Description
Lazy Lasagna is an easy and delicious baked pasta dish that layers frozen cheese ravioli with a flavorful meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This comforting Italian-American classic comes together quickly and makes a perfect weeknight dinner or family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pasta Layers
- 1 package (25 oz) frozen cheese ravioli (uncooked)
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional)
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning into the cooked meat. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the frozen ravioli over the sauce evenly. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce on top of the ravioli. If using, dollop half of the ricotta or cottage cheese over the meat sauce. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ravioli, meat sauce, ricotta (optional), and mozzarella cheese. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the ravioli to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the lasagna rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired to add a fresh touch.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use spinach or mushroom ravioli instead of meat-filled or meat-based sauce.
- This lasagna can be assembled in advance and baked later; if baking from cold, add additional baking time to ensure the dish is heated through.
- Ricotta cheese is optional but adds creaminess and richness to the layers.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from cooked meat to avoid a greasy lasagna.
