chicken sausage isn’t your preference, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily substitute a pound of cooked and drained ground beef, ground turkey, or even a different type of pork sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your palate). Just ensure any ground meat is fully cooked and thoroughly drained of excess fat before mixing it into the casserole layers to prevent a greasy final product.
- GREENS: To add a touch of freshness, vibrant color, and vital nutrients, **baby spinach or baby kale** are perfect choices. These tender greens wilt down beautifully during baking, becoming an integral part of the dish without overpowering the other flavors. They also provide a subtle earthy note that balances the richness of the cheese and sausage. If you opt for mature kale, you might want to chop it more finely and gently massage it with a little olive oil to ensure it becomes tender during the baking process.
- CHEESE: What’s a cheesy ravioli lasagna without plenty of cheese? **Shredded mozzarella cheese** is absolutely essential for that classic gooey, stretchy texture and mild, milky flavor that holds everything together. We use it both mixed into the filling for an internal cheesy goodness and as a generous topping for that irresistible golden-brown crust. For added complexity and a richer flavor profile, you could also sprinkle in a little grated Parmesan cheese between layers or even add dollops of ricotta cheese (mixed with an egg and a pinch of salt/pepper) for a creamier texture.
- AROMATICS & SEASONINGS: A minced clove of fresh **garlic** and a teaspoon of versatile **Italian seasoning** (typically a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram) are crucial for building the foundational aromatic flavors of the sauce. Fresh **basil**, finely chopped and mixed into the filling, then used as a vibrant garnish, adds a bright, aromatic finish that truly elevates the dish, providing a burst of fresh herb flavor with every bite.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cheesy Ravioli Lasagna
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize how to create this delicious recipe. For the printable version, complete with precise measurements, a full ingredient list, and nutritional information, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare Your Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to a comforting 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). While the oven heats, take a 9×13 inch (3-quart) baking dish and generously grease it with non-stick cooking spray. Ensure all interior surfaces are coated to prevent the lasagna from sticking and to allow for easy serving later.
- Assemble the Flavorful Mixtures: In your first large mixing bowl, combine the vibrant green baby kale (or baby spinach, coarsely chopped), the pre-cooked and crumbled Italian chicken sausage, ¾ cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and the fragrant fresh basil. Toss everything together until all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed. In a separate, second large bowl, create your rich and aromatic sauce by thoroughly mixing together the entire jar of marinara sauce, the can of undrained diced tomatoes, the minced garlic clove, and the Italian seasoning. Stir until all ingredients are completely incorporated into a cohesive sauce.
Ingredients prepped and ready for layering – a bowl of savory sausage and greens, and another of rich marinara sauce. - Begin the Layering Process: Now, it’s time to build your delicious ravioli lasagna! Spread approximately 1 cup of the prepared marinara sauce mixture evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. This forms the flavorful base and helps prevent the first layer of pasta from sticking. Next, carefully arrange half of the refrigerated ravioli over the sauce. Try to create a single, even layer, ensuring good coverage. Finally, spoon half of the kale and sausage mixture over the ravioli layer, spreading it out evenly to form a hearty middle layer.
The first layer of ravioli nestled in marinara sauce, ready for more toppings. 
The savory chicken sausage and kale mixture perfectly layered in the casserole dish. - Continue Building Layers: Drizzle another cup of the delicious marinara sauce over the kale and sausage mixture, spreading it gently to cover everything. Then, evenly distribute the remaining half of the ravioli over this sauce layer. Follow this with the rest of the kale and sausage mixture, ensuring good coverage across the entire dish. Top this entire second layer with all the remaining marinara sauce, spreading it to cover the ingredients fully. This methodical layering technique ensures every forkful is bursting with flavor and moisture, and that the ravioli cooks perfectly.
- Add the Final Cheese Layer: For that irresistible golden-brown crust and gooey finish, sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the very top layer of sauce. This will melt down to form a bubbling, cheesy blanket over your ravioli lasagna, creating a beautiful and delicious topping.
A generous layer of mozzarella cheese blankets the top, ensuring a bubbly, golden finish after baking. - Bake to Golden Perfection: To prevent the cheese from browning too quickly and to ensure the ravioli cooks through evenly, prepare your foil cover. Spray one side of a piece of aluminum foil with non-stick cooking spray (the sprayed side should face down towards the lasagna). Cover the baking dish tightly with this foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the lasagna is thoroughly heated through, the sauce is bubbling invitingly around the edges, and the cheese on top is beautifully melted, golden brown, and slightly caramelized.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven. This next step is crucial for a tidy presentation: allow the lasagna to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the layers to set properly, making it much easier to cut neat, individual portions without everything falling apart. Garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired, for a final touch of aroma and vibrant color, then serve hot and enjoy your homemade comfort food masterpiece!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ravioli Lasagna
Absolutely! Ravioli lasagna freezes exceptionally well, making it a perfect dish for meal prep or future busy nights. You can freeze it either before baking or after. If freezing unbaked, ensure the casserole is completely assembled, then wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed, possibly adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time to compensate for its cold start. If freezing baked lasagna, allow it to cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers or wrapping the entire dish tightly. It will keep for up to 3 months. Reheat thawed portions in the oven (covered with foil to prevent drying) or microwave until thoroughly hot.
Yes, this recipe is fantastic for making ahead! You can assemble the entire lasagna up to 3-4 days in advance and store it, tightly covered, in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply pull it out of the fridge and proceed with the baking instructions. You’ll likely need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time to account for starting from a cold temperature, ensuring it heats through evenly. For longer storage, you can also assemble and freeze it for up to 3 months, as detailed in the previous answer.
