Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a comforting, cheesy, and delicious meal but short on time? Then look no further! This recipe for Frozen Ravioli Lasagna is your new weeknight dinner hero. It’s incredibly easy, surprisingly quick, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you simply want a hassle-free, healthy meal. This homemade cooking masterpiece takes the classic lasagna and simplifies it, resulting in a delicious dish that’s ready in under an hour. Get ready to enjoy this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1 (24-ounce) package frozen cheese ravioli
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
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Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. This step creates a creamy and flavorful base for your lasagna.
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Layer it Up: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce in a single layer. Don't worry about perfectly arranging them; a slightly overlapping layer is fine.
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Cheese & Repeat: Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the ravioli layer. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta. Repeat the layering process: add another layer of marinara sauce, the remaining ravioli, the remaining ricotta mixture, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
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Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the ravioli is heated through.
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Rest & Serve: Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
Tips for the Best Frozen Ravioli Lasagna:
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Don't thaw the ravioli: Using frozen ravioli saves time and effort. The lasagna will cook evenly, even with frozen ravioli.
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Adjust the spices: Feel free to customize the seasoning to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or experiment with different herbs and spices.
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Add vegetables: For a healthier and more flavorful lasagna, add some sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the ricotta mixture.
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Use different cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique twist.
Variations:
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Meat Lovers Lasagna: Add cooked sausage, ground beef, or meatballs to the sauce layers for a heartier meal.
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Vegetarian Lasagna: Use a vegetarian marinara sauce and add sauteed vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
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Spicy Lasagna: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy recipe for frozen ravioli lasagna is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of creamy ricotta, flavorful marinara, and melted mozzarella cheese creates a dish that's both comforting and impressive. Enjoy!