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
Scale
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.
