If you love the comforting goodness of Italian classics but are looking for a fun twist, this Ravioli Lasagna with Sausage and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. Combining the simplicity of ravioli with the layered satisfaction of lasagna, it brings together savory sausage, rich cheeses, and a vibrant marinara sauce into a dish that’s as hearty as it is irresistible. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a cozy experience that invites you to gather around, dig in, and savor every cheesy, saucy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with a few essential ingredients, and this recipe is no exception. These simple components work in harmony to create a hearty sauce, creamy cheese layers, and perfectly cooked ravioli that make this dish unforgettable.
- 1 pound mild pork sausage: Provides a flavorful, juicy base with just the right amount of spice for balance.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant herb blend that elevates the sauce’s complexity.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 jars marinara sauce (24-ounce each): The rich tomato foundation gives the dish moisture and tangy goodness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional): Enhances the overall taste, but use sparingly depending on your sauce’s saltiness.
- 24 ounces cheese ravioli (chilled or frozen): The star pasta layer that delivers tender pockets of cheesy delight.
- 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese: Offers creamy texture and a mild tang that contrasts beautifully with the sauce.
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, sharp notes for depth and garnish flavor.
- 2 ½ cups shredded Mozzarella (or Provolone cheese): Melts into bubbly, gooey perfection, binding the layers together.
- Fresh basil for garnish: A fresh, bright finish that lifts the entire dish with its aromatic presence.
How to Make Ravioli Lasagna with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. This simple prep ensures your lasagna layers won’t stick and that everything cooks evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the mild pork sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. If it clings to the pan, a splash of vegetable oil helps prevent sticking. Browning the sausage intensifies its flavor and forms the savory foundation for your sauce.
Step 3: Simmer the Meat Sauce
Once browned, stir in the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and both jars of marinara sauce. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 3 to 5 minutes to blend all those delicious flavors. Taste the sauce and add the optional ¼ teaspoon salt if it needs a bit more seasoning.
Step 4: Build the Layers
Start by spooning one-third of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Next, arrange a layer of ravioli over the sauce, creating the ‘pasta’ layers of your lasagna. Then dollop one-third of the ricotta cheese on top of the ravioli – don’t worry if it seems light because it will melt perfectly during baking. Finish this layer with one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Repeat and Finish
Repeat the layering process two more times: meat sauce, ravioli, ricotta, and shredded mozzarella. The final layer should be topped with the remaining mozzarella cheese to create a gooey, melty crust after baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover your dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden, melted, and you see the sauce bubbling around the edges. Let your lasagna rest for a few minutes before slicing to let it set.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh minced basil and a touch of shredded parmesan cheese on top, adding a burst of color and flavor that beautifully contrasts the rich, cheesy layers.
How to Serve Ravioli Lasagna with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil and a light dusting of parmesan bring both vibrant color and aromatic pleasure to your plate. Adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can offer a bit of heat if you like to spice things up, perfectly complementing the rich sausage and cheese layers.
Side Dishes
Pair this lasagna with a simple green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side is also a fantastic choice to mop up every bit of that wonderful sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, serve the lasagna in individual ramekins for portion-controlled servings that look charming at any dinner party. Or, layer it in a clear glass casserole dish that shows off the beautiful layers of sauce, ravioli, and cheese for an impressive family-style meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the Ravioli Lasagna with Sausage and Cheese Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld beautifully.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes wonderfully before or after baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep fresh for up to 3 months, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then bake covered with foil at 350 degrees until warmed through, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to refresh the cheese’s golden, gooey finish.
FAQs
Can I use spicy sausage instead of mild?
Absolutely! Using spicy sausage will add a nice kick to your Ravioli Lasagna with Sausage and Cheese Recipe. Just keep in mind your guests’ spice preferences before switching it up.
Do I need to thaw frozen ravioli before assembling?
No need to thaw frozen ravioli; you can layer them straight from the freezer. They’ll cook perfectly in the oven as the lasagna bakes.
Can I substitute mozzarella for another cheese?
Yes, provolone cheese works wonderfully as a substitute for mozzarella and offers a slightly sharper flavor to enhance the dish.
Is this dish suitable for freezing after baking?
It is best to freeze the lasagna before baking for optimal texture. However, baked leftovers can also be frozen; just expect the texture of the ravioli to soften a bit after reheating.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Skip the sausage and add layers of roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach instead. Use marinara sauce and plenty of cheese to keep the dish hearty and delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to a comforting, flavor-packed feast, the Ravioli Lasagna with Sausage and Cheese Recipe is your new go-to. With its comforting layers, indulgent cheeses, and savory sausage, it’s a dish that truly feels like a warm hug. Don’t hesitate to make it on a busy weeknight or a special weekend dinner — it’s always a delicious triumph.
Print
Ravioli Lasagna with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Ravioli Lasagna is a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite, layering cheese ravioli with savory pork sausage marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Baked to bubbling perfection and garnished with fresh basil, this hearty casserole offers a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound mild pork sausage
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 jars marinara sauce (24-ounce each)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
Cheese and Ravioli Layers
- 24 ounces cheese ravioli (chilled or frozen)
- 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 ½ cups shredded Mozzarella (or Provolone cheese)
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- Cook Sausage: In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the mild pork sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Add a splash of vegetable oil if the sausage sticks to the pan.
- Add Seasonings and Sauce: Stir in the Italian seasoning, ground black pepper, and both jars of marinara sauce to the cooked sausage.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the meat sauce simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes. Taste the sauce and add ¼ teaspoon salt if needed to adjust seasoning.
- First Layer: Spoon one-third of the meat sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the base layer.
- Layer Ravioli: Arrange a layer of the cheese ravioli over the meat sauce evenly.
- Add Ricotta: Dollop one-third of the ricotta cheese evenly over the ravioli layer. Don’t worry if it looks sparse as it will melt while baking.
- Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta cheese layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times, finishing with the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the lasagna to cool and set for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh minced basil and a sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese.
Notes
- If using frozen ravioli, there is no need to pre-cook them as they will cook while the lasagna bakes.
- You can substitute ground beef or turkey for the pork sausage if preferred.
- For a spicier variation, use Italian sausage with red pepper flakes.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- Covering the dish with foil during most of the baking keeps the ravioli tender and prevents drying out.
