If you’re craving a dish that combines the comforting layers of lasagna with the fun, bite-sized delight of ravioli, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe. It’s a rich, cheesy, and utterly satisfying casserole that turns classic ravioli into an extravagantly indulgent dinner with layers of creamy ricotta, bubbling mozzarella, and tangy marinara. This recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for gatherings or a special weeknight treat that’s both impressive and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building those irresistible layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy cheeses to the bright marinara and hearty ravioli, every component is essential for delivering a dish that’s both comforting and show-stopping.
- 1–2 lbs cheese ravioli: The star of the dish, cheese-filled ravioli add tender pasta pockets bursting with creamy goodness.
- 3 cups marinara sauce: A flavorful, tangy base that infuses every layer with rich tomato sweetness.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create gooey, stretchy layers you can’t resist.
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese: Adds creamy smoothness and a subtle tang for balanced richness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty notes and a golden crust when baked.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Provides a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances depth with mild, aromatic garlic flavor throughout.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that rounds out the sauce and cheeses perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning that pulls everything together.
- Optional: 1 lb cooked ground beef or Italian sausage: For a meaty, savory kick that elevates this dish even more.
How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ravioli
Begin by lightly cooking your ravioli according to the package instructions. This step ensures they won’t be overly mushy after baking but will stay soft and tender. If using frozen ravioli, make sure they are thawed or partially cooked so they layer nicely.
Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mixture adds a creamy, flavorful layer that complements the ravioli perfectly, giving the dish its “million dollar” richness.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking. Then add a layer of ravioli, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and more marinara. Repeat the process, building layers as high as your dish allows, finishing with marinara and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. This process melds all the flavors and creates a beautifully browned, cheesy crust that’s impossible to resist.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Let your Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe rest for 10 minutes after baking. This short wait helps the layers set for easy slicing and ensures every bite stays perfectly gooey but not sloppy.
How to Serve Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top adds a burst of color and herbaceous aroma that brightens up the rich, cheesy dish. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also enhance the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the lasagna. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, amplifying the comfort food experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, try baking individual portions in small ramekins for personal servings that look elegant on the plate. Alternatively, layer this dish in a deep casserole for casual family dinners or potlucks where everyone can dig right in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the dish taste even better the next day, perfect for quick lunches or dinner.
Freezing
This Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe freezes wonderfully. Cover your assembled but unbaked dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 2 months. It’s a fantastic option for meal prepping or planning ahead for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20–25 minutes until heated through and bubbly. For faster reheating, individual portions can be microwaved, but baking preserves the texture best.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh ravioli works beautifully because it tends to be tender and cooks quickly, blending seamlessly with each cheesy layer.
Is it necessary to cook the ravioli before layering?
It is recommended to lightly cook the ravioli first to prevent them from becoming too soggy during baking while ensuring they’re tender and fully cooked inside.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the optional ground beef or sausage. The combination of cheeses and marinara sauce makes the dish satisfyingly flavorful without meat.
What type of marinara sauce works best?
Choose a high-quality marinara that matches your flavor preference—whether you like it simple and fresh or robust and herby—to complement the cheeses and ravioli perfectly.
How spicy is the dish?
The recipe is mild, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage if you want a kick of heat.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe is a dazzling twist on two beloved Italian classics, turning simple ravioli into an irresistible layered feast. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor every cheesy bite, and share smiles around the dinner table. I promise once you try it, this lasagna will become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation.
Print
Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Ravioli Lasagna is a decadent, easy-to-make comfort dish that layers cheesy ravioli with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and mozzarella cheese. This recipe combines the convenience of ravioli with the classic flavors of lasagna, making it perfect for a satisfying family dinner or a special occasion. The addition of fresh herbs and optional cooked ground beef or Italian sausage allows for customization and extra depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1–2 lbs cheese ravioli (refrigerated or frozen)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional
- 1 lb cooked ground beef or Italian sausage
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Cook the meat (optional): If using, cook 1 lb of ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Layer the lasagna: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Arrange a layer of ravioli over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the ravioli, followed by half of your cooked meat if using, then sprinkle with a third of the mozzarella cheese and some grated Parmesan. Repeat the layers with marinara, ravioli, ricotta mixture, meat, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Finish with a final layer of marinara sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking. Garnish with additional fresh parsley before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use frozen ravioli directly without thawing for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste; more Italian seasoning can enhance the herbal flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
