Lazy Lasagna

I replace traditional lasagna noodles with frozen ravioli to make my lazy lasagna! My recipe uses 5 other simple ingredients to whip up a hearty and delicious main dish with ease.

My Easy Lazy Lasagna Recipe

I’ve always loved classic oven baked lasagna, but I don’t love how long it usually takes to assemble and cook… especially if using pasta I need to pre-boil! As a wife and mom of two, I simply don’t have time for all that during the week. So, this lazy lasagna is now my go-to!

My husband Ben also loves lasagna, so when he noticed I hadn’t made it in a while, he asked me why. “I just don’t have time!” I told him. “There has to be a better way, though, right? Aren’t there any shortcuts you can take?” At that point, I knew he must be really craving it because he usually eats whatever I serve him! He’s the best like that.

I began racking my brain, and suddenly, it hit me: why not use ravioli instead of lasagna noodles? Or, better yet, why not use frozen ravioli to make the whole process even easier?!

I tested out my theory, served Ben a big ole slice, and the smile on his face said it all. I quickly called my kids into the kitchen and, spoiler alert, they scarfed down the entire plate.

Ravioli Lasagna Recipe Ingredients

• Ravioli – I use frozen ravioli that’s not pre-boiled to make this recipe easy AKA lazy
• Pasta Sauce – I love using Prego or Carbone’s but I recommend using your favorite pasta sauce
• Mozzarella – shredded so it will cover the lasagna evenly
• Ricotta– to add some richness and creaminess to the recipe
• Parmesan – shredded or grated works great
• Italian Seasoning – to give the lasagna a true Italian taste

How to Make Ravioli Lasagna

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. 

STEP TWO: Add a thin layer of pasta sauce to the bottom of the prepared dish, then place a single layer of frozen ravioli on top. Use a spoon to add dollops of ricotta on top of the ravioli. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning then cover with mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat to create 2 more layers.

STEP THREE: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue to bake for another 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Lazy Lasagna

• I usually pull the frozen ravioli out of the freezer 10-15 minutes before assembling the lasagna. If they’re totally frozen solid, they may not absorb the sauce or bake evenly.
• Layer in the correct order for the best taste and texture. Begin with the sauce, then add the ravioli, next the ricotta, seasoning, and finally the cheeses. I like to start with sauce first so the lasagna doesn’t dry out.
• Go easy with the ricotta. A little goes a long way — the cheese will spread as it bakes, so don’t add too much. Otherwise, the entire dish could turn out watery. Ravioli already has ricotta in it, so I find not much is needed anyway.
• Keep it covered for the first half of cooking to trap steam. The steam melts the cheese and ravioli together, allowing everything to cook all the way through without drying out. 
• For an even better finish, broil the dish for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. The top will come out perfectly golden brown and bubbly. 
• I let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. It gives the layers more time to set and the flavors more time to meld. It’s worth the wait!

Lasagne Ravioli Variations and Substitutions

• If going the store-bought sauce route like I did, don’t hesitate to grab one with extra flavor. I love roasted garlic or basil sauce in my lasagna! Pesto is another, more unique option.
• For the ravioli, choose any type you’d like. I went with beef, but all cheese or cheese and spinach would also taste great!
• Tortellini, gnocchi, or mini ravioli would give a different texture, but the taste would be similar! I love using tortellini when I have some.
• The ricotta can be substituted with cottage cheese. Or, simply omit it altogether.
• Alternatively, cheese lovers can add some cream cheese or even mascarpone to the ricotta. It would make everything a lot more rich and creamy. 
• My husband is a spice addict! Sometimes I like to sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning for some heat.
• Adding cooked ground beef or roasted vegetables between the ravioli layers would make this a lot heartier! It requires a bit of extra work… or it’s a great excuse to use up any leftovers in the fridge. 

What to Serve with this Lazy Lasagna Recipe

I like to serve my baked lasagna with breadsticks or garlic bread and a fresh garden salad loaded with veggies. Sometimes I’ll add some roasted asparagus on the side too. A Caprese salad is another great option, or even a bowl of minestrone.

Lazy Lasagna FAQs 

What is the best kind of pasta for ravioli lasagna?

Ground beef, cheese and spinach, or cheese ravioli taste best here as they all pair super well with the marinara sauce and added ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. That said, any type of frozen ravioli would work!

How should I store lazy lasagna?

Cover and refrigerate any leftover lasagna for up to 3 days. I like to reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for the best texture, covered with foil to keep it from drying out. The microwave would also work, though I recommend covering the plate with a damp paper towel to retain most of the moisture.

Why is my lazy lasagna with ravioli watery?

This lasagna could become watery if too much ricotta is used or if the pasta sauce is too thin. Remember to add small dollops of cheese rather than loading it on, and ensure the sauce used isn’t too runny. I also find taking the ravioli out of the freezer in advance can also help.

Why is my lasagne ravioli mushy?

Lasagna with ravioli comes out mushy if it’s overcooked or the ravioli is too soft. This is why I suggest pulling them out of the freezer just 10-15 minutes before assembling — if left out too long, they will be too soft. Also, keep a close eye on the dish as it bakes to prevent overcooking it.

More Easy Dinner Recipes

• Chicken spaghetti recipe
• Chicken and broccoli lasagna
• Pork tenderloin recipe
• Chicken broccoli rice casserole