This recipe is incredibly flexible and easily adaptable to your taste! You can substitute the Italian chicken sausage for a different type of Italian sausage (pork, beef, mild, or spicy) or even use a pound of cooked and drained ground beef or turkey. For the greens, baby spinach can be swapped with baby kale or vice-versa; you could even add finely chopped and sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra vegetables and flavor. Feel free to use any flavored or stuffed ravioli you desire – cheese, spinach, mushroom, or even a mixed vegetable variety will work beautifully. If fresh basil is unavailable, you can use dried basil, but remember to cut the measurement in half (e.g., ¼ cup dried basil instead of ½ cup fresh) as dried herbs are more concentrated. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and consider adding extra vegetables or a layer of ricotta cheese for creaminess and protein.
While ravioli lasagna is a hearty and complete meal on its own, it pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing side dishes that complement its richness. A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette dressing provides a nice contrast to the casserole’s warmth and creamy textures. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a classic and highly recommended companion, perfect for soaking up any extra delicious sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or a medley of colorful bell peppers would also be excellent choices to complete your comforting meal.
Absolutely! To effortlessly transform this recipe into a delicious vegetarian dish, simply omit the Italian chicken sausage. You can replace the sausage with additional vegetables, such as a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or even a hearty layer of eggplant. Another excellent option is to add a layer of seasoned ricotta cheese (mixed with an egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper) for extra creaminess and protein. Using spinach and ricotta ravioli would further enhance the vegetarian profile, making it a flavorful and satisfying meatless meal.
This cheesy ravioli lasagna casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of warmth and satisfaction. With its delightful layers of rich marinara, tender ravioli, gooey mozzarella cheese, savory sausage, and fresh baby spinach or kale, all baked to a bubbly golden brown perfection, it promises comfort in every forkful. Its convenient preparation and ability to keep exceptionally well in the freezer make it an excellent choice for convenient meal planning and prep, ensuring you always have a comforting, homemade dinner option ready to go, even on the busiest of days.
More Delicious Casserole Recipes to Try
If you love the ease, hearty nature, and comforting appeal of a good casserole, then you’re in the right place! Here are more fantastic casserole recipes from my kitchen that are sure to become new family favorites:
- Taco Casserole
- John Wayne Casserole
- Chicken & Dumpling Casserole
- Southwest Ground Beef Casserole
- Mexican Chicken Casserole
- Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
- Lasagna Roll Ups
- Million Dollar Spaghetti
I genuinely love to bake and cook, and my passion is sharing my kitchen experiences and delicious recipes with all of you! Remembering to come back each day for new culinary inspiration can be tough, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe today and start receiving your free daily recipes straight to your inbox!
Ravioli Lasagna
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 6 oz baby kale OR baby spinach, 1 5-6 oz bag, coarsely chopped
- 12 oz Italian chicken sausage cooked and chopped (about 2-3 links)
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
- ½ cup fresh basil chopped
- 28 oz marinara sauce 1 jar (your favorite brand, approx. 3.5 cups)
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes 1 can, undrained
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 18 oz refrigerated cheese ravioli 2 9-oz packages (or frozen, adjust cooking time accordingly)
Things You’ll Need
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13×9 baking dish
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Large mixing bowls (2)
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Non-stick cooking spray
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Aluminum foil
Before You Begin & Pro Tips
- Basil Substitution: You can use dried basil instead of fresh, but remember to cut the measurement in half (e.g., ¼ cup dried basil for ½ cup fresh) as dried herbs are more potent.
- Ravioli Variety: Feel free to substitute with any type of ravioli you prefer (meat, spinach, mushroom, or a combination) to match your taste.
- Meat Alternatives: A pound of cooked and drained ground beef, ground turkey, or another kind of pork sausage can be used instead of chicken sausage. Ensure it is fully cooked before layering.
- Make Ahead & Freezing: This baked ravioli casserole makes for excellent leftovers and can be assembled and frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the sausage. You can add extra vegetables like sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or a layer of seasoned ricotta cheese for added flavor and texture.
- Oven Calibration: Always consider using an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature, as oven temperatures can vary.
Instructions
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1. Prepare Dish & Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9×13 inch (3-quart) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticking.
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2. Mix Fillings & Sauce: In one large bowl, combine the chopped baby kale (or spinach), cooked and chopped Italian chicken sausage, ¾ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of fresh chopped basil. Mix well. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the marinara sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to create your rich sauce.
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3. First Layer Assembly: Spread about 1 cup of the prepared marinara sauce mixture evenly over the bottom of your greased baking dish. Arrange half of the refrigerated ravioli in a single layer over the sauce. Top this with half of the kale and sausage mixture, spreading it out evenly.
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4. Second Layer & Top with Sauce: Pour another cup of marinara sauce over the kale mixture. Layer with the remaining half of the ravioli, followed by the rest of the kale and sausage mixture. Finish this layer by covering it entirely with all the remaining marinara sauce, ensuring the ravioli is well covered to prevent it from drying out during baking.
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5. Add Final Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top layer of the lasagna.
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6. Bake Covered & Uncovered: Spray one side of a piece of aluminum foil with non-stick spray (the sprayed side facing down onto the lasagna). Cover the baking dish tightly with the foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the lasagna is heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
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7. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes for easier, cleaner portions. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired, and enjoy your delicious comfort food!
Nutrition Information
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.